Audi A8



With its compelling handling, pioneering technology and highly exclusive and sophisticated design and equipment, the Audi A8 defines the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment like no other before it. The saloon unites technical properties that set it clearly apart from the competition in its class. As the brand flagship, the A8 embodies the progressiveness of the Audi brand through sportiness and clear design, innovative technology and top quality.

The long-wheelbase version of the Audi A8 is the ultimate luxurious long-distance saloon car. With its wheelbase extended by 130 millimetres to 3,074 millimetres, the Audi A8 L offers not only the dynamic potential of the A8, but also the opportunity to travel in first-class style in the spacious rear compartment.

The concept Aluminium body: progress through lightness The innovative aluminium body, based on a refined version of the Audi Space Frame ASF, provides the high-strength basis for low weight, a dynamic performance and excellent handling. The number of components on the fully enclosed ASF has been reduced considerably compared with the first A8 generation through the use of large functional castings and extruded sections.

Static torsional rigidity has been increased by 60 percent and ensures a substantial improvement in vibrational comfort, safety and dynamic handling potential.

Suspension: even more dynamism if the driver so chooses The Audi A8 has an aluminium chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. The brake system and steering with variable ratio and servotronic also deserve a special mention.

The standard-fit adaptive air suspension - an electronically controlled air suspension system with continuous damper control - solves the classic conflict of aims between very good handling properties and high ride comfort commensurate with the luxury class.

The data from four sensors on the axles and three acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. This computer prompts the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in a matter of milliseconds, based on the driving situation identified, thereby assuring optimum handling and ride comfort at all times.

The driver can choose between four predefined settings, for a suspension characteristic ranging from overtly sporty to ultra-comfortable. The ride height can also be varied in this way.

In recognition of the desire of many A8 drivers for sporting characteristics throughout the vehicle, Audi offers the option of adaptive air suspension-sport. This optional sports suspension system permits a level of driving dynamics that adds a new dimension in the segment of luxury-class saloons.

quattro permanent four-wheel drive remains unequalled in the luxury segment. It translates engine performance into superbly effective propulsion and lateral support.

The A8 has rack-and-pinion steering with a variable ratio and speed-dependent power assistance, servotronic, as a standard feature. The result is improved steering precision and clear feedback at high speeds without any loss in comfort at low speeds.

In conjunction with the V8 engines, the Audi A8 has a high-performance brake system with generously dimensioned aluminium floating-calliper brakes and a disc diameter of 360 millimetres at the front and 310 millimetres at the rear. With 17-inch wheels, this brake system achieves a braking performance that was previously the preserve of 18-inch systems. The A8 with 12-cylinder engine is fitted with an 18-inch high-performance brake system with 385 millimetre front discs and 335 millimetre rear discs.

The brake system is assisted by the electronic stabilisation program ESP. Audi also offers ceramic brakes for the A8 W12 and the S8.

As well as performing all the tasks of a conventional handbrake, the electromechanical parking brake on the Audi A8, which is operated at a pull/push control on the centre console, offers functional benefits. The auto release function makes it easier to pull away smoothly on hills without the driver even having to release the brake. The parking brake additionally has an emergency brake function which is significantly more efficient than a conventional handbrake.

In the luxuriously styled interior, the driver will find ingenious ergonomics and an intrinsically logical and therefore self-explanatory operating concept. Audi's luxury saloon stands out for its exclusive materials and outstanding fit and finish. Unusual customer requests, such as different coloured stitching on the leather seats, pose absolutely no problem.

MMI operating concept: maintaining diversity, reducing complexity With its integrated MMI user interface, Audi offers an infotainment platform and user concept for the A8 that keeps operation simple through stringent logic. MMI in the first instance comprises the control panel (MMI terminal) in the centre console with a control button that can be turned and pressed and four control keys grouped around it.

On either side of the terminal - apart from the Return key for exiting the menu level - there are a total of eight function keys with which the user can call up the principal main menus directly.

The second central component of the MMI, a 7-inch colour monitor, is positioned above the centre console on the dashboard at the ideal angle of view for the driver.

