2006-2007 Audi A8

Chassis and suspension

The factor defining the dynamic, agile nature of the A8 is the chassis with suspension links made of aluminium. Four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension control the wheels. The A8 has rack-and-pinion steering with a variable ratio and speed-dependent power assistance, servotronic, as a standard feature.

The standard adaptive air suspension featured on the A8 – air suspension with active shock absorber control – solves the classic conflict between sporty handling and luxurious ride comfort. It presents a choice of four ground clearance stages; by lowering the body on motorways it enhances stability and aerodynamic properties.

All A8 V6 and V8 models are fitted with 17-inch wheels. Behind these are the high-performance disc brakes, secured by aluminium floating callipers. A tyre pressure monitoring system and run-flat tyres are available on request.

Sports transmission ratios

The ratios of the 6-speed tiptronic with Dynamic Shift Program DSP and auxiliary Sport program are in keeping with the sporty character of the A8 6.0 quattro. Thanks to the six-speed concept, the engine’s output and torque are always unleashed with such precision that spontaneous sprints are accomplished effortlessly in any speed range.

The final drive ratio is appreciably lower than the long wheelbase version, clearly benefiting this model’s dynamism.The A8 6.0 quattro reaches a speed of 200 km/h in 16.9 seconds. The typical sprint from 80 to 120 km/h that is so often needed for overtaking takes the "short" twelve-cylinder version precisely three seconds, in other words another 0.4 of a second faster than its equally powerful but more comfort-oriented brother.

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.

quattro permanent four-wheel drive continues to lead the way in the luxury segment. It converts the engine’s performance with superb efficiency into propulsion and cornering stability, and effortlessly translates the immense torque of this sporty saloon into locomotion.

The suspension: even more dynamism if the driver so chooses

The new Audi A8 6.0 quattro has an aluminium chassis concept that is typical for this car line and has been showered with praise by the trade press: four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension.

The standard adaptive air suspension sport system – an overtly sporty air suspension system with continuous damper control – has the right characteristic for every driving situation, reduces body movements with its continuously adjusted damping and thus optimises roadholding and comfort. There are four driving modes, to suit the driver’s preference for more comfort or more sportiness in any given situation.

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Equipment

In addition to the luxurious standard equipment for the A8, which also includes a high-quality audio system and a luggage compartment lid with power-assisted closing, a host of attractive options illustrate the high-tech character of the luxury saloon from the Neckarsulm plant. These include seats with a massage function for passengers’ backs or a climate control function, and the Advanced Sound System from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen, with an output of over 1,000 watts. Additional infotainment products offered include the digital radio, an interface for the MP3 player as well as the Bluetooth telephone. The one-touch memory personalisation system allows up to four drivers to save numerous personal settings – which are then identified by the respective fingerprint.

Luxury is also a priority at the rear of the cabin. Individual seats and seat air conditioning can be ordered for the rear, as well as a bar compartment and individual fold-out tables. The rear seat entertainment system, available in two versions, includes monitors in the head restraints of the front seats – part of the wide range of attractive equipment on offer.

Wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter and a sporty version of the air suspension emphasise the dynamic character of the Audi A8. adaptive light supplements the bi-xenon lights with a cornering and turning light function. adaptive cruise control automatically keeps a safe distance from the car ahead. Available to order is a visual parking aid, which uses a camera to observe the area behind the vehicle. Lines and distance indicators on the MMI display also help during parking manoeuvres.

Music to your eyes

Danish hi-fi and electronics specialist Bang & Olufsen is developing a pioneering sound system for the flagship Audi A8 which is expected to set new standards even in the luxury segment. Audi will showcase its first vehicle with the “B & O Advanced Sound System” on board at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show 2005. The system will be available at the end of 2005/beginning of 2006.

Innovative designs coupled with advanced technology, plus the highest quality materials and finish: all these factors are equally important to business partners Audi and Bang & Olufsen.

