Audi A8:
sports appeal in the luxury segment
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 mm
front discs and 335 mm rear discs. The brake system is assisted by the electronic
stabilisation program ESP. Audi also offers ceramic brakes for the A8 W12.
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. A starting assist
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)
on 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 most important
main menus directly. The second central component of the MMI, a 7-inch colour
monitor, is positioned above the centre console in 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 is placed,
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" 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. The W12 logo 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 on 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.
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 W12 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 standard version
of the A8 W12, a top athlete clad in the custom-made attire of a luxury saloon
car, is now moving into the fast lane. 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; top speed:
250 km/h (electronically governed). 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 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 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.
This gives 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 weighing a total of 62 kg is made of
vermicular graphite cast iron. - an important factor in achieving the low
engine weight of only 255 kilograms. This is another 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 barrels 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.
Model
history
The A8 version built from 1994 to 2002 firmly established the Audi name in
the luxury segment. The current A8 is equal in every respect: since it was
launched in autumn 2002, its impressive handling and performance, pioneering
technology and highly exclusive and sophisticated design and equipment have
redefined the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment. The numerous
awards it has received from the media and readers are clear evidence of this
success. 41,500 of the luxury saloon in the Audi model range had been built
by the end of 2004, making the A8 the market leader in Europe in 2004 among
V8 and V12 models.
The equipment and data stated here
refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Fuel consumption figures
refer to overall fuel consumption according to 1999/100/EC. Subject to amendment;
errors and omissions excepted.
AUDI AG, Kommunikation
Produkt
AUDI AG, Communication Product
AUDI AG, Communication Produit
September 12, 2005 |
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