Audi A8
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Audi A8 | |
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| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
| Parent company | Volkswagen Group |
| Production | 1994–present |
| Assembly | Neckarsulm, Germany |
| Predecessor | Audi V8 |
| Class | Full-size luxury executive car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door saloon/sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D platform series |
| Related | Audi S8 |
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury executive car built by the German automaker Audi, to replace the Audi V8 as its flagship model. First brought to the market in 1994, most versions of the A8 have featured quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a multitronic or Tiptronic automatic transmission. Two generations of the A8 have been produced, in both short and long wheelbase form, and are built on sucessions of the Volkswagen Group D platform series.
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[edit] 1st generation A8 (D2 Typ4D) (1994-2003)
| Audi A8 (D2 Typ4D) | |
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| Production | 1994-2003 |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D2 platform |
| Engine(s) | petrol engines: 2.8L V6 3.7L V8 4.2L V8 6.0L W12 diesel engines: 2.5L V6 TDI 3.3L V8 TDI |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2882 mm (113.5 in) LWB: 3010 mm (118.5 in) |
| Length | SWB: 5034 mm (198.2 in) LWB: 5164 mm (203.3 in) |
| Width | 1880 mm (74 in) |
| Height | 1438 mm (56.6 in) |
| Related | Audi S8 (D2) |
The A8 debuted in Europe in 1994, although it wasn't until 1997 that it became available in North America. Unlike the Audi V8 model, which was built on an existing steel platform, the A8 debuted on the then-new Volkswagen Group D2 platform, an all aluminium monocoque, tagged as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), which helped to significantly reduce weight, without sacrificing structural rigidity. The saloon/sedan was offered in both the A8 and the A8L long-Wheelbase (LWB) version. The A8L adds 5 in (127 mm) of rear legroom. In addition to being the world's first car built on an entirely aluminium platform, updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior airbags, making the A8 the first vehicle to be so equipped.
For 1997, the new A8 was available with either front-wheel drive (FWD), or the Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The FWD models are powered by a 2.8L V6 engine, producing 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW), and 3.7L V8 engine, while the quattro received a 4.2L V8 producing 310 PS (306 hp/228 kW). The A8 is available with standard luxury amenities, including dual-zone climate control, wood and leather interior trim, 14-way power and heated seats, and a premium Bose audio system. Audi's flagship received new colors, and restructuring of option packages in 1999. The North American "warm weather package" added a solar sunroof which allows the interior ventilation fans to run, keeping the interior cool, when the engine is turned off. Changes to all models included a larger passenger mirror,[clarify] and a first aid kit located in the rear armrest.
The 2000 model year saw a minor front-end restyle, with new, larger, clear headlights, a revised grille, and lower front valance with standard projection fog lamps. On the interior, the seats received a new, horizontal stitch pattern. Also, the 3.7L FWD model was dropped, leaving only the long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase 4.2L quattro.
For 2001, A8 received minimal changes, the biggest being the added "SIDEGUARD" curtain airbags. In 2001, Audi introduced its new W12 engine, a compact 6.0 L unit developed by mating two 3.0 L VR6 engines together at the crankshaft. The engine quickly became available in the A8, though only to European and Asian customers. From its introduction through its discontinuation in 2003, only 750 of the W12 models were produced.
In 2002, the A8L received standard xenon high-intensity discharge lamp (HID) headlights, and a heated steering wheel. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an updated Symphony II stereo, and new exterior colors were also added.
[edit] A8 Coupé prototype
In 1997, IVM Automotive of Munich, Germany built a 2-door Audi A8 Coupé. The car was unveiled at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show. Audi hired IVM to build the prototype, and was considering production of the vehicle. The coupé had a re-engineered alloy body shorter than the production A8 saloon. Like the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, there was no central pillar, giving the car a seamless design with a gradually sloping roofline. The car included custom leather seats and could seat four. Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the coupé into production, citing lower-than-expected sales figures for the similar BMW 8 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé. Only one A8 Coupé was ever built. The single prototype, painted a color called "Ming Blue Pearl," remains the property of IVM Automotive, and resides in Munich. Its last public appearance was in 2002 on a series of test drives.
As of 2008, there are still no plans for an A8 coupé series, however, a forthcoming Audi A7 will be an executive-sized coupé, based on the A6 sedan.
[edit] 2nd generation A8 (D3 Typ4E) (2003-present)
| Audi A8 (D3 Typ4E) | |
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| Production | 2003-present |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group D3 platform |
| Engine(s) | petrol engines: 2.8L V6 3.0L V6 3.2L V6 FSI 4.2L V8 6.0L W12 diesel engines: 3.0L V6 TDI 4.2L V8 TDI |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual, 6-speed tiptronic automatic, multitronic CVT |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2944 mm (115.9 in) LWB: 3074 mm (121 in) |
| Length | SWB: pre 2007: 5051 mm (198.9 in), post 2007: 5062 mm (199.3 in) LWB: pre 2007: 5181 mm (204 in), post 2007: 5192 mm (204.4 in) |
| Width | 1894 mm (74.6 in) |
| Height | SWB: 1444 mm (56.9 in) LWB: 1455 mm (57.3 in) |
| Related | Audi S8 (D3) |
The second-generation A8 built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in early 2003. The model was longer than the previous generation, with room for four or five large adult occupants in the cabin, depending on rear seat configuration.
