Audi A8 - generation

The Audi A8 is a full-size executive car built by the German automaker Audi to replace the V8 model as its flagship offering. First brought to the market in 1994, most versions of the A8 have featured quattro all-wheel-drive as standard as well as a Multitronic or Tiptronic automatic transmission. Two generations of the A8 have been produced in both short and long wheelbase form.


1st generation (4D) A8 (1994-2003)

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 sacrificing rigidity. The saloon was offered in both the A8 and the A8L long-Wheelbase version. The A8L adds five inches of rear legroom. 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 1997, the new A8 was available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive quattro. The FWD models are powered by a 2.8L V6 producing 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) and 3.7L V8, while the quattro received a 4.2L V8 producing 310 PS (306 hp/228 kW). 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 a premium Bose audio system. Audi's flagship received new colors and restructuring of option packages in 1999. The warm weather package added a solar sunroof that allows the air conditioning and heating to run when the engine is turned off. Changes to all models included a larger passenger mirror and a first aid kit located in the rear armrest.

 The 2000 model year saw front-end, re-freshening 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 3.7L FWD model was dropped, leaving only the long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase 4.2L quattro.

  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 L unit developed by mating two 3.0 L 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 HID headlights and a heated steering wheel. A tyre pressure monitoring system, an updated Symphony II stereo, and new exterior colors were also added.



 2nd generation (4E) A8 (2003-present)

The second-generation A8 built on Audi's D3 platform was introduced in early 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.

Two body variants of the second generation A8 are offered, the A8 and the long-wheelbase A8L. The A8L adds five inches of rear legroom.

 Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, endowing all variants with a taller, wider single-frame grille inspired by that of the Nuvolari concept car. The top-of-the-line 12-cylinder W12 version was the first model to be equipped with this grille; V8 models were outfitted with the new grille the following year. In addition to the styling update, new engines became available to European and Asian market customers. The entry-level 3.0 L V6 was replaced with a new 3.2 L unit featuring FSI, which it shares with the new A4.

 The second-generation A8 introduced the 4.2 L Diesel V8 engine. Generating 240 kW (326 PS/322 bhp) of power, this is the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile before the debut of Audi's 6.0L V12 in the Audi Q7. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers, with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one bank of four cylinders. The 2.8L V6 FSI, which is recently added to the A8 range, has a class leading 199g/km of CO2 emission.

 For MY 2008, the A8 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.

Engine variants

Engine		Power	0-100 km/h	Top speed	Fuel consumption EU cycle average
Displacement	Type
3.0 L (2967 cc)	V6 TDI	171 kW (232 PS/229 bhp)	7.8 s	243 km/h (151 mph)	8.5 L/100 km (33 mpg imp/28 mpg US)
3.2 L (3123 cc)	V6 FSI	191 kW (260 PS/256 bhp)	7.7 s	250 km/h (155 mph)	9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg imp/24 mpg US)
4.2 L (4134 cc)	V8 TDI	240 kW (326 PS/322 bhp)	5.9 s	250 km/h (155 mph)	9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg imp/25 mpg US)
4.2 L (4163 cc)	V8 FSI	257 kW (349 PS/345 bhp)	6.1 s	250 km/h (155 mph)	10.9 L/100 km (25.9 mpg imp/21.6 mpg US)
6.0 L (5998 cc)	W12	331 kW (450 PS/444 bhp)	5.1 s	250 km/h (155 mph)	14.7 L/100 km (19.2 mpg imp/16.0 mpg US)

In most markets outside Europe, only the 4.2 V8 and 6.0 W12 petrol powerplants are available. The 4.0 TDi was dropped when the 4.2 TDi was introduced.


 Audi S8 variants

In 1998, Audi introduced the 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 the second-generation S8, powered by a 450 PS (331 kW) V10 engine derived from the 5.2 L V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo.