Cars - Audi A8

	Cars - Audi A8

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 430 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.

Model Information

The A8 debuted in Europe as a 1994 model, 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 unsprung weight without being any less rigid. A second generation version of the A8 became available worldwide in 2003, now riding on an 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 the 2001 model year, Audi introduced their new W12 engine, a compact 6.0 litre unit developed by mating two 3.0 litre VR6 engines together at the crankshaft, similar to the 3.6 litre 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 and only in long-wheelbase versions of the car. From its introduction through its discontinuation in 2003, only 750 of the W12 models were produced.

Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly for the 2005 model year, 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 litre V6 was replaced by a new 3.2 litre 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.

In certain markets, the A8 is available with the following wide range of engines:

3.0 L (2967 cc) V6 engine TDI, 171 kW (233 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s;
3.2 L (3123 cc) V6 FSI, 191 kW (260 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.7 s;
3.7 L (3697 cc) V8 engine petrol, 206 kW (280 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.3 s;
4.2 L (4134 cc) V8 TDI, 240 kW (326 hp), 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 engine FSI, 331 kW (450 PS), 0–100 km/h in 5.2 s.

However in most markets outside Europe, only the 4.2 litre gasoline-burning V8 and W12 powerplants are available.

Audi S8

In 2001, Audi introduced an S8 variant in the vein of the Mercedes Benz 450SEL 6.9, S55 and S65. Although it shared the standard model's platform, it featured a re-tuned, 360 PS (265 kW) version of the standard 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. Production of the first-generation S8 ended in 2003, shortly before the introduction of the D3 platform A8. The base price of the first-generation S8 was US$72,500.

For the 2006 model year, Audi is introducing a new S8, now powered by a 450 PS (331 kW) V10 engine derived from the 5.0 litre V10 in the Lamborghini Gallardo. Much public confusion surrounded this engine choice after Audi's initial announcement because its PS 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. Initial reviews from European automotive magazines seem generally positive.

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Cars - Audi A8

Model Information

Audi S8

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