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In addition to its dynamic performance, generous space and luxury the A8L
4.2 quattro is the ideal top-class sedan for long-distance travel. Its wheelbase
has been increased by 130 millimetres, compared with the standard version, and
now measures 3074 millimetres.
The resulting gain in space benefits the rear passengers in full. With the
front seats fully forward, rear passengers can enjoy a legroom of 1075
millimetres – first-class standards of space.
In future, owners of the Audi A8L 4.2 quattro will find it hard to choose
where to take their seats when entering their car. Behind the wheel they can
enjoy driving the sportiest of luxury sedans, with its advanced aluminium
suspension with air springs and adaptive shock absorber control, quattro
permanent all-wheel drive and powerful 4.2-litre V8 engine.
Those who leave the steering wheel to their drivers, taking a seat in the
rear, will be welcomed by generous space and seating comfort that sets new
standards. On request, passengers can relax on electrically adjustable
individual seats, which are also available – depending on the owner's personal
preferences – as highly ergonomic, extra-comfortable seats with massage
function, seat heating and ventilation. Rear passengers will enjoy a pleasant
driving experience: The Audi A8L is currently the most dynamic way to be driven
rather than to drive.
Another extra-comfort feature: the front passenger's seat can be adjusted
from the rear, allowing rear passengers who are sitting directly behind it to
increase their legroom if necessary.
The four-zone comfort automatic air conditioning also provides a high level
of comfort and well-being. The system permits rear passengers to set the
required temperature and air distribution individually by means of separate
controls on the centre console. Rear seat-area ventilation is through air
outlets in the B posts, at the rear of the centre console and in the rear
footwells. There is a draught-free, indirect air supply to all seats. The air
conditioning's acoustics also set new standards of refinement.
Design
Exterior
Even a first glance at the flowing outlines of the new Audi A8L clearly
reveals the personality of this 5.18-metre long, 1.89-metre wide and 1.44-metre
high sedan - a harmonious combination of clarity and sporting character, grace
and elegance.
A low front with an unusually short overhang, a high, powerful tail and the
distinct wedge-shaped body of the new A8L are features of its dynamic styling.
For the long Audi A8, as for the standard version, the crouched silhouette and
the shoulder line clearly rising to the rear underline the sporting effect. The
prestigious size of this large luxury sedan only becomes evident on a closer
look.
The well-proportioned but powerful styling of the Audi A8 radiates elegance
in the long version too, the body of which now has an overall length of 5,181
mm. With its clear, drawn-out lines, it communicates the impression of dynamism
and agility that is typical of the Audi A8.
The wheelbase of the Audi A8 long version has been extended by 130
millimetres and is now 3074 mm. The increase in the car's overall length has
been neatly incorporated between the B and D posts. The rear doors, which have
also grown in length by 130 mm, blend into the dynamic side contour harmoniously
and permit passengers to enter and leave the car with particular ease.
Even more convenience awaits the passenger inside the A8, at all seats and in
all dimensions. Headroom in the rear– compared with the previous model – has
been increased by five millimetres. There are seven millimetres more width at
shoulder height, and the elbow room has grown by 10 mm.
Interior
The interior of the new A8 is also visibly and palpably characterised by
sportiness, elegance and sensuality. The interior has a flair that stems from
its meticulous design, superlative-quality materials and perfect craftsmanship.
The Audi A8 is a driver's car – a fact that is apparent even from a mere
glance at its interior. It is characterised by the driving area's neat,
driver-oriented overall design. The central architectural features are the high
centre console – reminiscent of a sports car – incorporating the MMI terminal,
with its retractable display in the instrument panel.
A clear join separates the centre console from the instrument panel: this is
a clear indication of the departure from the classic cockpit look with a vast
expanse of control and display elements scattered all over the place.
The actual control centre of the new A8, comprising the MMI terminal and the
controls for the air conditioning, is situated around the gear lever. All
control elements are clearly identifiable and easy to reach. During operation
the driver can keep his arm on the ergonomically redefined armrest.
Thanks to MMI and the lack of a conventional handbrake lever, the design of
both the centre console and the instrument panel is kept neat and expansive. The
dynamic profile and the instrument panel's emphasis on horizontal lines also
convey a very immediate impression of physical lightness.