Two body variants of the second generation A8 are offered, the A8 and the long-wheelbase (LWB) A8L. The A8L adds 5 in (127 mm) of rear legroom.
Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, endowing all variants with a taller, wider single-frame grille, inspired by that of the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The top-of-the-line W12 engined W12 version was the first model to be equipped with this grille; V8 engined models were fitted with the new grille the following year. In addition to the styling update, new engines became available to European and Asian market customers. The entry-level 3.0 L V6 engine was replaced with a new 3.2 L unit featuring Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), which it shares with the B7 Audi A4.
The second-generation A8 introduced the 4.2 L turbodiesel V8 engine. Generating 240 kW (326 PS/322 bhp) of power, this is the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile, before the debut of Audi's 6.0L V12 engine in the Audi Q7. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers, with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one bank of four cylinders. The 2.8L V6 FSI, which is recently added to the A8 range, has a class leading 199g/km of CO2 emission.
For MY 2008, the A8 received new electronic safety systems.[1] "Audi Side Assist" detects cars in the A8's blind spots. "Audi Lane Assist" helps when the driver attempts to change lanes without signaling first.
[edit] Engine variants
| Engine[2] | max power | 0-100 km/h 0-62 mph |
top speed | fuel consumption EU cycle average |
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| displacement | type | ||||
| 2.8 L | V6 | 154.5 kW (210 PS/207 bhp) | |||
| 3.0 L (2967 cc) | V6 | 173 kW (235 PS/232 bhp) | |||
| 3.0 L (2967 cc) | V6 TDI | 171.5 kW (233 PS/230 bhp) | 7.8 s | 243 km/h (151 mph) | 8.5 L/100 km (33 mpg imp/28 mpg US) |
| 3.2 L (3123 cc) | V6 FSI | 191 kW (260 PS/256 bhp) | 7.7 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg imp/24 mpg US) |
| 4.2 L (4134 cc) | V8 TDI | 240 kW (326 PS/322 bhp) | 5.9 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg imp/25 mpg US) |
| 4.2 L (4163 cc) | V8 FSI | 257.5 kW (350 PS/345 bhp) | 6.1 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 10.9 L/100 km (25.9 mpg imp/21.6 mpg US) |
| 6.0 L (5998 cc) | W12 | 331 kW (450 PS/444 bhp) | 5.1 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 14.7 L/100 km (19.2 mpg imp/16.0 mpg US) |
In most markets outside Europe, only the 4.2 V8 and 6.0 W12 petrol powerplants are available. The 4.0 TDI was discontinued when the 4.2 TDI was introduced.
[edit] Audi S8 variants
In 1998, Audi introduced the Audi S8 variant, in the vein of Mercedes-Benz AMG models. Although it shared the standard model's platform, it featured a re-tuned, 360 PS (355 hp/265 kW) version of the standard V8 engine, a re-tuned suspension, with larger wheels and upgraded tyres, enlarged brakes, and a re-calibrated version of the 5-speed Tiptronic transmission (European-spec. models also had a 6-speed manual transmission option); quattro permanent four-wheel drive was standard. Production of the first-generation S8 ended in 2003, shortly before the introduction of the D3-platform A8.
In the last quarter of 2005, Audi introduced the second-generation S8, powered by a 450 PS (444 hp/331 kW) 5.2L V10 engine, derived from the Lamborghini 5.2 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo.
[edit] References
- ^ Audi A8 update in 2008
- ^ (2007) Automobile Revue 2007. Bern: Espace Media Groupe, 113-114. ISBN 978-3-905386-07-3.
[edit] External links
- AudiWorld D3 A8 discussion forum
- AudiWorld D2 A8 discussion forum
- audipages.com - Learn How to Repair Your D2 A8
- Audi Customer Reviews
- Audi A8 Reviews
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| Compact car | A3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Super 90 | Fox (B1) | 4000 (B2) | 80 / 90 (B3) | 80 / 90 (B4) | A4 (B5-B8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4000CS quattro | S4 (B5-B8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | ... 100 (C1) | 5000 (C2) | 100 / 200 (C3) | 100 / 200 (C4) | A6 (C4-C6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ur-S4 | Ur-S6 | S6 (C5) | S6 (C6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size car | V8 | A8 / S8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | Coupé GT | Quattro T89(B3) | A5 / S5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | TT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | Quattro (Ur-Quattro) | RS6 | RS4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Convertible | Cabriolet (B4) | A4 Cabriolet / S4 Cabriolet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact SUV | Q5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | allroad quattro | A6 allroad quattro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury SUV | Q7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Founder: August Horch • Audi corporate website • A marque of the VWAG group • quattro GmbH • Audi Driving Experience • Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. • VolkswagenGroupAmerica corporate website • Electronics Research Laboratory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