The status of the Audi A8 as the sportiest saloon car in the luxury segment is based on its trend-setting styling and technology, representing the highest level of car manufacture in all areas. The aluminium Audi Space Frame body, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the Multi Media Interface (MMI) are just three examples of the proverbial Audi “Vorsprung durch Technik”.

This technological lead has now been extended into the acoustic dimension by the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. This system, which is being developed exclusively for the A8, pays heed to the actual acoustic characteristics of the car interior, such as internal space, shape and materials used. Factors including driving speed, the corresponding wind effect and friction between asphalt and tyres are also taken into account.

A total of fourteen active high-end loudspeakers, B & O’s own Acoustic Lens Technology and over 1,000 watts of amplifier power combine to produce a flawless acoustic experience inside the Audi A8. Designed exclusively for the Audi A8, the loudspeaker grilles are made from precision-machined anodised aluminium, the very same material used in the construction of the sporty luxury saloon’s body.

Active speakers are housed behind the covers, each with its own individual amplifier. This allows the sound properties to be adjusted accurately in accordance with the precise function of the speaker within the overall concept. All loudspeakers are housed in closed cabinets, allowing each speaker to be fully controlled irrespective of where it is mounted. This elaborate technology eliminates excessive resonance interference.

The sound system is also music to your eyes: its design dovetails beautifully with the sporty and luxurious A8 ambience, adding extra artistic touches to it. When the system is activated, for example, two lens tweeter speakers automatically emerge from the dashboard, whose precision-aligned horizontal emissions offer perfect sound reproduction for all occupants. Here, the fascination of visual technology blends seamlessly with the acoustic brilliance of the new Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

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The A8 series at a glance

Audi A8 3.2 FSI:

Engine: displacement 3,123 cc, power output 191 kW (260 bhp) at 6,500 rpm, maximum torque 330 Nm at 3,250 rpm. Performance and consumption (A8 standard version with front-wheel drive): 0 – 100 km/h in 7.7 s, top speed 250 km/h, consumption (combined) 9.9 litres of Premium fuel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with multitronic or quattro drive with six-speed tiptronic.

Audi A8 4.2 FSI:

Engine: displacement 4,163 cc, power output 257 kW (350 bhp) at 6,800 rpm, maximum torque 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Performance and consumption (A8 standard version): 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 s, top speed 250 km/h, consumption (combined)
10.9 litres of Super Plus per 100 km. Drive combination: quattro drive with six-speed tiptronic.

Audi W12:

Engine: displacement 5,998 cc, power output 331 kW (450 bhp) at 6,200 rpm, maximum torque 580 Nm between 4,000 and 4,700 rpm. Performance and consumption (A8 standard version): 0 – 100 km/h in 5.1 s, top speed 250 km/h, consumption (combined) 14.7 lires of Super Plus per 100 km. Drive combination: quattro four-wheel drive with six-speed tiptronic.

The Audi W12, the top version in the A8 model line, fuses the performance of a powerful sports car with an ambience of luxury and sportiness. It too is available with a standard or long wheelbase. The adaptive light technology with LED daytime running lights is provided as standard and, together with discreet optical modifications to the radiator grille and exhaust system, it hints at the vehicle’s potential. 18-inch wheels on the long version and 19-inch wheels on the standard version plus adaptive air suspension (with sporty settings on the standard version) combine comfort with dynamic handling characteristics. The brake discs on the front wheels measure 385 mm in diameter; as an option, Audi offers brake discs made from a carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic featuring six-piston callipers up front.

The twelve-cylinder engine’s output of 331 kW (450 bhp) accelerates the saloon to
100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The interior of the W12 treats the driver to an exclusive ambience created with high-quality wood, leather and aluminium fittings, a surround sound system from Bose and a DVD-based navigation system. The tiptronic can be operated via the selector lever and also via the paddles on the sports steering wheel. Further exclusive and luxurious options from the range of optional extras for the regular A8 are naturally also available for the Audi A8 W12.

