Audi A8

Audi A8
2011 Audi A8 D4 (US)
Manufacturer	Audi (Volkswagen Group)
Also called	Audi S8
Production	1994–present
Assembly	Neckarsulm, Germany Aurangabad, India (CKD) Monterrey, Mexico Changchun, China Tokyo, Japan (AMA, D2 only)
Predecessor	Audi V8
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	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 four-door, full-size, luxury sedan car manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, the A8 has been offered with front wheel drive or permanent four-wheel drive, with multitronic or tiptronic automatic transmissions — and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. Previous generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform with the current generation using the D4 platform.

Beginning in 1997, The A8 was the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, marketed as the Audi Space Frame and co-developed with Alcoa.

First generation (D2, Typ 4D; 1994–2002)

First generation (D2)
1997–1999 Audi A8 (D2) 4.2 quattro (US)
Production	June 1994 – September 2002
Platform	Volkswagen Group D2
Engine	petrol engines: 2.8 L V6 3.7 L V8 4.2 L V8 6.0 L W12 diesel engines: 2.5 L V6 TDI 3.3 L V8 TDI
Transmission	5-speed manual, 4-speed ZF 4HP24 automatic, 5-speed ZF 5HP19/5HP24 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 D2 S8

The Audi A8 (Typ 4D) debuted in Europe in 1994, with factory production commencing June 1994, although it was not until the 1997 model year 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, marketed as the "Audi Space Frame" (ASF), which helped to reduce weight and preserve 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. Updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior airbags.

1994–1999 Audi A8 (D2) 4.2 quattro (Germany)

2000–2003 Audi S8 (D2; US)

For 1997, the new A8 was available with eitherfront-wheel drive (FWD), or the Torsen-basedquattro permanent four-wheel drive. The FWD models are powered by a 2.8-litre V6 engine, producing 142 kilowatts (193 PS; 190 bhp), and 3.7-litre V8 engine producing 171.5 kilowatts (233 PS; 230 bhp), while the quattro received a4.2-litre V8 producing 220 kilowatts (299 PS; 295 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 solarsunroof which allows the interior ventilation fans to run, keeping the interior cool while the car is parked with the engine turned off. Changes to all models included a larger passenger-side mirror, 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 V8 FWD model was dropped, leaving the 2.8 V6 model and 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 2000, the North American A8 lineup was expanded to include the A8L.

For 2001, A8 received side 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 D2 "W12" models were produced. 2001 also marked the debut of the high-performance S8 variant in North American markets.

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. For 2002, all A8 variants received a trunk/boot interior release lever to facilitate escape in the event an individual became trapped within.

Factory production of this generation ceased in September 2002.

Coupe (prototype)

In 1997, IVM Automotive of Munich, Germany built a two-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 aluminium 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.

Engines

engine		Power Torque @ rpm	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	max speed
displacement	type	Power Torque @ rpm	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	max speed
2.8 (2771 cc)	V6	174 PS (128 kW; 172 bhp); 250 N·m (184 ft·lbf) @3000	9.1 sec	228 km/h (141.7 mph)
2.8 (2771 cc)	V6	193 PS (142 kW; 190 bhp); 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @3200	8.4 sec	236 km/h (146.6 mph)
3.7 (3697 cc)	V8	230 PS (169 kW; 227 bhp); 315 N·m (232 ft·lbf) @2700	8.7 sec	247 km/h (153.5 mph)
3.7 (3697 cc)	V8	260 PS (191 kW; 256 bhp); 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) @3250	8.1 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4172 cc)	V8	300 PS (221 kW; 296 bhp); 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) @3300	7.3 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4172 cc)	V8	310 PS (228 kW; 306 bhp); 410 N·m (302 ft·lbf) @3000	6.9 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4172 cc)	V8	340 PS (250 kW; 335 bhp); 420 N·m (310 ft·lbf) @3000	6.8 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4172 cc)	V8	360 PS (265 kW; 355 bhp); 430 N·m (317 ft·lbf) @3000	6.7 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)

Second generation (D3, Typ 4E; 2002–2009)

Second generation (D3)
Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI quattro (facelift)
Production	November 2002 – November 2009
Platform	Volkswagen Group D3
Engine	petrol engines: 2.8 L V6 3.0 L V6 3.2 L V6 FSI 3.7 L V8 4.2 L V8 5.2 L V10 FSI 6.0 L W12 diesel engines: 3.0 L V6 TDI 4.0 L V8 TDI 4.2 L V8 TDI
Transmission	6-speed manual, 6-speed ZF 6HP26 tiptronicautomatic, LuK 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	1,670–1,990 kg (3,682–4,387 lb)
Related	Audi D3 S8

Audi A8 (prefacelift; Australia)

The second-generation Audi A8 (Typ 4E) built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in November 2002 in Europe and in early 2003 in the United States. 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 120 mm (4.7 inches) to the rear legroom and 11 mm (0.43 in) to the overall height of the car.

