NEWS that Audi is to enter a diesel at Le Mans came as a bit of shock for motor racing enthusiasts.
But having experienced one of the German company's latest A8 models powered by a hefty 4.2-litre V8 diesel, I have little doubt about how it will fare.
True we are talking about vastly different diesel engines - the Le Mans car is powered by a 12-cylinder, 5.5-litre powerplant - but if the V8 is anything to go by then the petrol powered cars in the French 24-hour race had better watch out.
In fact, the 326bhp V8 is the world's most powerful production diesel engine and is a complete revelation in the A8. To drive it is to love it.
No way would anyone travelling in the car even begin to think diesel, such is the refinement and sheer brutal power of this car.
With a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 5.9 seconds this diesel will show a clean pair of heels to most cars on the road and then go on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
It is the first time I have driven a diesel that truly does throw you back in your seat. The performance is breathtaking, and all the more surprising when you consider the size of the A8, even if it does have a weight saving aluminium body.
Despite the engine size and being a quattro - four-wheel-drive - it returned close on 30mpg.
In terms of refinement this engine takes some beating. You can stand outside the car while someone revs it up and still be convinced it's not diesel powered. Oil burners truly have come a long way in recent years.
The diesel engine is not the only impressive feature. When it comes to creature comforts this car has everything you want and more. In fact there are too many to list but these are the most obvious ones.
For a start there is Audi's adaptive lighting system - a £900 optional extra - which features an extra lens built into each headlight at right angles to the forward shining beam.
It means that when you turn the steering wheel to the right, the right hand lens automatically switches on illuminating the corner or bend you are negotiating.
Make a left turn and the left hand lens lights, effectively showing you around the bend while you still have your normal forward facing beam. The difference from ordinary lights is staggering and a great safety boon.
It also featured adaptive air suspension and from the driver's seat you can dial up the setting to suit your style of driving from comfort to dynamic.
And talking of dial up features this car allows you to set the heat setting on the driver's and front passenger's seat. Press the heated seat button and the centre mounted monitor screen momentarily shows you a picture of a seat and allows you to dial up the heat from zero to six.
This same monitor is used for watching television - when stationary - or using the navigation system. And when not in use it disappears into a recess before a section of the dashboard rolls over the opening to complete the flush appearance.
And when you are not using the TV there is the DAB digital radio, complete with BOSE surround sound.
To make sure you get the full enjoyment five millimetre thick panes of glass are used for the cabin windows ensuring supreme silence.
The new diesel-powered A8 certainly has a lot going for it.
FAST FACTS
Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro SE 4dr
Price: £58,605
Mechanical: 326bhp, 4,134cc, 8cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.9 secs
Combined mpg: 29.4
Insurance group: 19
CO2 emissions: 258g/km
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust