Audi Debuts Normal Wheelbase A8 and Exclusive Interior Package

Audi’s North American A8 family has a new addition with the introduction of the A8. The normal wheelbase’s siblings consist of the A8 L, which went on sale in June of 2003, and the A8 L 6.0, which premiered at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The latest A8 takes all of the style and technology of the A8 L, and delivers it in a smaller package.

The A8 has a wheelbase, and overall length, that is 5.1 inches shorter than the A8 L. This shorter version helps fill the niche for those looking for A8 L style and luxury, but do not need the expansive rear-seat leg room it offers. The 2005 A8 comes standard with the powerful 335 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 engine and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Like other A8 models, it shares the lightweight aluminum Audi Space Frame technology that has set the A8 line apart from its competition. Base price for the A8 is $66,590.

The A8 L is currently available at a base price of $68,500. A8 L was the first model available in the U.S. with Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI). MMI provides control over onboard electronics with its turn-and-push selector knob and control keys.

At the top of Audi’s luxury flagship offerings is the A8 L 6.0. With a 450 hp 6.0-liter W12 engine, and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the A8 L 6.0 is engineered to perform. A8 L 6.0 is the first Audi model to wear the new signature Singleframe grille. The A8 L 6.0 is also the first production car in the world to use LED technology for it’s daytime driving lights. LED lighting uses a fraction of the power that normal bulbs use, so there is virtually no effect on fuel consumption.

Audi also unveiled the new Exclusive Interior Package for the A8 line at the New York Auto Show. These packages, designed by quattro GmbH, are certain to raise the benchmark for interior design in premium automobiles. The package includes Valcona leather seating in three unique colors: Classic Red, Cognac, and Anis Yellow. These colors are accented with black piping, and black floor mats trimmed with color matching the Audi Exclusive Interior color.

Another feature of the packages is wood matched to suit the design scheme. This enhanced wood trim is available with a new pattern called intarsia. A wood and leather steering wheel and wood shift knob add to distinct character of the Audi Exclusive Interior packages. The packages are finished off with a distinguished headliner that accents the interior choice.