Audi A8 3.0 TDI:

Engine: displacement 2,967 cc, power output 171 kW (233 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 450 Nm between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. Performance and consumption (A8 standard version): 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 s, top speed 243 km/h, consumption (combined) 8.5 litres of diesel per 100 km. Drive combination: four-wheel drive with six-speed tiptronic.

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Pricing

Audi A8 - Starting at $68,900

Standard Features

• 16-way power adjustable front seats with memory system
• 18" 5-arm highly polished cast alloy wheels
• 255/45 R 18 all-season tires
• 4 spoke, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel
• 4-corner air suspension with electronic shock absorption control
• 4-way power lumbar adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• 6-disc CD changer located in the glove box
• Adaptive light system
• Advanced MMI (Multi Media Interface) system
• Aluminum-design for trim around air vents and MMI display, control unit below central vents, electromechanical parking switch and ring around light switch.
• Audi DVD Navigation system*
• Auto-dimming interior mirror with anti-glare action
• Automatically dimming/power folding exterior mirrors with memory function
• Bi-xenon headlights with automatic self leveling
• Bose® premium 12-speaker sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, center fill speaker and AudioPilot® noise-compensation technology
• Comfort front seats
• Convex outer right rearview mirror
• Distinctive badging on trunk lid
• Door sill trims with aluminum inlay
• Driver and front passenger knee protection airbags*
• Dual climate control air conditioning with separate driver and front passenger controls
• Electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features
• Exterior mirrors painted in body color
• First Aid kit in rear center armrest
• Front and Rear Comfort Headrests
• Front and Rear floor mats
• Front and rear ashtrays with cigarette lighter
• Front comfort center armrest, split, for driver and front passenger
• High-pressure retractable headlight washers
• Homelink® universal garage door opener in overhead console
• Immobilizer anti-theft alarm system with blinking theft-deterrent light in driver’s door
• Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in rear seats
• Phone preparation with Bluetooth® interface
• Platinum inlays
• Portavaso
• Power glass sunroof with slide-and-tilt functions and pinch protection
• Power seat belt height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away for ease of entry and exit
• Radio frequency remote locking system
• Rear bench seats 3, providing a 5-person seating configuration
• Remote power trunk release button in driver’s door
• Satellite radio preparation*
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror on driver’s and front seat passenger’s side
• The Multi Media Interface (MMI™) - consisting of a terminal in the center console and an MMI display in the dashboard
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Valcona leather
• Voice control for Navigation, radio, CD changer and telephone
• Walnut brown wood inlays
• White ambient LED lighting for storage compartments, front & rear footwells, door handles - with adjustable settings (using MMI™)

Audi A8 L - Starting at $72,900

Standard Features

• 16-way power adjustable front seats with memory system
• 18" 5-arm highly polished cast alloy wheels
• 255/45 R 18 all-season tires
• 4 spoke, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel
• 4-corner air suspension with electronic shock absorption control
• 4-way power lumbar adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• 6-disc CD changer located in the glove box
• Adaptive light system
• Advanced MMI (Multi Media Interface) system
• Aluminum-design for trim around air vents and MMI display, control unit below central vents, electromechanical parking switch and ring around light switch.
• Audi DVD Navigation system*
• Auto-dimming interior mirror with anti-glare action
• Automatically dimming/power folding exterior mirrors with memory function
• Bi-xenon headlights with automatic self leveling
• Bose® premium 12-speaker sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, center fill speaker and AudioPilot® noise-compensation technology
• Comfort front seats
• Convex outer right rearview mirror
• Distinctive badging on trunk lid
• Door sill trims with aluminum inlay
• Driver and front passenger knee protection airbags*
• Dual climate control air conditioning with separate driver and front passenger controls
• Electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features
• Exterior mirrors painted in body color
• First Aid kit in rear center armrest
• Front and Rear Comfort Headrests
• Front and Rear floor mats
• Front and rear ashtrays with cigarette lighter
• Front comfort center armrest, split, for driver and front passenger
• High-pressure retractable headlight washers
• Homelink® universal garage door opener in overhead console
• Immobilizer anti-theft alarm system with blinking theft-deterrent light in driver’s door
• Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in rear seats
• Phone preparation with Bluetooth® interface
• Platinum inlays
• Portavaso
• Power glass sunroof with slide-and-tilt functions and pinch protection
• Power seat belt height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away for ease of entry and exit
• Radio frequency remote locking system
• Rear bench seats 3, providing a 5-person seating configuration
• Remote power trunk release button in driver’s door
• Satellite radio preparation*
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror on driver’s and front seat passenger’s side
• The Multi Media Interface (MMI™) - consisting of a terminal in the center console and an MMI display in the dashboard
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Valcona leather
• Voice control for Navigation, radio, CD changer and telephone
• Walnut brown wood inlays
• White ambient LED lighting for storage compartments, front & rear footwells, door handles - with adjustable settings (using MMI™)

