Was the switch to T3 Torsen 2007 or 2008?

[FourWheelGrip]

I have been looking around the internet and forums and I cannot seem to find a definitive answer. Was the T3 Torsen that switched the base torque split from 50:50 to 40:60 installed in the A8 line in 2007 or 2008? Most info seems to suggest 2008 but there are some claims that it was 2007. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

[MP4.2+6.0]

I think the D3 A8 and A8L was consistently 50:50 base split for both the 4.2 V8 and the 6.0 W12. Instead, it was the S8 that was 40:60 front:rear split from its U.S. intro for MY 2007.

Looked at the resources section of AW too where the MY press releases are; the 40:60 split is called out in the S8 intro press release, while there is no mention of it in the 2008 regular D3 press release for the A8's, which is when the model mid life refresh occurred.

[FourWheelGrip]

Originally Posted by MP4.2+6.0

I think the D3 A8 and A8L was consistently 50:50 base split for both the 4.2 V8 and the 6.0 W12. Instead, it was the S8 that was 40:60 front:rear split from its U.S. intro for MY 2007.

Looked at the resources section of AW too where the MY press releases are; the 40:60 split is called out in the S8 intro press release, while there is no mention of it in the 2008 regular D3 press release for the A8's, which is when the model mid life refresh occurred.

Thank you for the reply. I don't think I ever would have figured that out!!
So I am attempting to figure out if I can go with an 2007 on my next purchase (found a great copy in mint condition with low miles) or if I want to wait for a nice 2008

Now that the Torsen question is solved, I am even more confused. It seems many rave about the "suspension tuning" done to the 2008 model. With many claims that it is sportier. I understand the roll bars are the same. I believe the air suspension is the same, correct? So if the torsen is the same, what the heck are they talking about?

I know 2008 has a slightly modified grill (I can install a new version), led brake lights (I can install the upgraded lights), fog lights changed from circular to rectangular (again an easy switch) and increased sound dampening (I was going to add dynamat anyways) So I am trying to decide if there is really any reason for me to pass this 07 up for an 08. Other than the claims of better driving dynamics I cannot find any. I am not sure if the better dynamics are real, or placebo, but I can see no reason why they would be better as it seems the suspension is carryover.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[MP4.2+6.0]

for the mid cycle refresh. Add to it the more rectangular mirrors that improved usefulness though some think not as nice looking. Side assist related options came in the last few years too.

To your main question, no I am not aware of any driving dynamics change at the mid cycle. For 2007 on the 4.2, there is the change over to FSI that upped the engine power marginally (plus moved from belt to timing chain). You can find sport vs. non sport ride settings, but that goes back much earlier in the model cycle. See the Audi press release for the 2008 intro if you want more background on the refresh. But again, you already captured most of the high points.