The basic geometry of the monitor display corresponds in detail to the layout of the control keys and button on the MMI terminal. There is thus an intuitive link between visual perception and hand movements.

The more frequently a function is used in the car, the higher up the menu structure it appears, thus making it quicker and easier to access.

Particularly important information, regarding navigation for example, and, if required, information on the radio station selected can also be shown in the optionally available 5-inch display in the instrument cluster. By enabling radio and TV signals to be received with the aid of DAB, Audi is already taking account of future developments in the field of audio broadcasting technology, while the occupants benefit from a very special sound experience. This can be enhanced further by the new Bang & Olufsen sound system which produces an audio experience of a dimension that sets standards in the luxury saloon segment.

Electronic assistants The field of electronics has long since advanced into automotive technology. This applies in particular to the luxury segment where driver expectations regarding communication and convenience systems naturally play a very important role.

The A8 therefore offers numerous innovative technologies in this area, some of which are available for the very first time in an Audi. These include, to name just a few examples, the advanced key access and authorisation system, one-touch memory personalisation and the radar-assisted distance control system known as adaptive cruise control. The optional parking system helps the driver by providing acoustic and optical signals when parking.

Audi also sets standards in the field of lighting technology. Its adaptive light combines xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and daytime running lights to produce maximum illumination and therefore additional safety.

Audi A8 W12 The top-of-the-range model is the 12-cylinder A8 which delivers an output of 450 bhp. As an elegant, sporty saloon, it has succeeded in combining ride comfort with exceptional performance. The W12 badge on the tail, front mudguards and door sill trims together with the trapezoidal tailpipes and powerful single-frame grille with chrome trims are a visual indication of just what this car is capable of. The clear-glass headlight covers visibly display the technology that they protect: the 12-cylinder A8 is equipped as standard with the new lighting technology of adaptive light with LED daytime running lights, whose distinctive five-star lighting elements also provide a further design feature at the vehicle's front end. A revolutionary technology: compared with conventional light bulbs, the LED units consume only a fraction of the energy, allowing the daytime running lights to be used with virtually no increase in fuel consumption.

Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System One particular highlight that is available as an option for the A8 is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The fully digital system from the Danish high-end manufacturer integrates 14 speakers, each energised by its own output stage. Two amplifiers provide more than 1,000 watts of power. The front tweeters use what is known as Acoustic Lens Technology, and act as point sound sources.

Engines and transmissions There are powerful twelve-, eight- and six-cylinder engines to choose from for the Audi A8:

Petrol engines The 12-cylinder version in the A8 raises the benchmark in the luxury car category to a new level. A capacity of six litres, twelve cylinders, 331 kW (450 bhp) and 580 Nm of torque add up to a supremely superior performance. At the same time, more than 95 percent of the engine's peak torque is available between 2,300 and 5,300 rpm: the ideal basis for supreme pulling power in every speed range.

The long-wheelbase version of the A8 6.0 quattro sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and accelerates from 0 to 200 km/h in a mere 17.4 seconds - performance figures that unequivocally single out the A8 L W12 as the sportiest luxury saloon in the world.

The six speeds of the tiptronic automatic transmission are lower geared than on the A8 L W12, enabling the large-capacity engine to put its potential to the road in extremely convincing fashion: 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, a speed of 200 km/h is reached after 16.9 seconds and the speedometer indicates the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h in under 29 seconds. The consumption values are extremely favourable for a car of this class: the sportier normal-wheelbase version consumes 14.7 litres of Super Plus per 100 kilometres (13.8 litres for the Audi A8 L W12).

The more powerful of the two eight-cylinder models which has a capacity of 4.2 litres - available in both normal and long-wheelbase versions - delivers 246 kW (335 bhp) and develops a torque of 430 Nm. The A8 4.2 quattro sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically governed). The average fuel consumption of the A8 4.2 quattro with 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission is 11.9 litres (combined cycle). This power pack moreover complies with the strict limits of the EU4 standard. The A8 4.2 quattro is also available as a long-wheelbase version.

