April 29, 2004 Ground-breaking New Audi A8 Models Take to UK Roads Source: Audi UK V6 petrol, EU4 TDI and W12 engines, multitronic CVT transmission and front-wheel-drive for UK A8 range New A8 models featuring 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, 6.0-litre 12-cylinder petrol and 3.0-litre six-cylinder TDI engines all available for UK ordering Common rail 3.0-litre TDI creates the first ever EU4-compliant D-segment diesel 3.0-litre petrol model is the world's first luxury saloon to feature Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), maximising performance and fuel economy Potent 6.0-litre model features striking and exclusive single frame grille design and unique engine with `W' cylinder formation 3.0-litre petrol: 220PS @ 6,300rpm, 300Nm @ 3,200rpm, 0-62mph in 7.9 secs, max speed 150mph, combined mpg 29.1 3.0-litre TDI: 233PS @ 4,000rpm, 450Nm from 1,400 to 3,250rpm, 0-62mph in 7.8 secs, max speed 150mph, combined mpg 32.8 6.0-litre petrol: 450PS @ 6,200rpm, 580Nm @ 4,000rpm, 0-62mph in 5.2 secs, max speed 155mph (governed), combined mpg 19.0 Three important new petrol and TDI models set to advance the art of the luxury car have just completed the Audi A8 range in the UK. The new A8 3.0, priced from £46,175 OTR, is notable as the first ever luxury saloon to reap the benefits of step-less continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), bringing major gains in performance, fuel economy and emissions. The new A8 3.0 TDI quattro, available for £47,380 OTR, joins the line-up as the world's first D-segment diesel saloon to meet forthcoming EU4 emissions regulations, reducing running costs for business users. And at the forefront of the range, the potent A8 L 6.0 quattro, priced at £75,775 OTR, brings exceptional performance from a unique W12 petrol engine, combined with an exclusive new look. Remarkable new A8 multitronic Available in standard or long-wheelbase body styles, the new A8 3.0 multitronic is powered by a sophisticated lightweight alloy-block V6 petrol engine offering 220PS at 6,300rpm and a maximum 300Nm of torque at 3,200rpm. It is capable of accelerating to 62mph in an impressive 7.9 seconds and, where permissible, reaching a top speed of 150mph. Uninterrupted by conventional automatic gear changes thanks to its continuously variable gear ratio, and unhindered by a power and fuel-sapping torque converter, the multitronic transmission plays a key role in maximising the performance of the responsive V6 engine, and delivering it with exceptional smoothness. It also ensures that fuel economy in the A8 3.0 stands out from the crowd, with up to 29.1mpg possible on the combined cycle. High-tech TDI The new A8 3.0 TDI quattro features the first of a new generation of Audi TDI engines. Unusually compact at just 440mm in length, the new turbocharged and twin-intercooled 24-valve unit employs common rail injection with the world's most advanced Piezo injection technology for the first time in an Audi. It develops 233PS at 4,000 rpm and an exceptional maximum torque figure of 450Nm from just 1,400rpm through to 3,250rpm. This impressive output enables the A8 3.0 TDI to outperform all other comparable diesel-powered saloons, helped by an all-aluminium body shell that is some 50 per cent lighter than an equivalent steel body, and 60 per cent more rigid. An impressive 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 151mph are achievable without ruling out equally exceptional fuel economy of up to 31.7mpg. 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. THE NEW AUDI A8 MODELS AT A GLANCE On the road prices (all models) Basic VAT Retail OTR 3.0 £38,638.30 £6,761.70 £45,400.00 £46,175.00 3.0 LWB £41,506.38 £7,263.62 £48,770.00 £49,545.00 3.7 quattro £43,582.98 £7,627.02 £51,210.00 £51,985.00 4.2 quattro £46,978.72 £8,221.28 £55,200.00 £55,975.00 4.2 quattro LWB £49,855.32 £8,724.68 £58,580.00 £59,355.00 6.0 quattro £60,680.85 £10,619.15 £71,300.00 £72,075.00 6.0 quattro LWB £63,829.79 £11,170.21 £75,000.00 £75,775.00 3.0 TDI quattro £39,659.57 £6,940.43 £46,600.00 £47,380.00 4.0 TDI quattro £49,208.51 £8,611.49 £57,820.00 £58,600.00 4.0 TDI quattro LWB £52,076.60 £9,113.40 £61,190.00 £61,970.00 A8 3.0 / 3.0 LWB Price: £46,175 - £49,545 OTR ABI insurance group rating: 17E CO2 output and related tax liability: 233g/km /32% Emissions class: EU4 Engine configuration: Aluminium V6 spark ignition with double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and variable intake manifold, 5 valves-per cylinder, 2,976cc Maximum power: 220PS @ 6,300rpm Maximum torque: 300Nm (221lb ft) @ 3,200rpm Transmission: Multitronic continuously variable, front-wheel-drive Steering: Rack and pinion with speed dependent power assistance and variable ratio Turning circle: approximately 12.1 metres Front suspension: Four-link with double upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, air suspension Rear suspension: Self-tracking trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, air suspension Brakes: Diagonally split dual-circuit brake system with ventilated discs front and rear, front dual piston callipers, brake servo, hydraulic brake assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), electromechanical parking brake Wheels: 8J x 17 7-spoke design with 235/55 R17 tyres Performance (Long