The smooth transition between the instrument panel and the top shoulder is
another feature that is typical of Audi. This line, structured by a two-section
trim insert, continues as far as the rear compartment, creating a new sense of
spaciousness. Depending on the choice of materials, the interior can be given a
touch of sportiness or a tastefully elegant direction.
Another equally unmistakable sign of change in the Audi A8 is the new
generation of multifunctional steering wheels. There is a 4-spoke
multifunctional leather steering wheel as standard with touch keys and menu
roller controls by means of which the driver conducts the dialogue with the
communication systems. The keys and rollers are a particularly convenient way of
operating the audio system and the telephone, for example, without having to
take a hand off the steering wheel.
The steering wheel of the A8L is also be equipped with shift paddles for
operation of the tiptronic – an operating principle that has already proven its
worth in the three-times Le Mans winner, the Audi R8. The driver can change gear
when cornering, without having to take his hands off the steering wheel.
The instrument panel, with large circular tubular-look instruments and a
central, high-resolution LED display, is visible through the steering wheel. Its
flat hood appears to be a natural extension of the engine lid, establishing a
unity between the lines of the interior and exterior.
The Aluminium Body
The innovative aluminium body uses a further developed form of the Audi Space
Frame (ASF) and is the basis for the new Audi A8's ride comfort, excellent road
behavior and handling characteristics.
Compared to the previous A8 generation, the number of body elements has been
significantly reduced by using more functional large castings and extruded
sections.
The new A8 has a completely-closed space frame. The most important result is
static torsional rigidity, a decisive yardstick for dynamic driving and freedom
from vibration, which has gone up by more than 60 percent compared with the
previous model.
As for the A8 with standard wheelbase, the front and rear ends of the long
version too are linked through the roof frame, body sills, B-cross member, B
posts and floor panels to form a closed space frame.
The B post is a large multifunctional casting which, in addition to carrying
the door hinges and lock strikers, is a central element in satisfying the side
impact crash requirements. Last but not least, the B post is essential to ensure
the A8 body's excellent freedom from vibration.
The new A8L 4.2 quattro's single-piece side sections run from the A post to
the rear end of the body. Like the roof, the side section too –the largest
aluminium sheet element used in car manufacturing worldwide – is laser-welded to
the load-bearing structure.
Compared with the standard version's 218-kilogram body structure, the A8L
weighs only 8 kg more. The fact that the A8 maintains its high level of rigidity
in the long-wheelbase version can also be ascribed to the use of extruded
sections in the door sills and roof frame.
The Audi A8L's freedom from vibration and handling characteristics set new
standards in the luxury sedan segment. The relationship between high rigidity
and low weight represents an absolute world record among all long-wheelbase
sedan competitors.
Engine and Driveline
At launch, the Audi A8 long version is available with a 246 kW (335 hp)
4.2-litre V8 five-valve engine and permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The
standard 6-speed tiptronic invites the driver to choose freely between the
sporting character of a manual-shift gearbox and the convenience of automatic
transmission.
The engine has gained significantly in terms of output and performance– with
an additional 25 hp and 20 Nm of torque, values that guarantee supreme drive-off
performance and vivid acceleration in all speed ranges.
The A8L 4.2 quattro sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in only 6.4 seconds and has a
top speed of 250 km/h (governed).
An absolute first at Audi is the new 6-speed tiptronic with Dynamic Shift
Program (DSP) and an additional Sport program. Thanks to the additional ratio,
power output and torque are always available in such accurately controlled
amounts that there are no further conflicts between spontaneous power flow, high
performance on the road and perfect refinement.
Those who prefer their gears to be selected automatically will appreciate the
outstanding convenience of the adaptive electronics. A version of the Dynamic
Shift Program (DSP) specially developed for the 6-speed tiptronic helps to
reduce the number of gear shifts, despite the additional ratio compared with the
previous five-speed unit.
In addition, manual gear-shifting is possible when the selector lever is
moved to the tiptronic gate plane. Another innovation in the Audi A8 is the
option of changing gear by actuating the shift paddles behind the steering
wheel. The driver can for instance change gear when cornering, and without
having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive, through which the A8L 4.2 transfers
its power to the road, remains an advanced feature in the luxury car class.
quattro ensures excellent traction and stable cornering, and minimises any
self-steering tendency caused by the influence of tractive force through the
driveline. This is a precondition for high cornering speeds and a high level of
dynamic stability. Or to put it another way - maximum driving pleasure and
active safety.
