Audi A8

Infobox Automobile


name = Audi A8
manufacturer = Audi AG
parent_company = Volkswagen Group
(Volkswagen AG)
aka =
production = 1994–present
assembly = Neckarsulm, Germany
predecessor = Audi V8
class = Full-size luxury executive car
body_style = 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 successions of the Volkswagen Group D platform series.__TOC__

D2 A8 ("Typ" 4D, 1994-2003)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Audi D2 A8 ("Typ" 4D)


production = 1994-2003
platform = Volkswagen Group D2 platform
engine = "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 = 5-speed manual,
4 or 5-speed automatic
wheelbase = SWB: Auto mm|2882|1
LWB: Auto mm|3010|1
length = SWB: Auto mm|5034|1
LWB: Auto mm|5164|1
width = Auto mm|1880|1
height = Auto mm|1438|1
related =
fuel_capacity =
designer = The A8 debuted in Europe in 1994, although it wasn't until 1997 that it became available in North America. Unlike its predecessor, 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 (standard wheelbase), and the A8L extended or long-wheelbase (LWB) version. The A8L adds auto in|5|0 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 convert|193|PS|kW bhp|lk=on|abbr=on, and 3.7L V8 engine, while the quattro received a 4.2L V8 producing convert|310|PS|kW bhp|abbr=on. 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 an enhanced BOSE audio system. Audi's flagship received new colours, 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 whilst the car is parked with the engine turned off. Changes to all models included a larger passenger mirror,what|interior rear view, or door 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 effectively 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 tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an updated Symphony II stereo, and new exterior colors were also added.

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 contracted 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 "B" pillar, giving the car a seamless design with a gradually sloping roofline. The car included custom leather seats which could seat four. Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the A8 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 a large executive-sized coupé, based on the A6 saloon.

D3 A8 ("Typ" 4E, 2003-present)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Audi A8 (D3 "Typ" 4E)


production = 2003-present
platform = Volkswagen Group D3 platform
engine = "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 = 6-speed manual,
6-speed tiptronic automatic,
multitronic CVT
wheelbase = SWB: Auto mm|2944|1
LWB: Auto mm|3074|1
length = SWB:
pre 2007: Auto mm|5051|1,
post 2007: Auto mm|5062|1
LWB:
pre 2007: Auto mm|5181|1,
post 2007: Auto mm|5192|1
width = Auto mm|1894|1
height = SWB: Auto mm|1444|1
LWB: Auto mm|1455|1
fuel_capacity =
related =
designer =

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 (standard, or short wheelbase), and the long-wheelbase (LWB) A8L. The A8L adds auto in|5|0 of rear legroom.

Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, endowing all variants with a taller, wider trapezoidal "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.

This generation A8 introduced the 4.2 L turbodiesel V8 engine. Generating convert|240|kW|PS bhp|0|lk=on|abbr=on 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 TDI 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 a facelift and also received new electronic safety systems. [ [http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/13861/2008-audi-a8.html Audi A8 update in 2008] ] "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.

Engine variants

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.

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, convert|360|PS|kW bhp|0|lk=on|abbr=on version of the standard V8 engine, a re-tuned suspension, with larger alloy wheels and upgraded tyres, uprated and enlarged brakes, and a re-calibrated version of the 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (European-spec. models also had a 6-speed manual transmission option); Torsen-based 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 convert|450|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on 5.2L FSI V10 engine, derived from the Lamborghini 5.2 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo.

References

* [http://www.greencarcongress.com/2004/10/audi_picks_up_1.html "Audi Picks up 10 Awards at Challenge Bibendum"]

External links

* [http://www.audi.com Audi corporate website]
* [http://new-cars.audi.co.uk/audi-a8/ Audi UK A8 microsite]
* [http://www.audipages.com/ audipages.com - Learn How to Repair Your D2 A8]
* [http://www.iaudi.info/audi-a8/ Audi A8 Reviews]