Wheel Base in brackets) 0-62mph: 7.9 secs (8.1 secs) Maximum speed: 150mph (150mph) Fuel consumption Urban: 20.4mpg (20.4mpg) Extra urban: 38.6mpg (38.6mpg) Combined: 29.1mpg (29.1mpg) CO2 output: 233g/km (233g/km) Kerb weight: 1,670kg (1,720kg) Fuel tank capacity: 90 litres Luggage capacity: 500 litres Length 5,051mm (5,181mm) Width (exc. mirrors) 1,894mm (1,894mm) Height 1,444mm (1,455mm) Wheelbase 2,944mm (3,074mm) Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration A8 3.0 TDI quattro Price: £47,380 ABI insurance group rating: 17E CO2 output and related tax liability: 231g/km /32% Emissions class: EU4 Engine configuration: Direct injection V6 diesel with Piezo injection technology, VTG turbocharger, double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves-per-cylinder, 2,967cc Maximum power: 233PS @ 4,000rpm Maximum torque: 450Nm (332lb ft) @ 1,400-3,250rpm Transmission: six-speed tiptronic with DSP and Sport programme Steering: Rack and pinion with speed dependent power assistance and variable ratio Turning circle: approximately 12.1 metres Front suspension: Four-link with double upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, air suspension Rear suspension: Self-tracking trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, air suspension Brakes: Diagonally split dual-circuit brake system with ventilated discs front and rear, front aluminium frame floating callipers and rear aluminium fixed callipers, brake servo, hydraulic brake assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), electromechanical parking brake Wheels: 8J x 17 7-spoke design with 235/55 R17 tyres Performance 0-62mph: 7.8 secs Maximum speed: 150mph Fuel consumption Urban: 23.1mpg Extra urban: 42.8mpg Combined: 32.8mpg CO2 output: 231g/km   Kerb weight: 1,830kg Fuel tank capacity: 90 litres Luggage capacity: 500 litres Length 5,051mm Width (exc. mirrors) 1,894mm Height 1,455mm Wheelbase 2,944mm Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 22,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration A8 3.0 AND 3.0 TDI QUATTRO MAIN ITEMS OF STANDARD EQUIPMENT 8J x 17 `seven spoke' alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres Acoustic parking system - front and rear Adaptive air suspension Anti-theft device with interior ultrasonic protection and anti-tow facility (Thatcham Category 1 approved) AutoCheck system Automatic six-speed multitronic transmission with DRP (3.0) Automatic six-speed tiptronic transmission with DSP (3.0 TDI quattro) Brake lights with LED technology Car instruction manual on CD-ROM (for use with MMI only) CD autochanger for six discs in glove compartment Centre console with MMI terminal Cruise control Double glazed tinted glass with additional break-in protection Driver's Information System including multi-function computer Driver and front passenger two-stage airbags with pre-tensioners Electric adjustable and heated door mirrors with memory Electric front seatbelt height adjustment with memory Electric front seats - 14 way adjustable with memory Electric windows with isolation switch for rear windows Electromechanical parking brake Electronic ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Electronic climate control with driver and front passenger controls Electronic Differential Lock traction control (EDL) Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) Electronic transponder vehicle immobiliser ISOFIX child seat mounting system Metallic or pearl effect paint Multi Media Interface control system (MMI) Multi-function leather-covered steering wheel quattro permanent four-wheel-drive RDS radio system, 9 speakers and total 230 watts output Remote control central locking Safety steering column with electric height and reach adjustment with memory Servo assisted boot lid locking Servotronic speed sensitive power steering Side airbags for four outer seats Side indicators with LED technology SIDEGUARD head airbag protection system Traction control (ASR) Valcona leather upholstery with Alcantara door trim inserts Wood trim inlays in burr walnut ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT 3.0 LONG WHEEL BASE MODEL 130mm of additional leg room for rear seat passengers DVD-based navigation system Electric rear window blind Electric front passenger seat adjustment from rear Hinged storage compartment in rear doors Seat heating for front and rear seats   A8 L 6.0 quattro Price: £75,775 ABI insurance group rating: 20E CO2 output and related tax liability: 336g/km /35% Emissions class: EU4 Engine configuration: Aluminium W12 spark-ignition engine with double overhead camshaft (DOHC), continuous camshaft adjustment for inlet and exhaust valves, roller cam follower with hydraulic adjustment, 4 valves-per-cylinder, 5,998cc Maximum power: 450PS @ 6,200rpm Maximum torque: 580Nm (427lb ft) @ 4,000 - 4,700rpm Transmission: six-speed tiptronic with DSP and Sport programme Steering: Rack and pinion with speed dependent power assistance and variable ratio Turning circle: approximately 12.7 metres Front suspension: Four-link with double upper and lower wishbones, anti-roll bar, air suspension Rear suspension: Self-tracking trapezoidal-link axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, air suspension Brakes: Diagonally split dual-circuit brake system with ventilated discs front and