(from Audi Press Release) Audi proudly
presents its new flagship model: the 12-cylinder A8. The brand with the
four-ring badge yet again defines the benchmark for dynamic performance
in the absolute top automotive bracket. Because the launching of the A8
L 6.0 quattro marks the appearance of a vehicle full of superlatives –
the sportiest luxury saloon car in the world. Twelve cylinders, 331 kW
(450 bhp) and 580 Newton-metres of torque – a gain of 30 bhp and 20 Nm
on the predecessor model – make this a supremely excellent car.
The A8 6.0 L quattro sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and it
accelerates from 0 to 200 in a mere 17.4 seconds. The twelve-cylinder
model reaches its electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h after
scarcely 30 seconds. The most impressive thing about it is just how
spontaneously the six-litre engine translates every adjustment of the
throttle into acceleration, and just how smoothly it can rev right up to
the rated speed of 6,200 rpm if desired.
At the same time more than 95 percent of the engine's peak torque is
available between 2,300 and 5,300 rpm; the ideal basis for supreme
pulling power in every velocity range. The torque characteristic of this
large-capacity naturally aspirated engine is utterly unequalled.
The six-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic function makes sure
that exactly the right amount of power is always available. And it
additionally offers the driver the chance to intervene actively in the
tiptronic gearshift gate. The automatic transmission's Sport program
waits for higher engine speeds before shifting up, and shifts down
sooner, allowing the full revving ability of the twelve-cylinder engine
to be utilised.
In conjunction with the low weight of the aluminium body built using the
Audi Space Frame ASF principle, the engine and transmission turn in an
excellent performance coupled with exemplary economy.
Quattro permanent four-wheel drive remains unequalled in the luxury
segment. It translates engine performance with superb efficiency into
propulsion and lateral support. The aluminium chassis with air
suspension as standard is a feature found only on the new A8 L 6.0
quattro, a system that delivers the right characteristic for every
situation: by means of the continuously variable damper settings, the
adaptive air suspension reduces body movements, while optimising
roadholding and ride comfort.
The driver can choose between four predefined settings via the MMI, for
a suspension characteristic spanning the full range from overtly sporty
to ultra-comfortable.
The A8 L 6.0 quattro is identifiable at first glance as the top model in
the range. Its front end is distinguished by the new formal idiom of
Audi design. Its central element is the striking single-frame radiator
grille, the outer chrome ring of which surrounds the painted grey fins
of the grille with horizontal chrome strips. The W12 badge provides a
visual indication of the vehicle's potential.
The clear glass headlight covers visibly display the technology that
they protect: the 12-cylinder A8 is the first car in the world to be
equipped with the new lighting technology of adaptive light with LED
daytime driving lights, whose distinctive 5-pointed star-type lighting
elements also have a dual function as new design features for the
vehicle's front end.
A revolutionary technology: because the A8 L 6.0 quattro is the first
vehicle in the world on which the use of daytime driving lights adds
virtually nothing to fuel consumption – a clear safety advantage as the
car is more easily spotted whatever the light conditions. This advance
has been made possible by the use of LED units, the energy consumption
of which is only a fraction of that of conventional bulbs.
The interior presents an atmosphere of superb luxury. The top quality of
the materials and finish, visible and palpable down to the smallest
detail, perfectly complements the spaciousness and perfected ergonomic
layout. The driver and passengers alike can savour an ambience, the
style, exclusivity and functionality of which are remarkable, even in
the luxury car class.
All these characteristics highlight the sheer technological calibre of
this luxury saloon and – in conjunction with the superlative drive train
and suspension – create a unique vehicle: the Audi A8 6.0 L quattro.
