Drivetrain
The Audi A8 and A8 L are available with direct-injection V6 and V8 engines:
two gasoline units and two TDI units. The entry level engine is the 3.0 TFSI
with 213 kW (290 hp); the engine with the greatest torque is the 4.2 TDI
with 258 kW (350 hp). A second variant of the 3.0 TDI will be available for
both body types later this year. It provides 150 kW (204 hp) of power, drives
the front wheels and consumes only 6.0 liters per 100 km (39.20 US mpg) in
the EU driving cycle. A hybrid version is also in development. It combines
the power of a six-cylinder with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder..
The engines:
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3.0 TFSI quattro with 213 kW (290 hp)
-
4.2 FSI quattro with 273 kW (372 hp)
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3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), available later this year
-
3.0 TDI quattro with 184 kW (250 hp)
-
4.2 TDI quattro with 258 kW (350 hp)
The standard eight-speed tiptronic features closely-spaced gears while still
featuring a wide spread. Its control system is purely electronic, operated
with an elegant selector level and paddles on the steering wheel. The quattro
permanent all-wheel drive has a distinctly sporty and rear-biased character.
On request, the sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between
the rear wheels; this feature is standard with the 4.2 TDI.
Chassis
The A8 and the A8 L offer both luxurious ride comfort and sporty handling.
Their wheel control arms are made of aluminum. The brake discs measure up
to 400 millimeters (15.75 in) in diameter, depending on the engine. The standard
adaptive air suspension with variable damping is integrated into the Audi
drive select dynamics system. It can be further supplemented by the optional
dynamic steering.
Interior
The interior of the A8 enchants with light and elegant lines, craftsman-like
fit and finish, and extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. Audi
offers the rear seat passengers the option of two power-adjustable and heated
individual rear seats, which can be paired with the optional continuous center
console. The individual seats can also be equipped with optional ventilation
and massage functions, and features such as a folding table and a cool box
make the passengers stay even more enjoyable.
The Audi A8 L is 13 centimeters (5.12 in) longer than the standard version
in both wheelbase and overall length. It is available with an optional relaxation
seat with power footrest. With this option, every available luxury option
is on board, including a rear seat entertainment system.
Equipment and trim
The Audi A8 and the A8 L feature a new degree of technical intelligence.
It is manifested in the MMI operating system or the optional MMI touch with
touchpad, in the networking of the MMI navigation plus with other vehicle
systems and in the assistance systems. The most important of these is the
radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. It works
closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system. Another highlight
is the night vision assistant that marks detected pedestrians. Audi also
offers many attractive multimedia modules. The top version is the Advanced
Sound System from Bang & Olufsen, which boasts 19 speakers. The luxury
sedan is at the head of the pack with respect to Internet connectivity. It
offers a WLAN hotspot and many attractive services in cooperation with Google
as a service partner. Two high-end solutions the Audi online traffic
information service and voice-activated Google POI search will be
added in the months ahead. Another new feature will be the Audi park assist
omnidirectional cameras to provide a 360 degree angle of view.
Audi A8 L W12
The A8 L W12 is the top model in the line. It
is powered by a supremely powerful gasoline engine that is unusually short
and lightweight. The normally aspirated, 6.3 liter engine with direct injection
produces 368 kW (500 hp) and 625 Nm (460.98 lb-ft) of torque, yet is extremely
refined. In addition to all the qualities of the Audi A8, it also offers
the performance of a sports car. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14
mph) is completed in 4.7 seconds; the governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34
mph) is just a formality. |