rear, front aluminium frame floating callipers and rear aluminium fixed callipers, brake servo, hydraulic brake assist, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), electromechanical parking brake Wheels: 8.5J x 18 12-spoke design with 255/45 R18 tyres Performance 0-62mph: 5.2 secs Maximum speed: 155mph (electronically limited) Fuel consumption Urban: 13.6mpg Extra urban: 29.9mpg Combined: 19.0mpg CO2 output: 336g/km Kerb weight: 1,995kg Fuel tank capacity: 90 litres Luggage capacity: 500 litres Length 5,192mm Width (exc. mirrors) 1,894mm Height 1,455mm Wheelbase 3,074mm Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19000 miles or two years, whichever comes first Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT ON A8 L 6.0 QUATTRO MODEL (over A8 L 3.0 model) 8.5J x 18 '12 spoke' alloy wheels with 255/45 R18 tyres Adaptive headlights with Xenon Plus and headlight cleaning system Automatically activated boot lid and doors BOSE surround sound system Comfort seats Coming/leaving home function Deluxe front centre armrest Extended aluminium look (adds aluminium trim around air vents, MMI display trim, control surround under central air vents, activation switch for electromechanical parking brake, and ring around rotary light switch) Extended leather upholstery pack 2 (adds Fine Nappa leather trim for centre console and arm rest, underside of instrument panel, glove box lid and door facings) Folding door mirrors with automatic dimming function Four zone climate control Hands-free dual band/GSM car telephone plus handset Heat and UV insulating glass LED daytime running lights Lumbar support for outer rear seats Multi-function steering wheel with gear change paddles Single frame front grille incorporating W12 emblem   A8 3.0 MODEL KEY DETAILS Available in Standard and Long Wheel Base body styles The first of the new A8 models to be front-wheel-driven The first luxury saloon to feature Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) 2,976cc V6 features five-valve cylinder head, aluminium crank case and balancer shafts for maximum refinement 3.0-litre unit is 17 kilograms lighter than its 2.8 litre predecessor, with a total weight of 163 kilograms Block is produced by Audi subsidiary Cosworth Technology using special casting techniques to create high-strength microstructures originally developed for motor racing Compared with the 2.8 litre engine, moving masses have been reduced by 71 grams - a measure that ultimately reduces the engine's noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Mass-balancing mechanism or balancer shaft is driven from the crankshaft via a roller chain. Its transmission ratio to the crankshaft is 1:1. It rotates in the opposite direction to the crankshaft, reducing mechanical vibrations and improving engine acoustics For the best possible power and torque output, plus lower fuel consumption and fewer untreated emissions, camshaft can be gradually advanced by up to 42 degrees by means of a pivoting motor - at the exhaust end, the camshaft can be retarded as necessary by up to 22 degrees. The system achieves maximum overlap at an engine speed of only 1900 rpm, thus achieving the highest possible amount of torque. The peak level of 300 Nm is then available at as little as 3200 rpm. Equally impressively, 90 percent of peak torque is available across a wide range, from 2200 to 5200 rpm. Two-stage variable-length intake manifold works in parallel with the adjustable camshaft. From 4200 rpm, the resonance tube reverts to the short, high-performance position; the maximum output of 220PS is finally reached at 6300 rpm Multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) exploits the engine's available power and potential for fuel economy as effectively as a manual gearbox, yet also offers the same degree of convenience as a classic automatic transmission with torque converter. Since the gear ratio is continuously variable, the A8 3.0 does not suffer from gearshift jolts CVT was previously suitable only for smaller engines due to low torque thresholds, but the multitronic system can transmit up to 310 Nm Major difference between multitronic and conventional automatics is that the gain in convenience is not at the expense of performance or economy - in fact, multitronic can actually bring about improvements in these compared with an otherwise identical vehicle with a manual gearbox Multitronic transmission weighs in around 15 kilograms less than a comparable automatic transmission. The use of magnesium for its casing alone helps to shave off eight kilograms Features just one pair of gears with a flexible transmission belt called the variator - resembling a V-belt but made from steel rather than the usual mesh, this 'link plate chain' links two adjustable sets of pulley halves. By adjusting the spacing between them in line with the circumference of the tapered pulley halves, the transmission ratio of this belt drive arrangement can be varied across a wide range Fundamental advantage of the variator is the wide range of ratios possible. This not only permits sporty acceleration thanks to the use of the lowest possible ratio, but also fully exploits the engine's potential for economical operation by using the highest ratio Conventional hydraulic torque converter fitted to other CVTs has been replaced by