T0ked

iTrader: (2)

A smaller engine needs different tuning to get decent performance in pushing about that big of a car, sacrificing some efficiency. Remember that the highway number is basically steady speed at highest gear. I really doubt anyone who owns a S8 will be striving for that 28 highway mark. LOL. I'm sure the car can pump out single digits very easily.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I think the fact that its "capable" of 28mpg says something about the engineering. So props to them. It would be nice to see some real world testing and see if its claims are true. That said I'd mash that pedal all day long

The main thing with the 3.0T was to lower the entry price for an A8 which was achieved, usually after price the secondary benefit of a smaller engine would be fuel economy - at least it matches the V8.

LexFather

The new Audi engines are really impressive. Kudos to them.

Infra

iTrader: (1)

This is getting a bit technical but it has to do with where the engine is most efficient, and if it is able to stay at the RPMs where it is most efficient when on the highway.

Basically, the 3.0T is not in it's maximum efficiency range when on the highway, while the V8 is. Physics being physics, though, the V8 must burn more fuel when one is operating the engine at speeds where it's creating peak HP (i.e. driving with a lead foot).

So the 3.0T is the more efficient engine during any amount of spirited driving.

This sort of specious MPG rating is why I wish manufacturers would provide efficiency curves for their engines so drivers would best know the engine speed to maintain for best fuel economy.

ydooby

To put things into perspective...

IS250 AWD 2.5 V6 19/27 204hp 185lbft

UberNoob

lexus and tocomo isnt fully up to date with FI technology it seems
and FI technology is where it is at these days for big power + good mpg

lexus is taking the less extreme roads and more of a marketing halo by going with the hybrid route
but of course we all know hybrid is a transitional technology, but it does make for a good paving stone for future electric/hydrogen drivetrains




also audi and the germans have pretty good transmissions these days
making engines just part of the equation, not the whole picture
aerodynamics, tire choices, rest of the drive train has been improving too

but yeah im drooling over the S8 now