AUDI has yet again proved deserving of its reputation for "Vorsprung durch Technik" - leading through technology - with the launch of the A8 3.0 multitronic.

The first luxury saloon to benefit from the major gains in perform-ance, fuel economy and emissions offered by stepless CVT transm-ission, this exceptional new lead-in model for the A8 range has just opened for UK ordering.

The first customer deliveries are expected in February for both the standard and long-wheelbase forms at respective on-the-road prices of £46,105 and £49,475.

The new A8 3.0 models are powered by a sophisticated light-weight alloy-block V6 petrol engine, which offers 220PS at 6,300rpm and a maximum 300Nm of torque at 3,200rpm.

They accelerate to 62mph in an impressive 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 150mph.

Uninterrupted by conventional automatic gear changes, thanks to its continuously variable gear ratio, and unhindered by a power and fuel-sapping torque converter, the multitronic transmission plays a key role in maximising the performance of the responsive V6 engine.

It also ensures that fuel economy and CO2 emission figures in the A8 3.0 are significantly better than for all comparable rivals at 29.4mpg (combined cycle) and 230g (29.1mpg and 233g in the long-wheelbase A8 L 3.0).

The new six-cylinder, front-wheel-driven A8s will be joined early in 2004 by a six-cylinder 3.0 TDI quattro model, which will be notable as the world's first D-segment diesel saloon to meet the tougher EU emissions regul-ations that are applicable from 2005.

This latest advance will reduce the running costs for business users by eliminating the three per cent diesel tax premium for UK drivers.

Contact your local dealer, Martins Audi, on 01256 867020.