an electronically controlled, oil-cooled multi-plate clutch which is far more efficient. Electronics detect from the way the accelerator pedal is being operated whether the driver prefers gentle, economy-conscious driving or a more performance-oriented style, and either adapts the engine speed very gently, or pushes it into the peak engine torque range as rapidly as possible. By moving gear lever across the gate, six fixed 'manual' gears can be selected by the driver with a single touch of the selector lever , or via a button on the steering wheel (optional extra). A8 3.0 TDI QUATTRO MODEL KEY DETAILS The first and only diesel luxury saloon to achieve full compliance with EU4 emissions regulations applicable from 2005 This is achieved without the use of a particulate filter, and despite the presence of automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive The most powerful and best performing series production six-cylinder diesel car in the world with the best power-to-weight ratio (130PS per tonne) 2,967cc V6 with turbocharger and map-controlled, cooled exhaust-gas recirculation is the first six-cylinder TDI in Audi's new range of V-engines Features a chain drive for camshafts and oil pump at the transmission end of the engine, permitting an extremely short and compact engine design with a length of just 444mm. Chains drive the balancer shaft and oil pump as well as camshafts, and need no routine maintenance Engine block, with a 90-degree included angle between the cylinder banks, is a vermicular graphite iron casting. This material has twice the strength of conventional grey cast iron. As a result, it also weighs about 7 kilograms less than the block used for the previous engine. The complete engine weighs only 220 kg. Features very latest common-rail injection system used for the first time in an Audi V6 TDI. Piezo inline injectors permit up to five separate amounts of fuel to be injected on each working stroke, at an injection pressure of 1600 bar. These injectors are notable for the very small amount of fuel they can deliver if necessary, and the very low volumetric tolerances between fuel deliveries. These factors help to keep emissions to a minimum and improve engine acoustics. 3.0 TDI is the first engine to use a completely revised Audi four-valve concept. Familiar star pattern of the valves has been modified so that each camshaft actuates two inlet and two exhaust valves. In conjunction with the controlled swirl flap, this permits the level of swirl to be extended, in other words the minimum and maximum degrees of swirl are further apart. For the first time, the electronic swirl flap control system also permits intermediate positions to be selected. The six flaps are moved to the optimum setting in front of the spiral inlet ports, making a major contribution to minimising emissions At low engine speeds and loads, the minimum emissions flap is closed, so that the degree of swirl is high. At low engine speeds with high load, an intermediate setting with moderate swirl significantly reduces emissions. At higher engine speeds and when peak performance is called for, the swirl flaps open fully and the degree of swirl is therefore low. Turbocharger features variable turbine blade geometry, and for the first time its blades are moved by an electric actuating motor which enables their position to be controlled more accurately. Two air-to-air charge-air intercoolers are installed in parallel underneath the headlights to obtain the best possible through-flow and to keep pressure losses and charge air temperatures to a minimum Engine is linked to six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with Sport programme A8 L 6.0 QUATTRO MODEL KEY DETAILS First Audi model to incorporate the new front end design with single frame grille Features unique twelve-cylinder power unit with cylinders arranged in the form of a double "V", or "W" - W12 unit is as compact as a V8 (513mm in length) and therefore frees up enough space to accommodate the quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system - a unique feature at this level Compact dimensions, combined with extensive use of lightweight aluminium and magnesium, contribute to a very low weight for a twelve-cylinder engine. This in turn helps to produce an unbeatably low total vehicle weight of 1995 kilograms, lighter than any competitor. 5,998cc unit is two ultra-compact inline V6 units combined into one. Each of the two cylinder blocks contains six cylinders arranged in pairs at an angle of 15 degrees. This offset configuration makes an ideal synthesis of the very compact width - compared with the classic V6 - and the very short length of a four-cylinder engine. Joining these two units at an angle of 72 degrees minimises the height of the resulting twelve cylinder engine and means that the aerodynamic properties of the A8's front end can remain unchanged Double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank are responsible for the valve gear. Driven by a single chain, they operate two inlet and two exhaust valves per cylinder via low-friction roller cam followers - a principle which helps to reduce fuel consumption noticeably Camshafts can be adjusted by 52 degrees at the inlet valves and 22 degrees at the exhaust valves - for optimum valve timing across the entire