Audi A8
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| Audi A8 | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1994 - present |
| Class | Full-Size Luxury |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Length | 199.3 in |
| Width | 74.6 in |
| Height | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.9 in |
| Weight | 4321 lbs (V8) 4729 lbs (W12) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual Triptronic Automatic |
| Engine | 4.2 liter V8 6.0 liter W12 |
| Power | V8 350 hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm W12 450 hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm |
| Similar | Mercedes-Benz S-Class BMW 7 Series Volkswagen Phaeton Jaguar XJ Lexus LS 460 Maserati Quattroporte Porsche Panamera |
| Designer | {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}} |
The Audi A8 is a large luxury automobile built by Audi to replace the V8 model as their flagship offering. Although the Volkswagen Phaeton, long wheelbase Jaguar XJ8 and Lexus LS 460 compete in the same size and price category as the A8, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series are often thought to be its primary rivals. On most versions, Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard.
See Wikicars' comprehensive <MODEL> Review.
Recent Changes
- On July 21, 2009, Audi released a teaser of the third-generation 2010 Audi A8. The new model will be released later this year at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show to coincide with Audi Centennial Anniversary. Not much is known about the new car except that it will be built with Audi's next generation Aluminum Space Frame and will be offered with a range of four engines: petrol and diesel versions of both the 3.0-liter and 4.2-liter V8. There is speculation as well of an S8 which could come with a 5.0-liter V10 FSI producing 620 hp[1]
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- For 2008, the Audi A8 has undergone a minor facelift which includes new geometric foglamps, new grille graphics, new side-mirrors with integrated indicators, new alloys, the implementation of LED taillamps, new Lane Assist and Side Assist lane changing safety systems. The steering and the suspension system has been re-engineered, as well as the dampers, supports and tuning of the adaptive air suspension to improve the car's dynamics and provide more accurate and direct handling. Extra sound-deadening material has also been fitted to improve road noise insulation and a new engine has been introduced into the range. The 2.8L FSI V6 develops 210hp with a peak torque of 280Nm from 3,000 to 5,000rpm.
Styles and Major Options
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Engine
The A8 is currently available with a 4.2 liter V8 producing 350 bhp, and a 6.0 liter W12 producing 450 bhp.
Performance
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
Reliability
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.
- RECALL ALERT: On September 3, 2008, Audi issued a recall affecting 13,900 A8s built between MY 1996-2003 fitted with a 5-speed automatic gearbox due to a malfunctioning locking cable that may move out of position over time, allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "PARK" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. Audi urges customers to visit their nearest dealer to correct the error. For more detailed information, owners can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834. [2]
Safety
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.
Photos
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Add Photos of the vehicle here.
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Colors
The A8 is currently available in these colors: Ibis White, Ice Silver, Quartz Grey, Oyster Grey, Night Blue, Phantom Black, Cherry Black, Northern Blue, and Savana Beige.
Main Competitors
The A8s main competitors are the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS, & Jaguar XJ.
Hybrid Models
There are no available hybrid versions, and none currently being developed.
Unique Attributes
The A8 is the only luxury sedan with an Aluminium Space Frame (ASF), which give the car a lighter weight and better performance characteristics.
Interior
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Current Generation: (2005–present)
Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, endowing all variants with a tall "fish mouth" grille inspired that of the Nuvolari concept car, which was already featured on the W12 model. In addition to the styling update, new engines became available to European and Asian market customers. The entry-level 3.0 V6 was replaced by a new 3.2 L unit featuring FSI, which it shares with the new A4. More significantly was the introduction of a 4.2 L Diesel V8 engine generating 240 kW (326 PS) of power, the most powerful Diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one set of four cylinders.
