Audi A8 arrives
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11th February, 2011
Audi Australia has introduced a new dimension in fuel
efficiency to the A8 range with the addition of two TDI diesel engines.
Joining the existing 4.2 FSI petrol V8 will be a 184 kW six-cylinder 3.0 TDI and a 258 kW V8 4.2
TDI. The addition of these two diesel engines elevates Audi’s aluminium-bodied technology leader to
new heights of fuel efficiency and diesel-powered performance.
Demonstrating the so-called Vorsprung durch Technik with its powerful and efficient
engines, advanced driver assistance systems, intuitive MMI control system with touchpad and an
elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of fit and finish, the Audi A8 sends a clear message of
what is to come for future Audi generations.
A whole new level of efficiency: the 3.0 TDI
The new 3.0 TDI is standard with a start-stop system. When the car comes to a stop at a traffic
light, an intersection or elsewhere and the driver keeps the brake depressed, the system’s control
unit shuts down the engine. In the standardised driving cycle, the start-stop system reduces fuel
consumption by roughly 0.4 litres/100 km and around 8 grammes of C02/km. The increase in efficiency
is even more pronounced in everyday driving, a high percentage of which takes place in city traffic.
The six-cylinder 3.0 TDI is new from the ground up. All major components are new developments,
from the cylinder block to the crankshaft and the connecting rods to the cylinder heads.
The V6 diesel combines strong performance with exemplary efficiency. It produces 184 kW from its
2,967 cc displacement and delivers 550 Nm at 1,500 to 3,000 rpm, representing an increase of 13 kW
and 100 Nm compared to the previous model.
Consumption, on the other hand, is reduced by 1.9 litres, or 22 per cent, to 6.6 litres/100 km.
The 3.0 TDI has CO2 emissions of only 176 g/km – one of the best in the segment. The V6 diesel
accelerates the new Audi A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and to a governed top speed of 250
km/h.
An important development priority was the reduction of weight. The new V6 weighs only 194
kilogrammes, a full 23 kilogrammes less than its predecessor.
Massive pulling power: the 4.2 TDI
The 4.2 TDI is a superior high-tech engine. Its displacement of 4,134 cc yields 258 kW and an
incredible 800 Nm of torque, the latter of which is available between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The
sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h takes 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed
to 250 km/h.
This makes the standardised consumption of only 7.6 litres/100 km, an equivalent of 199 g/km
CO2, all the more impressive. This is a full 1.8 litres/100 km or 19 per cent less than its
predecessor while power has increased by 18 kW and torque by 150 Nm. The Audi A8 4.2 TDI is the
only V8 diesel engine in the luxury class with CO2 emissions below 200 g/km.
The advancements with the 4.2 TDI are primarily the result of the increased injection pressure
of the common rail system.
The weight of the TDI dropped to 254 kilogrammes. The cooling water pipes are now made of
aluminium instead of steel; aluminium add-on parts such as the oil pan, the chain box, and the
intake module have become lighter. The common rail system lost 1.2 kilogrammes; the exhaust system
is a full 11 kilogrammes lighter. The two water-cooled turbochargers with variable geometry and
charge air cooling are also components of the latest generation.
The A8 4.2 TDI has a range of approximately 1,100 km on a single tank of fuel on uncongested
highways (depending on circumstances of course).
The Audi A8: advanced technology
The A8 is also light in weight, yet very strong thanks to its elegant and powerful aluminium
Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, weighing about 40 per cent less than a comparable steel
structure.
The standard new 8-speed tiptronic transmission also plays a large role in increasing
efficiency – finely graduating its eight gears while achieving a large overall spread. Its control
system is purely electronic, operated with an elegant ‘yacht design’ gear selector and rocker
switches at the steering wheel.
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The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinct sporty and rear-end bias. The standard
sport differential (for V8 models) dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels for
an outstanding handling characteristic.
The new A8 also claims the lead as the sportiest luxury sedan on the market in terms of its
chassis. The wheel control arms are made of aluminium. The adaptive air suspension with controlled
damping is standard equipment and is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamics system. The
optional dynamic steering is a great supplement to this system.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in the segment,” claims Audi Australia’s managing
director, Uwe Hagen.
“Now with the introduction of these two cutting-edge TDI engines, we have added a new chapter
in Audi’s efficiency story and proved without doubt that the A8 is the pinnacle of the Audi range
and the leader in its class”.
The full LED headlights (optional), which use light emitting diodes for all light functions, are
a very exclusive high-end solution featured on the new A8. They give the brand’s top model an
impressive look even in daylight, and at night they are unmistakeable. The revolutionary optics
used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used today. The
full LED headlights herald a new chapter in the history of lighting technology.
The interior is second-to-none and shouts of hand-crafted, uncompromising quality, unparalleled
fit and finish, as well as extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. The comfort on board
is first class – from striking ambient lighting, to the extendable and user-friendly front and rear
centre consoles, 22-way electrically-adjustable front seats to the luxurious adjustable rear
seats (optional).
Audi A8: Engines
|
|
3.0 TDI quattro |
4.2 TDI quattro |
4.2 FSI quattro |
|
Cylinder |
6 |
8 |
8 |
|
Displacement |
2,967 cc |
4,134 cc |
4,163 cc |
|
Power output: |
184 kW |
258 kW |
273 kW |
|
Torque: |
550 Nm from |
800 Nm from |
445 Nm |
|
|
1,500 to 3,000 rpm |
1,750 to 2,750 rpm |
at 3,500 rpm |
|
0 - 100 km/h |
6.1 s |
5.5 s |
5.7 s |
|
Top speed |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
|
Fuel economy |
6.6 l/100 km |
7.6 l/100 |
9.5 l/100 km |
|
CO2 emissions |
176 g/km |
199 g/km |
220 g/km |
At a glance - The Audi A8
Body
- Lightweight and yet ultra-strong aluminium body with ASF design
- Flowing design, optional full LED headlights
Interior and controls
- Luxurious interior with newly developed, spacious styling
- Craftsman-level fit and finish, emotionally charged interior lighting
- Advanced MMI control system, new MMI touchpad navigation system
- Valcona leather seats with 22-way adjustment, with optional ventilation and massage functions,
and luxurious individually-adjustable rear seats (opt).
Safety
- New Audi pre sense safety system for mitigating accidents and their consequences
- Integral head restraint system protects upper torso and supports the head in an accident
- Electronic stabilisation program ESP with traction control and electronic differential lock
- quattro all-wheel drive active safety system
Infotainment and driver assistance systems
- Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function
- Audi side assist and lane assist
Drivetrain
- Powerful and efficient engines all with direct injection technology: Two TDi engines and one
petrol engine with power ranging from 184 kW to 273 kW
- Consumption reduced by up to 22 per cent
- All engines with recuperation system
- New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive with Audi drive select and sport rear differential
Chassis
- Lightweight aluminium suspension
- Audi drive select dynamic driving system including adaptive air suspension and adaptive damping
standard, optional dynamic steering
Audi A8 manufacturer’s list price* (MLP*) list:
Audi A8 3.0 TDI: $188,000*
Audi A8 4.2 TDI: $234,500*
Audi A8 4.2 FSI: $234,500*
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory
charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are
subject to change without notice.
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