The Suspension
The new A8 has aluminium suspension with a four-link front axle layout and a
controlled toe-angle trapezoidal-link rear axle – both concepts that already
gave the A8's predecessor its typical responsiveness and steering precision.
Audi's suspension engineers have now purposefully further developed its
strengths. The braking system and the steering system with variable transmission
ratio and servotronic were newly designed.
The adaptive air suspension – 4-corner air springs and continuous shock
absorber control – is an air suspension concept used for the first time in the
luxury car class, which eliminates the classic conflicting target of
satisfactory handling properties and the appropriately high level of suspension
comfort. Lowering the ride height at high speeds improves the new Audi A8's
aerodynamic properties and therefore reduces its fuel consumption.
Air suspension with the electronically-controlled, continuously adaptive
shock absorber system provides perfect driving comfort. The system responds to
numerous sensor signals such as body acceleration, vertical movement of the four
wheels and also various other parameters such as steering angle or the position
of accelerator and brake pedals, before determining the optimum damping force
for the relevant driving situation.
As long as there is no necessity for increased damping – for example travel
in a straight line on a good-quality road – the shock absorbers remain
comfortably soft. Controlled changes to the damping force at individual wheels
help to eliminate body movements at any time which could reduce occupant
comfort.
Not only comfort but driving dynamics also benefit from this concept. The new
Audi A8's adaptive damping automatically reduces rolling or pitching movements
when cornering, braking or driving off.
The A8L 4.2 quattro is fitted with sporty, elegant 19” alloy wheels as
standard equipment. This combination ensures excellent handling and ride comfort
and sets high standards in terms of good wet-road grip and low rolling
resistance.
Standard Equipment
Undeniably, it's not the quantity alone but in particular the special quality
of the new Audi A8L's standard equipment that sets a new benchmark in the luxury
car class.
The A8's steering uses the speed-sensitive servotronic system, which
now has steering-angle sensing as well, thus ensuring a suitable amount
of effort at the steering wheel to match the car's speed and steering-wheel
angle.
The new 6-speed tiptronic and the new multifunction steering wheel,
with tiptronic shift paddles, of 4 spoke design ensure a high level of
handling convenience.
The standard luxury automatic air conditioning offers a very high level of
comfort. Compared with the previous model's system, Audi's development engineers
have mainly concentrated on reducing the risk of unpleasant currents of air
inside the car.
Additional air outlets have been integrated into the top of the fascia, from
where the necessary air volume is distributed without the occupants being aware
of any noticeable draughts. Air is supplied to the rear-seat area by outlets in
the B posts, at the rear end of the centre console and in the rear footwell.
The new Audi A8L now has automatic air conditioning with four-zone control
as a standard feature. This system allows rear passengers to select the
required temperature and air distribution individually by means of separate
controls in the centre console.
The four-zone automatic air conditioning allows individual selection
of temperature and air distribution settings at all four seats. With its
indirect ventilation it sets new and very high standards for draught-free air
conditioning.
A newly developed moisture sensing system in the A8 reduces the risk of
fogged windows. The demisting performance of the air conditioning evaporator is
based on data from the temperature and moisture sensors and from an infrared
radiation sensor which determines the temperature of the windscreen without
touching it.
Forward-looking technologies such as the Multi Media Interface (MMI),
the electro-mechanical parking brake with starting assistant and LEDs
in the rear-turn indicator lights and side repeaters are once again the best
possible confirmation for Audi's proverbial “Vorsprung durch Technik” – the
technological lead that is particularly welcome in the luxury car segment.
The same applies to passive safety equipment. The driver's and front
passenger's airbags have two-step inflation to provide optimum
protection in the event of frontal collisions. The driver's airbag is of
ring pattern. In the event of a side impact, side airbags in the seat
backs and the SIDEGUARD head airbag system ensure the highest level of safety
for occupants of all the car's outer seats.
The interior ambience is governed by the two-piece fine wood decor in brown
and matt palladium burr walnut, which extends round to the sides. Numerous
variants in different color tones between black and light beige can be combined
for the seat upholstery and trim.
The striking aluminium optics underline the dynamic character of the
new Audi A8 in various zones of the cockpit, such as the MMI terminal and
the selector lever gate, the instrument panel's tubular dial surrounds and the
clip on the standard multifunctional steering wheel.
