 A sporty driving experience,
assured comfort and striking elegance of design and interior fittings underscore
its exceptional qualities. The A8 is not only the sportiest sedan in the
luxury class, it is also one of the most efficient: The 2.8 FSI e model emits
just 199 grams of CO2 per kilometer (320.26 g/mile)
– by far the lowest of any gasoline engine in the segment.
Body and interior
The clearly defined, progressive design language of
the Audi A8 is characterized by strong proportions and timeless quality.
The body weighs just 215 kilograms (473.99 lb) – a sensational
figure in the luxury class. It is made of aluminum, employing the Audi Space
Frame (ASF) technique. That saves more than 110 kilograms (242.51 lb)
compared to sheet steel. The Audi Space Frame is made up of aluminum castings
and extruded sections into which the aluminum panels are integrated as
load-sharing elements. The construction of the A8 provides outstanding torsional
rigidity and optimum passive safety. The interior is supremely quiet, thanks
to the body’s excellent vibration-proofing and the sophisticated acoustic
design of the vehicle as a whole. The A8 is 5.06 meters (16.60 ft)
long, or 5.19 meters (17.03 ft) in its stretched version. The interior
embodies the Audi philosophy of offering the highest quality and style. A
wide range of exclusive colors and materials are available for surface finishes,
decorative inlays, seats, door trims and the roof lining. The Audi exclusive
program enables customers to personalize the interior precisely to their
individual wishes. The opulent and spacious interior and the comfortable
seats provide the ultimate in relaxation and wellbeing. High-end versions
of the electrically adjustable front seats also come with ventilation and
massage features. For the rear too, Audi offers luxuriously comfortable single
seats. The office packages, featuring folding tables and cool boxes, add
even more luxury to the A8.
Drivetrain
The Audi A8 embodies sportiness in the luxury segment
in a highly intelligent way. Its powerful FSI and TDI engines employ direct
fuel injection. The 2.8 liter V6 gasoline unit features the Audi valvelift
system, which varies the lift of the valves. Despite developing 154 kW (210
bp) of power and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque, the A8 2.8 FSI e
consumes just 8.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (28.34 US mpg). The 4.2
TDI is fascinating in a different way: Its 240 kW (326 bp) power output and
650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque deliver sports car levels of dynamic
performance.
The engine range:
- 2.8 FSI e developing 154 kW (210 bp)
- 3.2 FSI and 3.2 FSI quattro developing 191 kW (260 bp)
- 4.2 FSI quattro developing 257 kW (350 bp)
- 3.0 TDI quattro developing 171 kW (233 bp)
- 4.2 TDI quattro developing 240 kW (326 bp)
Most variants of the A8 employ a six-speed tiptronic
transmission system to distribute the power to the four driven wheels. For
the 3.2 FSI front-wheel drive and the multitronic continuously variable
transmission are also available; for the 2.8 FSI e they are the only available
transmission option.
Suspension
Two attributes characterize the driving experience
in the A8: the dynamic, light-footed handling and the high level of ride
comfort. Both those strengths are founded on the aluminum chassis with its
five-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension.
The four-stage adaptive air suspension is fitted as standard. Audi also offers
it with a tighter setup as an option. The Audi A8 can optionally be fitted
with up to 20-inch wheels. Behind them sits a set of powerful brakes with
aluminum calipers.
Assistance and communications systems
With its wealth of features and fittings, the Audi
A8 sets the benchmark in the luxury class. Audi also offers a wide range
of optional extras for the model, including state-of-the-art assistance systems.
Audi side assist warns if a lane change would be hazardous, Audi lane assist
helps to keep the car in the chosen lane, and the Audi parking system advanced
includes a rearview camera to monitor reversing movements. Then there is
adaptive cruise control, which allows the driver to specify a desired distance
from the vehicle in front and then opens and closes the throttle or applies
the brakes slightly to maintain that distance. The list of optional extras
in the communication and entertainment field is also a long one. It extends
from Rear Seat Entertainment, incorporating two monitors, to a Bang &
Olufsen high-end sound system, delivering 1,000 watts of output in magnificent
concert hall quality through 14 speakers. The top-of-the-range version of
the MMI multimedia interface features a large hard disk, a DVD drive, a
high-resolution seven-inch monitor with three-dimensional navigation mapping,
and full-word voice control.
Audi
A8 W12 quattro
The equipment, specifications, and prices stated
herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change
without notice; errors and omissions excepted. |
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