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The Audi A8 is a large luxury automobile built by Audi to replace the V8 model as its 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 in 1994, 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 weight without being any less rigid. A second generation version of the A8 became available worldwide in 2003, now riding on the 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 2001, Audi introduced their new W12 engine, a compact 6.0 L unit developed by mating two 3.0 L VR6 engines together at the crankshaft, similar to the 3.6 L 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 in 2005, 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 V6 was replaced by a new 3.2 L 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.
The A8 is available with the following wide range of engines:
- 3.0 L (2967 cc) V6 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 petrol, 206 kW (280 PS), 0–100 km/h in 7.3 s;
- 4.2 L (4134 cc) V8 TDI, 240 kW (326 PS), 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 FSI, 331 kW (450 PS), 0–100 km/h in 5.2 s.
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 Mercedes-Benz AMG models. 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.
In the last quarter of 2005, Audi introduced a new S8, now powered by a 450 PS (331 kW) V10 engine derived from the 5.0 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo. Much public confusion surrounded this engine choice after Audi's initial announcement because its power 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 (the difference is of 20 kg only in the SWB model). Initial reviews from European automotive magazines seem generally positive. Audi's factory performance claims for the V10 S8 indicate a 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds, although Audi tends to be conservative with acceleration ratings and it is anticipated that reviews from publications such as Car and Driver will produce 0-60 times closer to 4.8 seconds. This would put it in a competitive range with the Mercedes-Benz S 55 and make it slightly quicker than the S 600, BMW 760Li (powered by a 12 cylinder engine) and the company's own A8L W12, although the upcoming version of the Mercedes-Benz S 65 will be faster, albeit at a much higher price.
The S8 came to popular prominence after the movie Ronin, starring Robert De Niro, where its dramatic speed combined with its size became a useful plot element, and gained the car much international attention.
A8 Coupé
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 hired 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 sedan. Like the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, there was no central pillar, giving the car a seamless design with a gradually sloping roofline. The car included custom leather seats and could seat four. Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the 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 color 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.
References
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"Audi A8"