Audi A8 4.0 TDI quattro - In Detail

Press Release

Audi A8 4.0 TDI quattro - In Detail

A8 4.0 TDI quattro: supreme sportiness in the luxury segment The new 6-speed tiptronic with Dynamic Shift Program DSP and additional Sport program is available for the first time in conjunction with a TDI engine. Thanks to the extra gear, the engine's output and torque are always unleashed with such precision that the conflicting requirements of spontaneous power flow, high performance and perfectly refined running are all achieved. The additional sixth speed moreover means that the spread between the lowest and highest ratios has been increased by 30 percent – a vital requirement of greater dynamism on the one hand, and optimum economy on the other. As an option, it is possible to change gear either using the selector lever in the tiptronic gate or via shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The ergonomic advantages of this concept have already been demonstrated on the Le Mans champion model, the Audi R8: drivers can also change gear when cornering, without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. In conjunction with the low weight of the aluminium body built using the Audi Space Frame principle, the engine and transmission turn in an excellent performance coupled with exemplary economy. quattro permanent four-wheel drive continues to lead the way in the luxury segment. It converts the engine's performance into superbly effective propulsion and cornering stability, and effortlessly translates the immense torque into locomotion. The aluminium body: progress through lightness The innovative aluminium body, based on a refined version of the Audi Space Frame (ASF), provides the high-strength basis for low weight, a dynamic performance and excellent handling. It was possible to considerably reduce the number of components on the continuous ASF compared to the first A8 generation through the use of large functional castings and extruded sections. Static torsional rigidity was increased by 60 percent and ensures a major improvement in vibrational comfort, safety and dynamic handling potential. The body shell weighs 50 percent less than a steel body: minimum mass combined with maximum stability. The running gear: more dynamism as the driver wishes The new Audi A8 has a refined aluminium chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. The brakes and steering system with variable ratio and servotronic are a new design. Adaptive air suspension – a 4-corner air suspension system with continuous damper control – solves the classic conflict of aims between good handling properties and suspension comfort commensurate with the luxury class. The adaptive air suspension system has the right characteristic for every driving situation, reduces body movements with its continuously adjusted damping and thus optimises roadholding and comfort. The data from four sensors on the axles and three acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. This computer prompts the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in a matter of milliseconds, based on the driving situation identified, thereby always assuring optimum driving dynamics and ride comfort. The driver can choose between four predefined settings, for a suspension characteristic ranging from overtly sporty to ultra-comfortable.

• In the automatic mode, the body is at the standard height when stationary and at medium speed, with 120 millimetres of ground clearance. If the new A8 is driven at more than 120 km/h for over 30 seconds, the body is lowered by 25 millimetres. In the reverse order, the body is raised if the vehicle is driven more slowly than 70 km/h for more than two minutes or as soon as it drops below a speed of 35 km/h.
• The dynamic mode lowers the vehicle by 20 millimetres to a ground clearance of 100 millimetres even before it sets off; its centre of gravity is lower and the air suspension operates with firmer springs and a harder damping characteristic. The suspension tuning is particularly agile as a result.
• The comfort mode enables the car to glide extra-smoothly over all kinds of surface bumps because the system increases damping forces less frequently at lower speeds. The automatic lowering at motorway speeds is suppressed in order to obtain maximum compression travel.
• The lift mode can be activated in the speed range below 80 km/h as required. It raises ground clearance constantly by 25 millimetres and offers the balanced damping characteristics of the automatic mode. It is therefore particularly suitable for driving on uneven terrain.