Hybrid Audi A8 coming next year

An Audi A8 with a 2.0 petrol engine sounds a little weak, but that's just what the company plans to launch next year.

Ah, but it isn't just any 2.0, but one with a 211hp output. And it will work in tandem with a 40kW electric motor, making it the first A8 hybrid.

Audi claims the equivalent of 44mpg, a 7.7 seconds sprint ability and CO2 emissions of less than 148g/km.

The company says the car will be able to travel in EV mode alone up to three kilometres.

No Irish market details yet.

Audi Finance Helpline

Audi Ireland has set up a car financing helpline to provide potential customers with the finance options available through the company.

They include a personal contract plan (PCP) which offers a monthly rate and a guaranteed future value on the vehicle at the end of the contract.

The typical PCP term is three years and offers three contract end options; a part exchange for another new Audi, keep the car or finally hand back the vehicle for a pre-agreed price.

The helpline will be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. The number is 1800 800 900.

V12 diesel R8

Audi has used the Detroit Auto Show to show a V12 diesel concept R8.

The car is powered by a 6.0 engine which is the first V12 diesel produced for a roadgoing high performance car.

The engine is related to that used by the two times Le Mans winning Audi R10.

The company claims a performance of 4.2 seconds in the sprint to 100 km/h. BB