engine-speed range. This results in good idle-speed quality, low crude emissions, low fuel consumption and ample torque across the speed range Four close-coupled ceramic catalytic converters control emissions, ensuring that the A8 L 6.0 quattro easily satisfies EU4 emission limits. Six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission is standard THE AUDI A8 - THE CONCEPT  BACKGROUND - The original A8, built from 1994 to 2002, firmly established the Audi name in the luxury segment. The new Audi A8 has redefined the concept of sportiness in this class since it was launched in autumn 2002. The second generation of the Audi A8 has picked up an array of awards. A total of more than 26,600 examples of this flagship model had been produced by the end of 2003 CONSTRUCTION - Based on a refined version of the Audi Space Frame ASF, the aluminium body of the Audi A8 combines high strength with low weight - static torsional rigidity has been increased by 60 percent and ensures a substantial improvement in vibrational comfort, safety and handling agility The number of components on the fully enclosed ASF has been reduced considerably compared with the first A8 generation through the use of large functional castings and extruded sections SUSPENSION - The Audi A8 has an aluminium chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. The brakes and steering system with variable ratio and servotronic are a new design The standard-fit adaptive air suspension - an electronically controlled air suspension system with continuous damper control - manages to strike a rarely achievable balance between excellent ride comfort befitting a luxury car and surprisingly agile and dynamic handling Data from four sensors on the axles and three acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. The computer prompts the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in a matter of milliseconds, based on the driving situation identified Driver can choose between four predefined settings, giving suspension characteristics ranging from overtly sporty to ultra-comfortable. The ride height can also be varied in this way. The option of adaptive air suspension - sport is also available, giving a ride height that is always 20mm lower and damper characteristics that are noticeably firmer than the standard car, even when in its `Dynamic' mode. The result is even more assured, precise and composed handling STEERING - The A8 has rack-and-pinion steering with a variable ratio and servotronic speed-dependent power assistance as a standard feature. The result is improved steering precision and clear feedback at high speeds without any loss in comfort at low speeds. BRAKES - The A8 has a newly developed high-performance brake system with large dimension aluminium floating-calliper brakes - 360 millimetre discs at the front, 310 millimetre discs at the rear. The brake system is assisted by the electronic stabilisation program ESP The electromechanical parking brake on the Audi A8 is operated by a pull/push control on the centre console. A starting assist function makes it easier to pull away smoothly on hills without the driver even having to release the brake. The parking brake additionally has an emergency brake function which is significantly more efficient than a conventional handbrake PAX RUN FLAT TYRE TECHNOLOGY - The A8 is the first luxury-class vehicle to be offered with cast aluminium wheels with PAX run-flat tyres in conjunction with a tyre pressure monitoring system - their design means that the driver can continue for up to 124 miles at a maximum speed of 50mph even if a tyre is fully deflated MMI MULTI MEDIA INTERFACE - With its integrated user interface MMI, Audi offers an infotainment platform for the new A8 that is as intuitive and as simple to operate as possible. MMI combines the control panel (MMI terminal) on the centre console with a control button and four control keys grouped around it. Functions and menus are displayed on a 7-inch colour monitor positioned above the centre console in the dashboard and therefore at an optimum angle of view for the driver The new A8 offers numerous other innovative technological advances, some of which are available for the very first time in an Audi. These include the advanced key access and authorisation system, one-touch memory personalisation and the radar-assisted distance control system known as adaptive cruise control As well as the new V6 and W12 versions, there are three powerful V8 engines available for the Audi A8 and A8 L: a petrol engine developing 335PS from a capacity of 4.2 litres; a petrol engine developing 280PS from 3.7 litres; the world's most powerful eight-cylinder diesel engine in a production saloon, the 4.0 TDI developing 275PS Six-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic function perfectly complements these engines - six-speed multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) maximises the performance and economy potential of the A8 3.0 SECURITY - The A8 range as a whole has been awarded five stars by the British insurance industry's Thatcham research centre for `theft of' and `theft from' security. The A8 is the first of the luxury saloons from the `big three' German premium brands to merit this top rating

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