Audi A8
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
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| Parent company | Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) |
| Production | 1994–present |
| Assembly | Neckarsulm, Germany |
| Predecessor | Audi V8 |
| Class | Full-size luxury car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door saloon/sedan |
| Layout | Longitudinal 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 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 Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a multitronic or tiptronic automatic transmissions. 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.
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[edit] D2 (Typ 4D, 1994-2003)
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| Production | 1994-2003 |
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| 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, 4 or 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,882 mm (113.5 in) LWB: 3,010 mm (118.5 in) |
| Length | SWB: 5,034 mm (198.2 in) LWB: 5,164 mm (203.3 in) |
| Width | 1,880 mm (74.0 in) |
| Height | 1,438 mm (56.6 in) |
| Related | Audi S8 (D2), Volkswagen Phaeton |
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 5 inches (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 2.8 litre V6 engine, producing 193 PS (142 kW; 190 bhp), and 3.7 litre V8 engine, while the quattro received a 4.2 litre V8 producing 310 PS (230 kW; 310 bhp).
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.
In 1999, Audi's flagship received new colours, and restructuring of option packages. 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,[clarification needed] and a first aid kit located in the rear centre 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 3.7 litre FWD model was dropped, leaving only the long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase 4.2 litre quattro. These restyled cars also featured revised external door handles and an integrated radio antenna.
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 litre unit developed by effectively mating two 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 colours 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 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 colour 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 2009, 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.
[edit] D3 (Typ 4E, 2003-present)
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| Production | 2003-present |
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| Platform | Volkswagen Group D3 platform |
| Engine(s) | petrol engines: 2.8L V6 3.0L V6 3.2L V6 FSI 3.7L V8 4.2L V8 6.0L W12 diesel engines: 3.0L V6 TDI 4.0L V8 TDI 4.2L V8 TDI |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual, 6-speed tiptronic automatic, multitronic CVT |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 2,944 mm (115.9 in) LWB: 3,074 mm (121.0 in) |
| Length | SWB: pre 2007: 5,051 mm (198.9 in), post 2007: 5,062 mm (199.3 in) LWB: pre 2007: 5,181 mm (204.0 in), post 2007: 5,192 mm (204.4 in) |
| Width | 1,894 mm (74.6 in) |
| Height | SWB: 1,444 mm (56.9 in) LWB: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,670 kg (3,682 lb)-1,990 kg (4,387 lb) |
| Related | Audi S8 (D3) |
The second-generation A8 built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in late 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.
As with the previous version, 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 5 inches (127 mm) to the rear legroom and 11 mm (0.43 in) to the overall height of the car.
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 internal combustion engines became available to European and Asian market customers. The entry-level 3.0 litre V6 engine was replaced with a new 3.2 litre unit featuring Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), which it shares with the B7 Audi A4.
This generation A8 introduced the 321 PS (236 kW; 317 bhp) 4.2 litre V8 TDI - the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile, before the debut of Audi's 6.0 litre 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 2.8 litre V6 FSI, which is recently added to the A8 range, has a class leading 199g/km of CO2 emission.
For 2008, the A8 received a facelift and also 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] | PS Nm @rpm | 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
Top speed | Fuel consumption EU cycle average |
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| displacement | type | ||||
| 2.8L (2773 cc) | V6 FSI | 207 PS (152 kW; 204 hp) 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @3000 | 8.0 s | 237 km/h (147 mph) | |
| 3.0L (2976 cc) | V6 | 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) @3200 | 7.9 s | 241 km/h (150 mph) | |
| 3.2L (3123 cc) | V6 FSI | 256 PS (188 kW; 252 hp) 330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @3250 | 7.7 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg-imp; 24 mpg-US) |
| 3.7L (3697 cc) | V8 | 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) 360 N·m (270 lb·ft) @3750 | 7.3 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | |
| 4.2L (4172 cc) | V8 | 335 PS (246 kW; 330 hp) 430 N·m (320 lb·ft) @3500 | 6.4 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | |
| 4.2L (4172 cc) | V8 FSI | 344 PS (253 kW; 339 hp) 440 N·m (320 lb·ft) @3500 | 6.1 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | |
| 6.0L (5998 cc) | W12 | 443 PS (326 kW; 437 hp) 580 N·m (430 lb·ft) @4700 | 5.1 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 14.7 L/100 km (19.2 mpg-imp; 16.0 mpg-US) |
| 3.0L (2967 cc) | V6 TDI | 229 PS (168 kW; 226 hp) 450 N·m (330 lb·ft) @3250 | 7.8 s | 243 km/h (151 mph) | 8.8 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) |
| 4.0L (3936 cc) | V8 TDI | 270 PS (199 kW; 266 hp) 650 N·m (480 lb·ft) @1800 | 6.7 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US) |
| 4.2L (4134 cc) | V8 TDI | 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp) 650 N·m (480 lb·ft) @1600 | 5.9 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg-imp; 25 mpg-US) |
In most markets outside Europe, only the 4.2 V8 and 6.0 W12 petrol engines 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 quattro variant, in the vein of Mercedes-Benz AMG models. Although it shared the standard model's platform, it featured a re-tuned, 250 kilowatts (340 PS; 335 bhp) version of the standard V8 engine (subsequently upgraded to 265 kilowatts (360 PS; 355 bhp)), a re-tuned suspension, with larger alloy wheels and upgraded tyres, uprated and enlarged brakes, and a re-calibrated version of the five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. European-spec. models also had a six-speed manual transmission option. Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive was standard.
Production of the first-generation S8 ended in September 2002, shortly before the introduction of the D3-platform A8.
In the last quarter of 2005, Audi previewed the second-generation S8, now called the Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro, powered by a 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) 5.2L FSI V10 engine, derived from the Lamborghini 5.2 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo. Full production started in June 2006.
[edit] References
- ^ Audi A8 update in 2008
- ^ Automobile Revue 2007. Bern: Espace Media Groupe. 2007. pp. 113–114. ISBN 978-3-905386-07-3.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Audi A8 |
- Audi corporate website
- Audi UK A8 microsite
- audipages.com - Learn How to Repair Your D2 A8
- - Audi A8 Repair Data
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| Compact car | A3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Super 90 | Fox (B1) | 4000 (B2) | 80 / 90 (B3) | 90 (B4) | A4 (B5-B8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4000CS quattro | S4 (B5-B8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | ... 100 (C1) | 5000 (C2) | 100 / 200 / 5000 (C3) | 100 / A6 (C4) | A6 (C4-C6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ur-S4 | Ur-S6 | S6 (C5) | S6 (C6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size car | V8 | A8 / S8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | Coupé GT | CQ (3) | A5 / S5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | TT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | Quattro (Ur-Quattro) | RS6 | RS4 | RS6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 Volkswagen Group • quattro GmbH • Audi Driving Experience • Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. • Volkswagen Group of America corporate website • Electronics Research Laboratory • North American Volkswagen engines | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