The A8 is available with the following wide range of engines:
- 3.0 L (2967 cc) V6 TDI, 171 kW (233 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s;
- 3.2 L (3123 cc) V6 fuel stratified injection, 191 kW (260 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.7 s;
- 3.7 L (3697 cc) V8 petrol, 206 kW (280 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.3 s;
- 4.2 L (4134 cc) V8 TDI, 240 kW (326 PS), 0–100 km/h in 5.9 s,
- 4.2 L (4172 cc) V8 petrol, 246 kW (335 PS), 0–100 km/h i n 6.3 s,
- 6.0 L (5998 cc) W12 FSI, 331 kW (450 PS), 0–100 km/h in 5.2 s.
In most markets outside Europe, only the 4.2 litre gasoline-burning V8 and W12 powerplants are available.
Audi S8
In the last quarter of 2005, Audi introduced a new S8, now powered by a 450 PS (331 kW) V10 engine derived from the 5.0 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo. Much public confusion surrounded this engine choice after Audi's initial announcement because its power output is identical to that of the W12 motor, prompting people to ask why Audi would bother with the development of the V10. However, Audi claims that the V10 revs more quickly than the W12, and that its lighter weight helps give the S8 a lower overall curb weight and better weight distribution (the difference is of 20 kg only in the SWB model). Initial reviews from European automotive magazines seem generally positive.
Audi's factory performance claims for the V10 S8 indicate a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds, although Audi tends to be conservative with acceleration ratings and it is anticipated that reviews from publications such as Car and Driver will produce 0-60 times closer to 4.8 seconds. This would put it in a competitive range with the Mercedes-Benz S 55 and make it slightly quicker than the S 600, BMW 760Li (powered by a 12 cylinder engine) and the company's own A8L W12, although the upcoming version of the Mercedes-Benz S 65 will be faster, albeit at a much higher price.
The S8 came to popular prominence after the movie Ronin, starring Robert De Niro, where its dramatic speed combined with its size became a useful plot element, and gained the car much international attention. {[-}}
First Generation/Origins (1994–2003)
The A8 debuted in Europe in 1994, although it wasn't until 1997 that it became available in North America. Unlike the V8 model, which was built on an existing steel platform, the A8 debuted on Audi's then-new D2 platform, an all aluminum space frame which helped to significantly reduce weight without being any less rigid. A second generation version of the A8 was introduced in the last quarter of 2002 and became available worldwide in 2003, now riding on the upgraded D3 platform.
In addition to being the world's first car built on an entirely aluminum 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 2001, Audi introduced their new W12 engine, a compact 6.0 L unit developed by mating two 3.0 L VR6 engines together at the crankshaft, similar to the 3.6 L engine from the V8 model which had been created by mating two inline-four cylinder engines at the crankshaft. The engine quickly became available in the A8, although only to European and Asian customers. With the W12 engine, the A8 (D2) was available both in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions. From its introduction through its discontinuation in 2003, only 750 of the W12 models were produced.
Audi S8
In 1996, Audi introduced an S8 variant in the vein of Mercedes-Benz AMG models. Although it shared the standard model's platform, it featured a re-tuned, 340 PS (250 kW) version of the standard 4.2 V8 engine, a re-tuned suspension with larger wheels and upgraded tires, enlarged brakes and a re-calibrated version of the 5-speed Tiptronic transmission (European-spec models had a 6-speed manual transmission option), quattro was standard. In 1999, the facelifted version of the S8 became available and power was raised to 360 PS (265 kW), mainly as a result of the use of 5 valves per cylinder (making it a 40-valves engine) instead of the previous 4 valves per cylinder. Production of the first-generation S8 ended in 2003, shortly after the introduction of the D3 platform A8.
A8 Coupé
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 sedan. 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.
Worldwide
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.
Design quirks and oddities
The Audi A8 is prominently featured in the films "Transporter 2" and "Transporter 3", being the main mode of transportation for Jason Statham's character.
Awards
- 2004 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Car Over $57,000
- 2007 National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council Secure By Design Award
See Also
References
External Links
- Audi A8 gets a facelift for 2008
- Audi A8 Minor Facelift Revealed in Depth
- Forum find: 2010 Audi A8?
- [3]
- Audi A8 teaser image discovered
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Audi A8, which includes these contributors.