A displacement of 3.7 litres, an output of 206 kW (280 bhp) and torque of 360 Nm are the core values of the second eight-cylinder engine available for the A8. 7.3 seconds elapse for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically governed) is reached. The V8 engine in the A8 3.7 quattro achieves an overall fuel consumption of 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combination with permanent four-wheel drive and 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

This V8 engine likewise undercuts the rigorous limit values of the EU4 emission standard. The dual-branch exhaust system of both V8 engines is deliberately designed to produce a discreet yet decidedly sporty sound that makes the vehicle characteristics a pleasure to listen to as well. Audi has now also introduced FSI petrol direct injection for the A8 in the form of the highly modern 3.2 V6. This engine's demand-controlled fuel supply, four valves per cylinder, variable intake manifold and continuous camshaft adjustment on both the inlet and exhaust side deserve a special mention. The V6 delivers its maximum power of 260 bhp at 6,500 rpm; its peak torque of 330 Nm is available at just 3,250 rpm. The A8 3.2 FSI with continuously variable multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 250 km/h (this also applies to the version with quattro permanent four-wheel drive and 6-speed tiptronic).

The combination of the efficient engine and the low weight of the ASF aluminium body means an average fuel consumption of just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. More than 90 percent of the engine's maximum torque is available across a wide speed range from 2,400 to 5,500 rpm - a unique characteristic for a naturally aspirated V6. As far as the driver is concerned this means a dynamic and forceful response to every movement of the accelerator pedal plus a wide usable speed range up to 7,200 rpm; these qualities are the best evidence of this engine's efficiency and the special abilities of FSI technology.

TDI engines Just like the 3.0 TDI before it, the 326 bhp, 4.2-litre V8 TDI is a member of Audi's new family of V-engines, and has chain drive for the camshaft and ancillaries. The cylinder spacing in the new engine block is now 90 millimetres, giving the engine a compact overall length of just 520 millimetres. One current V8 competitor with the same engine capacity measures as much as 140 millimetres more. The engine block, which weighs a total of 62 kilograms, is made of vermicular graphite cast iron - an important factor in achieving the low total engine weight of only 255 kilograms. This is 15 kilograms less than its predecessor, the 4.0 TDI. The 4.2 TDI is thus one of the lightest V8 diesels ever. This benefits the power-to-weight ratio and the vehicle's weight distribution in equal measure - two characteristics that are of central importance for the driving dynamics of the new A8 4.2 TDI quattro.

With an engine capacity of 4,134 cc, the combustion chambers of the new engine are almost exactly 0.2 litres bigger than in the case of the 4.0 TDI. Compared with its predecessor, the bore has been enlarged by 2 millimetres to 83 millimetres, and the stroke of 95.5 millimetres is identical with that of the 4.0 TDI. The compression ratio is 16.5:1. The surfaces of the cylinder bores are treated using UV laser exposure. This special honing process ensures significantly reduced oil consumption in the TDI engine and, as a result, a significant reduction in particulate formation during combustion. The A8 4.2 TDI is equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard.

The six-cylinder engine in the A8 3.0 TDI quattro delivers 171 kW (233 bhp) at 4,000 rpm and produces 450 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. In performance terms, it lies well ahead of its competitors' six-cylinder diesels in the luxury car category. This lightweight luxury saloon with its aluminium body takes only 7.8 seconds to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h - a world-beating figure for a V6 diesel saloon in the luxury segment.

And the A8 3.0 TDI quattro is the only diesel car in the luxury class to satisfy the strict EU4 emission standard even with 6-speed tiptronic and permanent four-wheel drive, yet without the optional diesel particulate filter. It is the first Audi V6 TDI to have a latest-generation common rail system. Piezo inline injectors permit up to five separate amounts of fuel to be injected on each working stroke, at an injection pressure of 1,600 bar. These devices help to keep emissions low, enhance fuel efficiency and produce outstanding acoustics. The overall consumption over 100 kilometres measures 8.5 litres of diesel.