The interior lighting package with ambient illumination has several
pre-defined illumination profiles to ensure a light intensity in the interior
that matches actual driving conditions. Ambient illumination creates a new level
of harmony with the entire interior design.
The A8L has standard comfort front seats which are electrically
adjustable, with driver and front passenger memory. Generous centre armrests are
standard at the front and rear for occupant comfort and support.
The standard radio system offers the occupants excellent acoustic
quality and keeps them supplied with up-to-date information. 4-way antenna
diversity and a total of eight loudspeakers plus subwoofer ensure excellent
reception and sound quality at all seats. An equalizer matched to the car's
equipment and trim specification takes into account changes to interior
acoustics caused, for instance, by the choice of cloth or leather upholstery.
Integration into the MMI operating concept has raised the level of operating
convenience most impressively. A list of all radio stations that can be received
in a given region appears at the touch of a button and is constantly updated by
the tuner.
Optional Extras
In particular in the luxury car segment, distinction is one of the decisive
criteria when designing an individual automobile. The new Audi A8L 4.2 quattro
offers almost inexhaustible scope for design, equipment and technical extras.
The optional sports seats with additional electrical adjustment
facilities are ideal for supreme long-distance comfort and perfect lateral
support.
At the customer's request the comfort seats can include two further extras -
a massage function and, combined with perforated Valcona leather
upholstery, seat heating and ventilation.
The comfort seats are also available at the rear with the option of
electrically adjustable individual seats. Together with the wide footwell
they offer first-class seating comfort fully equivalent to that enjoyed by the
front passenger, and enhanced if necessary by the provision for forward-back
adjustment of the front passenger's seat from the rear.
The standard of comfort provided by the automatic air conditioning can be
rounded off with the optional solar-cell sunroof. Even when the ignition
is switched off, this produces enough electrical energy to supply the passenger
compartment continuously with fresh air via the blower.
A top-class ambience is created with one of the two leather grades
offered or the combined Alcantara/leather upholstery and trim.
Valcona leather (standard for Australia) or natural leather are
a benchmark in terms of material and processing quality compared with anything
that competitors can offer. At the customer's request, the extended leather
equipment can be specified, in which case the armrests on the doors and
centre consoles can also be covered with these grades of leather, with their
subtle but entirely natural odor.
With the selection of amber Vavona wood or beige or gray grained
birch, an additional note of individuality can be created inside the car.
The extended aluminium look with numerous applications on the centre
console and fascia underlines the sporty flair of the A8 cockpit.
Communication, comfort and convenience
The infotainment equipment is also very extensive. The audio
system with optional CD drive or changer, with a quality that perfectly
matches the interior of the new A8, converts the Audi top-of-the-range model
into a mobile sound studio.
The BOSE Surround Sound System is of completely new design and
guarantees particular listening pleasure. Five amplifier channels distribute the
sound around the listener as in a concert hall – an aural experience that is
setting new standards even in the automotive luxury class. The BOSE system's
electronics also include dynamic noise compensation.
In a similar way to the audio system, the navigation system with DVD can
also be operated via the MMI terminal. The greater storage capacity of the
data medium and the Audi system's substantially extended operating scope mean
that it can justifiably claim perfection in its class.
The advanced key permits the driver to open the new A8 without having
to hold the key in his or her hand. A signaling device in the key releases the
car's central locking system when the car is approached and enables the engine
to be started by pressing the start button on the centre console as soon as the
key is anywhere inside the car.
The one-touch memory personalisation system allows as many as four
drivers to allocate numerous vehicle functions and settings to individual memory
sites and automatically activate them after personal identification. The system
scans the fingerprint of the relevant driver by means of an identification
sensor in the start button on the centre console.
A positive comparison with the memorized fingerprint permits numerous
activities to take place.
The seats, mirrors and steering wheel are adjusted to the previously
memorized personal configurations, together with the temperature and air
distribution settings of the air conditioning. The one-touch memory can also
activate individual infotainment preferences for the relevant driver.
