The advanced 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol unit first seen in the Audi A6 executive saloon joins the A8 luxury saloon range this month. It replaces the 3.0-litre V6 available in the range since launch.

Also going on sale in July, is a new Audi A8 luxury saloon line-up powered by an advanced FSI petrol engine, a directly injected 3.2-litre V6 unit.

This is the first car in the class to feature this efficient and economy-boosting injection system and it becomes the UK's most powerful six-cylinder petrol premium sector flagship, with an on-the-road price of £47,930.

The new engine, seen first in the A6 executive saloon, replaces the 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit available since launch. It increases power from 220PS in the outgoing model to 260PS in this new version, which is also distinguishable by the single frame front grille.

This new model will be available at launch with front-wheel-drive and with either standard or long wheel body, both featuring multitronic automatic continuously variable transmission.

More than 90 per cent of the sophisticated 3.2-litre unit's peak torque output of 330Nm (up from 300Nm in A8 3.0-litre) is available from 2,400rpm through to 5,500rpm, ensuring flexibility and performance figures that are far from entry level class. The 3.2-litre FSI can reach 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds.

Fuel economy is virtually on a par with the outgoing 3.0-litre model at 28.8mpg (combined), despite the considerable power and torque gains.

Over and above the standard specification list of equipment, the new SE adds DVD-based satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, the Audi advanced key system (enabling keyless access and start-up) and voice control technology for voice operation of radio, CD player, car telephone and navigation system.

Sport specification upgrades the wheels from 17-inch seven-spoke to 19-inch 12-spoke, and also adds sports seats, sport adaptive air suspension (20mm lower than the standard set-up in each mode), a sports steering wheel with tiptronic gear change paddles and Grey Birch fascia inlays. The standard Valcona leather upholstery is also replaced by leather and Alcantara combination upholstery (full Valcona leather can be kept if preferred). The Sport option carries a premium of £2,500 for V6 models or £1,900 for V8 versions.

Dealer: Centurion Audi, Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York (01904 690505)

Updated: 09:21 Friday, May 27, 2005