Audi

The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German
automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth
generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—
and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the
Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB
platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second
generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current
iteration in 2017.
Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have
used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi
Space Frame.[2]
A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the

Audi S8. Produced exclusively at Audi's Neckarsulm plant, the S8 is fitted standard
with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The S8 was only offered with a short-
wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant
for the fourth generation.[3]
D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)

First generation (D2/4D)
A8 white.jpg
Pre-facelift Audi A8 4.2 quattro (US)
Overview
Production June 1994 – August 4, 2002[4][5]
Model years 1995–2002 (Worldwide)
1997–2002 (US)
Assembly Germany: Neckarsulm
Designer Chris Bird; Dirk van Braeckel (1990, 1991)[6]
Body and chassis
Platform Volkswagen Group D2 ("Audi Space Frame")
Powertrain
Engine
petrol engines
diesel engines
Transmission
Manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase SWB: 2,882 mm (113.5 in)
LWB: 3,010 mm (118.5 in)
Length SWB: 5,034 mm (198.2 in)
LWB: 5,164 mm (203.3 in)
Width 1,880 mm (74.0 in)
Height 1,438 mm (56.6 in)
Kerb weight 2.5: 1,630 kg (3,590 lb) (TDI)
2.5: 1,735 kg (3,825 lb) (TDI AWD)
3.3: 1,860 kg (4,100 lb) (TDI AWD)
2.8: 1,540 kg (3,400 lb)
3.7: 1,645 kg (3,627 lb)
3.7: 1,725 kg (3,803 lb) (AWD)
4.2: 1,750 kg (3,860 lb) (AWD)
4.2: 1,845 kg (4,068 lb) (US)
4.2: 1,790 kg (3,950 lb) (AWD A8L)
4.2: 1,885 kg (4,156 lb) (US)
6.0: 1,950 kg (4,300 lb)
6.0: 1,980 kg (4,370 lb) (AWD A8L)
S8: 1,730 kg (3,810 lb)
S8: 1,845 kg (4,068 lb) (US)
Development
Audi Space Frame concept car

In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America. The
objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than
any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel
drive was around 100 kg (220 lb) heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In
the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the
V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and
Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In
September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the 1993
Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot
production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total
cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).[7]
Introduction
The Audi A8 (Typ 4D) was presented in February 1994 and debuted at the 1994 Geneva
Auto Show in March, with full-scale factory production commencing in June 1994,[4]
[clarification needed] although it was not until October 1996, for the 1997 model
year that it became available in North America. Unlike its predecessor, the Audi V8
model, which was built on an existing steel platform, the A8 debuted on the then-
new Volkswagen Group D2 platform, an all aluminium monocoque, marketed as the "Audi
Space Frame" (ASF), which helped to reduce weight and preserve structural rigidity.
The saloon/sedan was offered in both the A8 (standard wheelbase), and the A8 L
extended or long-wheelbase (LWB) version. The A8 L adds 5 inches (127 mm) of rear
legroom. Updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior airbags.
[8][9][10] The A8 was designed as a competitor to fellow German rivals Mercedes
Benz S Class and the BMW 7 Series it also competed against the British Jaguar XJ
and the Japanese Lexus LS.
Pre-facelift Audi A8 4.2 quattro
Facelift Audi A8 L 4.2 quattro (US)
First series production Audi with W12 engine

In 1997, Audi introduced the first series production electronic stability control
(ESP) for all-wheel drive vehicles (Audi A8 and Audi A6)– the world's first
production cars with both front and rear side airbags.
For 1997, the new A8 was available with either front-wheel drive (FWD), or the
Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The FWD models are powered by a
2.8-litre V6 engine, producing 142 kW (193 PS; 190 bhp), and a 3.7-litre V8 engine
producing 169 kW (230 PS; 227 bhp), while the quattro received a 4.2-litre V8
producing 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp).
The A8 is available with standard luxury amenities, including dual-zone climate

control, wood and leather interior trim, 14-way power and heated seats, and an
enhanced Bose audio system.
In 1999, Audi's flagship received side curtain airbags, new colours, and
restructuring of option packages. The North American "warm weather package" added a
solar sunroof which allows the interior ventilation fans to run, keeping the
interior cool while the car is parked with the engine turned off. Changes to all
models included a larger passenger-side mirror, and a first aid kit located in the
rear centre armrest.
In 1999 for the 2000 model year came a minor front-end restyle, with new, larger,
clear headlights, a revised grille, and lower front valance with standard
projection fog lamps. On the interior, the seats received a new, horizontal stitch
pattern. Also, the 3.7-litre V8 FWD model was dropped, leaving the 2.8 V6 model and
the long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase 4.2-litre quattro. These restyled cars also
featured revised external door handles and an integrated radio antenna. For 2000,
the North American A8 line-up was expanded to include the A8 L.
In 2001, Audi introduced its new W12 engine, a compact 6.0-litre unit developed by
effectively mating two VR6 engines together at the crankshaft. The engine quickly
became available in the A8, though only to European and Asian customers. From its
introduction through its discontinuation in 2003, only 750 of the D2 "W12" models
were produced. 2001 also marked the debut of the high-performance S8 variant in
North American markets. It produced 360hp.
In 2002, the A8 L received standard xenon high-intensity discharge lamp (HID)

headlights, and a heated steering wheel. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
an updated Symphony II stereo, and new exterior colours were also added. For 2002,
all A8 variants received a trunk/boot interior release lever to facilitate escape
in the event an individual became trapped within.
Factory production of this generation ceased at Number 105,092[11] on August 4,

2002.[4]
Coupé (prototype)
In 1997, IVM Automotive of Munich, Germany built a two-door Audi A8 Coupé. The car
was unveiled at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show. Audi contracted IVM to build the
prototype, and was considering production of the vehicle. The coupé had a re-
engineered aluminium body, shorter than the production A8 saloon. Like the
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, there was no central "B" pillar, giving the car a seamless
design with a gradually sloping roofline. The car included custom leather seats
which could seat four. Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the A8 Coupé into
production, citing lower-than-expected sales figures for the similar BMW 8 Series
(E31) and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé. Only one A8 Coupé was ever built. The single
prototype, painted in a colour called "Ming Blue pearl", remains the property of
IVM Automotive, and resides in Munich. Its last public appearance was in 2002 on a
series of test drives.

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The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German

A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the

D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)

Audi Space Frame concept car

Pre-facelift Audi A8 4.2 quattro

Facelift Audi A8 L 4.2 quattro (US)

First series production Audi with W12 engine

The A8 is available with standard luxury amenities, including dual-zone climate

In 2002, the A8 L received standard xenon high-intensity discharge lamp (HID)

Factory production of this generation ceased at Number 105,092[11] on August 4,

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