Technical Data – Audi A8L 4.2 quattro
| Model |
Audi A8L
4.2 quattro |
| Engine /
electrics |
|
| Type of
engine |
V8
spark-ignition engine, two-stage variable intake manifold,
DOHC |
| Valve gear /
number of valves per cylinder |
Camshaft
adjustment, roller cam followers with hydraulic adjustment /
5 |
| Displacement in
cc / bore x stroke in mm / compression |
4172 / 84.5 x
93.0 / 11.0 |
| Max. power output
in kW (bhp) / at rpm |
246 (335) /
6500 |
| Max. torque in Nm
/ at rpm |
430 /
3500 |
| Engine
management |
Motronic ME
7.1.1: fully electronic sequential injection, coordinated torque control,
hot-film air-mass measurement, drive-by-wire throttle control, mapped ignition,
solid-state high-voltage distribution, cylinder-selective knock control using
two sensors, continuous adaptive lambda control |
| Exhaust emission
control |
Air-gap
insulated exhaust manifold, two close-coupled 3-way multi-stage catalytic
converters, four heated oxygen sensors |
| Emission
category |
EU
4 |
| Alternator in A /
battery in A/Ah |
190 / 450 /
95 |
| Drive /
transmission |
|
| Type of
drive |
Permanent
four-wheel drive with Torsen centre differential |
| Clutch |
Hydraulic
torque converter with lock-up clutch |
| Gearbox
type |
6-speed
tiptronic with DSP and additional sport program |
| Gear ratio in 1st
gear / 2nd gear |
4.171 /
2.340 |
| Gear ratio in 3rd
gear / 4th gear |
1.521 /
1.143 |
| Gear ratio in 5th
gear / 6th gear |
0.867 /
0.691 |
| Final drive ratio
/ reverse gear |
3.317 /
3.403 |
| Running gear /
steering / brakes |
|
| Front
suspension |
Four-link
front suspension, double upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, air
suspension |
| Rear
suspension |
Self-tracking
trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, air
suspension |
| Steering /
turning circle in m (D102) |
Maintenance-free rack-and-pinion steering with speed-dependent power
assistance and variable ratio / approx. 12.5 |
| Brake system,
front/rear |
Diagonally
split dual-circuit brake system with ESP/ABS/EBD, brake servo, hydraulic brake
assist, disc brakes, front and rear: ventilated discs;
front: dual-piston
callipers; electromechanical parking brake |
| Wheels /
tyres |
Cast
aluminium wheels, 10-hole styling; 8Jx17 / 235/55 R17 99
Y |
| Performance /
consumption / acoustics |
|
| Maximum speed in
km/h / mph |
250
(governed) / 155 |
| Acceleration 0-80
/ 0-100 km/h in sec |
4.9 /
6.4 |
| Fuel
grade |
Super Plus or
Super unleaded, 98/95 RON |
| Fuel consumption:
urban/extra urban/overall, l/100 km |
17.5 / 8.7 /
11.9 |
| CO2 mass
emission, g/ km |
286 |
| Standing /
drive-past exterior noise level in dB (A) |
74 /
73 |
| Servicing /
warranty |
|
| Long-life service
after a maximum of ... km |
According to
service indicator up to 30,000 (max. 2 years) 1) |
| Vehicle / paint /
rust penetration warranty |
3 years with
unlimited mileage / 3 years / 12 years |
| Weights /
loads |
|
| Unladen weight in
kg / gross weight limit in kg |
1850 /
2450 |
| Axle load limit
at front / rear in kg |
1315 /
1300 |
| Trailer load
limit, unbraked in kg |
750 |
| Trailer load
limit on 8% / 12% gradient, braked in kg |
2300 /
2300 |
| Roof load limit
in kg / permissible nose weight in kg |
100 /
95 |
| Capacities |
|
| Cooling system
capacity (incl. heating) in l |
11.5 |
| Engine oil
capacity (incl. filter) in l |
7.5 |
| Fuel tank
capacity in l |
90 |
| Body /
dimensions |
|
| Body type /
number of doors / seats |
Aluminium:
Audi Space Frame ASF / 4 / 5 |
| Drag coefficient
cD / frontal area A in m2 |
0.27 /
2.31 |
| Length (L103) /
width excl. mirrors (W103) / height (H100), mm |
5181 / 1894 /
1455 |
| Wheelbase (L101)
/ track at front/rear (W101/W102), mm |
3074 / 1629 /
1615 |
| Height of loading
lip in mm (H195) |
715 |
| Luggage capacity
in l, acc. to VDA block method (V210) |
500 |
ù) depending
on driving style and operating conditions
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