As we’ve recently reported, this will be the last generation of the Audi A8 to feature the iconic W12 engine. While losing such a powerful engine would usually bring sadness to my heart, this time I’m not sad at all. In fact, I’m a bit disappointed that Audi even bothered to keep it alive.
Le mythe du moteur W12
The W12 engine has always been associated with luxury, refinement, and state-of-the-art technology. Its boatloads of low-end torque and smoothness make it a marvel of engineering. However, when compared to modern engines, is it really all that wonderful for its intended purpose?
Des performances en deçà des attentes
Let’s take a look at the latest iteration of the W12 engine, the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged monster that powers the Bentley Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. The new Audi A8 uses a slightly de-tuned version of this engine, which produces 585bhp and 625 pound feet of torque. Truth be told, these numbers are not particularly impressive for a 12-cylinder engine fitted with two turbos.
La concurrence est rude
To put things into perspective, the latest Ford GT produces more horsepower (albeit with less peak torque) using the same number of turbos but with half the cylinders. When mainstream engines, like the 3.5-liter EcoBoost in the Ford F-150, offer similar smoothness, it’s hard to justify the W12’s superiority.
Une alternative plus abordable
The Audi A8 also offers a much more affordable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which is not far off in terms of refinement compared to the W12. In fact, opting for the V8 engine means you won’t have to fill up the tank as often, adding an extra touch of luxury to the driving experience.
Qu’en est-il de la puissance ?
If outright power is the main argument in favor of the W12, we must not forget that the previous-generation Audi S8, equipped with the 4.0-liter V8 engine, was still faster than the naturally-aspirated W12. So, if you’re truly into the A8 for its stoic, refined demeanor, do you really care about that much speed?
D’autres options plus performantes
What really annoys me about Audi’s decision to keep putting the W12 into their flagship A8 is that it’s not even the best engine they could have used for the job. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, for example, offers a drivetrain that is simply incredible. Despite having only 8 cylinders, the plug-in hybrid system delivers 680bhp and 626 pound feet of torque, surpassing the W12 in every conceivable way.
L’évolution technologique
All in all, my disappointment with the W12 engine stems from the fact that modern technology has surpassed it. While I fell in love with it when the first Bentley Continental GT came out in 2002, time has shown that there’s nothing about the W12 engine that can’t be surpassed by today’s technology.
In conclusion, I’m not sad to see the W12 engine go. Its performance no longer stands out, and there are better alternatives available. Audi’s decision to keep it alive in the A8 feels like a missed opportunity to showcase their most advanced and cutting-edge engine technology.
