Ground-Breaking New Audi A8 Models Take To UK Roads

Audi A8

The A8 3.0 TDI quattro sets a new standard as the first and only diesel car in the large luxury class to combine six-speed tiptronic transmission with permanent all-wheel drive, and also to outperform the tough EU4 exhaust emission limits that will apply from 2006.

Distinctively different range flagship

From behind its flagship-identifying single-frame grille, the A8 L 6.0 quattro’s unique W12 engine brings 450PS and a mighty 580Nm of torque, more than 95 percent of which is available between 2,300 and 5,300 rpm, making for unparalleled throttle response.

This exceptional output gives the new A8 L 6.0 quattro the potential to power from rest to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, from rest to 124mph (where conditions allow) in a mere 17.4 seconds and to an electronically limited 155mph top speed in around 30 seconds.

The new engines complete an exceptional line-up of refined petrol and TDI diesel units that includes 3.7-litre and 4.2-litre, 40-valve V8s with 280PS and 335PS and a more recently introduced 32-valve V8 TDI combining 275PS with an exceptional 650Nm of torque and 29.4mpg economy.

From the front-wheel-drive A8 3.0
to the permanently four-wheel-driven

A8 L 6.0 quattro, all models feature lightweight aluminium running gear incorporating air suspension with continuously variable damper settings capable of adapting to suit the prevailing road conditions. Four pre-determined spring and damper settings can also be selected by the driver using the Multi Media Interface control, which is fitted as standard across the range.