Audi A8L 4.2 quattro Details

Press Release

Audi A8 - In Depth
Audi A8 photo album - 129 photos
Audi A8L Long Wheelbase Photo Album - 18 Photos World premiere in the United States Audi is to present the long-wheelbase version of its new A8 4.2 quattro at the Detroit Motor Show (4th - 10th January 2003). 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 -compared with the standard version - has been increased by 130 millimeters and now measures 3074 millimeters. 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 millimeters -first-class standards of space. With this third version Audi extends the new A8 range just a few months after this model's initial launch. 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 most sporty of luxury sedans, with its advanced aluminum suspension with air springs and adaptive shock absorber control, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine. Those who leave the steering wheel to their chauffeurs and take 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 optional 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 center console. Rear seat-area ventilation is through air outlets in the B posts, at the rear of the center 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 Even a first glance at the flowing outlines of the new Audi A8 clearly reveals the personality of this 5.18-meter long, 1.89-meter wide and 1.44-meter 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 millimeters 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 millimeters; there are seven millimeters more width at shoulder height and the elbow room has grown by 10 mm. The Aluminum Body The innovative aluminum 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: static torsional rigidity, a decisive yardstick for dynamic driving and freedom from vibration, 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 aluminum sheet element used in car manufacturing worldwide - is laser-welded to the load-bearing structure. Compared with the standard version's 218-kilogramm 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 its series launch the Audi A8 long version will be available with a 246 kW (335 hp) 4.2-liter 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- plus 25 hp and plus 20 Nm 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: 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. It ensures excellent traction and stable cornering, and minimizes 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 aluminum suspension with a four-link front axle layout and a controlled toe-angle trapezoidal-link rear axle - both concepts that gave already 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: 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 too 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 10-hole, 8 J x 17" alloy wheels fitted with 235/55 R17 tires 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 multifunctional steering wheel 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 center console and in the rear footwells. 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. But that’s not enough. 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 has permanent validity in the luxury car segment too. 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 aluminum 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 standard equipment front seats for the new A8 are electrically adjustable, and there are generous center armrests at the front and rear for occupant comfort and support. The standard radio system offers the occupants excellent acoustical 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 two optional comfort and 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 in the form 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. On request, the new Audi A8L is available with automatic air conditioning with four-zone control. This system allows rear passengers to select the required temperature and air distribution individually by means of separate controls in the center console. 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 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 center consoles can 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 aluminum look with numerous applications on the center console and fascia underlines the sporty flair of the A8 cockpit. 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 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. 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 center console as soon as the key is anywhere inside the car. The one-touch memory personalization 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 center 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.