In 2005, new internal combustion engines became available. For 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 shared with the Audi B7 A4 and Audi C6 A6. The top-of-the-line W12 engined W12 version debuted that year, to compete with other flagship 12-cylinder sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S600 (powered by a twin-turbo V12), and the BMW 760Li (powered by a naturally aspirated V12).The advantage of the W12 engine is its compact packaging, allowing Audi to build a 12-cylinder sedan with all-wheel drive, whereas a conventional V12 could only have a rear-wheel drive configuration as it would have no space in the engine bay for a differential and other components required to power the front wheels. In fact, Audi's 6.0 L W12 is actually a bit smaller by overall dimensions than the 4.2 L V8.

In addition to the added powertrains, Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, giving all variants with a taller, wider trapezoidal single-frame grille. 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.

The S8 high-performance sports variant, now called the Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro and powered by a 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) 5.2 FSI V10 engine, was announced in the last quarter of 2005 and full production started in June 2006. The S8 has similar performance to Audi's own top-of-the-line A8L W12, though the W12 is more expensive, has more torque, and built on a longer wheelbase. Compared to the A8L W12, the S8 has sportier mechanical features such as a firmer suspension, larger alloy wheels, and ceramic brakes. The S8's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

The D3 generation A8 introduced the 235 kilowatts (320 PS; 315 bhp) 4.2-litreTurbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) V8 engine (subsequently uprated to 240 kilowatts (326 PS; 322 bhp)) – 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 199 g/km of CO₂ emission.

From 2005 or 2006 Audi started offering the optional 1,000 W 14-channel ICEpower Bang & Olufsen sound system.

For the 2008 model year (starting from September 2007), the A8 received a facelift and also received new electronic safety systems."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.

For the 2010 model year (starting from September 2009), the A8 W12 and S8 models were discontinued, while the A8 4.2 and A8L 4.2 remained available for sales.

Engine variants

engine		Power Torque @ rpm	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	max speed
displacement	type	Power Torque @ rpm	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	max speed
2.8 (2773 cc)	V6 FSI	210 PS (154 kW; 207 bhp); 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @3000	8.0 sec	237 km/h (147.3 mph)
3.0 (2976 cc)	V6	220 PS (162 kW; 217 bhp); 300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) @3200	7.9 sec	241 km/h (149.8 mph)
3.2 (3123 cc)	V6 FSI	256 PS (188 kW; 252 bhp); 330 N·m (243 ft·lbf) @3250	7.7 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
3.7 (3697 cc)	V8	280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp); 360 N·m (266 ft·lbf) @3750	7.3 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4172 cc)	V8	340 PS (250 kW; 335 bhp); 430 N·m (317 ft·lbf) @3500	6.4 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4172 cc)	V8 FSI	350 PS (257 kW; 345 bhp); 440 N·m (325 ft·lbf) @3500	6.1 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
5.2 (5,204 cc)	V10 FSI	450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp); 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf) @3500	5.1 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
6.0 (5998 cc)	W12	450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp); 580 N·m (428 ft·lbf) @4700	5.1 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
3.0 (2967 cc)	V6 TDI	233 PS (171 kW; 230 bhp); 450 N·m (332 ft·lbf) @3250	7.8 sec	243 km/h (151.0 mph)
4.0 (3936 cc)	V8 TDI	275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp); 650 N·m (479 ft·lbf) @1800	6.7 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4134 cc)	V8 TDI	326 PS (240 kW; 322 bhp); 650 N·m (479 ft·lbf) @1600	5.9 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)

In North America, only the 4.2 V8, 5.2 V10, and 6.0 W12 petrol engines are available. The 4.0 TDI was discontinued when the 4.2 TDI was introduced.

Third generation (D4, Typ 4H; 2009–present)

Third generation (D4)

Production	2010–present
Platform	Audi MLP
Engine	petrol engines: 3.0 L TFSI V6 4.2 L FSI V8 6.3 L W12 diesel engines: 3.0 L V6 TDI 4.2 L V8
Transmission	8-speed ZF 8HP tiptronic automatic 7-speed dual clutch S tronic
Wheelbase	2,992 mm (117.8 in) (standard wheelbase)
Length	5,131 mm (202.0 in) (standard wheelbase)
Width	1,948 mm (76.7 in)
Height	1,461 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight	4,045 pounds (1,835 kg)
Related	Bentley Mulsanne

The third-generation Audi A8 (Typ 4H) was introduced in Miami on 30 November 2009 and went on sale in November 2010 as a 2011 model.

