Audi has revealed more details of its second major plug-in hybrid drivetrain, set to appear first in the upcoming Audi A8 e-tron luxury sedan.

The German automaker has chosen to go down the diesel route with its larger plug-in hybrid setup, which Auto Express reveals will use a new 3.0-liter V-6 diesel.

Until now, it hadn't been clear whether Audi would use a diesel unit in its new plug-in hybrid, or a gasoline one--such as the V-6 engine used in the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid.

Audi confirms the diesel plug-in will have a total system output of 368 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque--shy of the Porsche's 410 horses, but punchier than its 435 lb-ft output.

The size of the Audi's battery pack is also unknown, but the company quotes all-electric range of 30 miles. Should the model reach the U.S.--as yet uncomfirmed--expect an EPA-rated range closer to 20 miles.

MORE: Audi TDI Diesel Engines: Honoring 25 Years Of Fuel Efficiency, Lower Emissions

The new diesel plug-in hybrid setup will be found in Audi's larger plug-in models--as well as the A8, the company plans plug-in versions of its A6 sedan, A7 fastback and the Q7 SUV.

Audi development chief Dr Ulrich Hackenberg says the new drivetrain will be presented at the beginning of 2015, before finding its way into the A8 and subsequently rolling out across the range.

Smaller Audi models will continue with the 1.4-litre gasoline plug-in hybrid arrangement as found in the A3 e-tron.

As well as being used in Volkswagen's sporty Golf GTE, the 1.4 could be used in an A4 e-tron model, and potentially even a plug-in hybrid version of Audi's TT coupe.

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