Audi A8 L W12 - Starting at $119,350

• 16-way power adjustable front seats with memory system
• 19" High polished 12-spoke wheels
• 255/40 R19 all-season tires
• 4-corner air suspension with electronic shock absorption control
• 4-spoke multifunction segmented wood leather steering wheel with shift paddles and matching wood shift knob
• 4-way power lumbar adjustment for front passenger seats and rear outward seating positions
• 4-zone climate control system
• 5-pointed LED daytime running lights
• 6-disc CD changer located in the glove box
• 6-way heated front and outer rear seats
• Adaptive Bi-xenon high intensity, low and high beam headlights with automatic self-leveling and 5-point LED daytime running lights
• Adaptive light system
• Advanced MMI (Multi Media Interface) system
• Advanced key central locking system provides new access and driver authorization, a high level of safety, and innovative operating
• Advanced parking system with rearview camera
• Alcantara headliner, upper trim of columns, and sunvisors
• Aluminum-design for trim around air vents and MMI display, control unit below central vents, electromechanical parking switch and ring around light switch
• Anti-theft alarm system with blinking theft-deterrent light in driver’s door
• Audi DVD Navigation system*
• Auto-dimming mirror with anti-glare protection
• Automatically dimming/power folding exterior mirrors with memory function
• Beverage holder
• Bose® premium 12-speaker sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, center fill speaker
• Brushed aluminum inlays
• Brushed aluminum titanium gray inlays
• Comfort front seats
• Driver and front passenger knee protection airbags*
• Dual-paned insulated door glass
• Electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features
• Extended leather trim and upholstery package
• Exterior mirrors painted in body color
• First Aid kit in rear center armrest
• Front and Rear Comfort Headrests
• Front and Rear floor mats
• Front and rear ashtrays with cigarette lighter
• Front seat ventilation and massage
• Front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors on both the driver and passenger sides
• High-pressure retractable headlight washers
• Homelink® universal garage door opener in overhead console
• Illuminated rear seat vanity mirrors
• Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in rear seats
• Luggage compartment package
• Pass-through option with ski sack
• Phone preparation with Bluetooth® interface
• Power glass sunroof with slide-and-tilt functions and pinch protection
• Power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades
• Power seat belt height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away for ease of entry and exit
• Power trunk open/close
• Power-closing front/rear side doors
• Rear Seat Entertainment System
• Rear center console
• Separate folding driver and front passenger center armrests with adjustable height
• Separate rear power seats (4-person seating configuration)
• Sirius® satellite radio*
• The Multi Media Interface (MMI™) consisting of a terminal in the center console and an MMI display in the dashboard
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Valcona leather
• Voice control for Navigation, radio, CD changer and telephone
• Walnut brown wood inlays
• White ambient LED lighting for storage compartments, front & rear footwells, door handles - with adjustable settings (using MMI™)
• Wood shift knob