It is based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, but retains the Audi Space Frame aluminium construction of the previous A8, making it the lightest all-wheel drive car in the full-size luxury segment, while also giving it best-in-class fuel economy.

Initial internal combustion engine options comprise 4.2-litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) petrol and Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel V8s, with 273 kilowatts (371 PS; 366 bhp) and 258 kilowatts (351 PS; 346 bhp) respectively. A 3.0-litre V6 TDI with either 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp) or 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp) will be available later. A 6.3-litre W12 engine will be added in 2010. Most engines will be mated to the new eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission.

The D4 iteration of the Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro can do a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) sprint in 5.1 seconds, which is quicker than the past-generation D3 platform Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro.

The D4 A8 features all light-emitting diode (LED) headlights, an enhanced Multi Media Interface with touchpad, and an optional 1,400 watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The 2011 Audi A8 was launched in the United States with a series of adverts known as "Goodnight" (a homage to a classic children's story) and "Release the Hounds" (featuring Kenny G), with both ads criticising a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (a white 2010 S550 4MATIC) as old luxury. "Release the Hounds" aired during Super Bowl XLV.

Reception for the 2011 Audi A8 has been positive for its fuel-efficiency, light-weight, handling, and acceleration.

Features

All LED headlights with cornering light, country mode, highway mode, intersection mode, city mode
Intelligent quattro (four-wheel drive system) (splits torque with a default bias of 40 percent front and 60 percent rear)
"Audi Space Frame" aluminium monocoque

Optional A8 features include a driver assistance system networked using FlexRay technology. along with a GPS navigation system coordinating input to the adaptive headlights, transmission, cruise control and Electronic Stability Programme. The A8 also offers an optional driver control system for numerous sub-systems, marketed as MMI (Multi Media Interface) which can recognise handwriting inputs for the phone and navigation system and provide 3D navigation with Google Earth.,optional night vision assistant with pedestrian recognition, and mobile broadband internet access with UMTS 3G and WLAN-Hotspot

A8 L Security Edition

In February 2011, Audi debuted a special Security edition of the A8. The A8 L Security features a core safety cell made from hot-formed armoured steel, aramide fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminium and multilayer glass. The car receives a high level of armoring, an emergency exit system, and a ballistic protection rating of VR7 – strong enough to, according to Audi, withstand a military hand grenade attack. The A8 L Security receives Audi's 500 horsepower W12 engine.

Engine variants

engine		Power @ rpm	Torque @ rpm	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	max speed
displacement	type	Power @ rpm	Torque @ rpm	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	max speed
Petrol engines
3.0 (2995 cc)	V6 TFSI	290 PS (213 kW; 286 bhp) @4850–6500	420 N·m (310 ft·lbf) @2500–4850	6.1 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
4.2 (4163 cc)	V8 FSI	372 PS (274 kW; 367 bhp) @ 6800	445 N·m (328 ft·lbf) @3500	5.7 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
6.3 (6299 cc)	W12	500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp)	625 N·m (461 ft·lbf) @3250	4.9 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)
Common rail diesel engines
3.0 (2967 cc)	V6 TDI	250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp) @4000–4500	550 N·m (406 ft·lbf) @1500–3000	6.1 sec	243 km/h (151.0 mph)
4.2 (4134 cc)	V8 TDI	350 PS (257 kW; 345 bhp) @ 4000	800 N·m (590 ft·lbf) @1750–2750	5.5 sec	250 km/h (155.3 mph)

Audi S8

Audi has produced two generations of the Audi S8 quattro, a high-performance variant in the vein of Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class models. Both incarnations of the S8 use the standard wheelbase platform (not the long-wheelbase of the A8L).

The S8 was first produced in 1996, and compared to the standard A8, it has 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. A six-speed manual transmission option was available, but this was not offered in North America. 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) 5.2 FSI V10 engine. Full production started in June 2006. The S8 is comparable to Audi's top-of-the-line long-wheelbaseA8L W12, though the W12 is more expensive, and has more torque. The S8's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

It is anticipated that a third-generation Audi S8 is expected to go on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model, released one year after the all-new 2011 Audi A8. Recent reports suggested that the S8 would use the new 4.0-litre FSI biturbo V8 engine, with 382 kilowatts (519 PS; 512 bhp).