LA Auto Show: 2004 Audi A8 L Makes World Debut

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2003; Premiering in Los Angeles and following at Detroit's North American International Auto Show is the highly anticipated, all-new 2004 Audi A8 L 4.2. The long-wheelbase version -- with an additional five inches -- is the ultimate luxury sedan choice for North American customers, and provides even greater room for rear-passenger comfort. Behind the wheel, A8 L owners will experience driving the most sporty of luxury sedans, with its advanced aluminum air spring suspension and shock absorber control, quattro(R) permanent all-wheel drive system and powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine. Passengers will enjoy tremendous seating comfort and space. Ergonomic power front seats with available massage, heating and ventilation functions are designed to envelop passengers, while the optional four-zone automatic air conditioning with individual rear-seat settings provides a high level of comfort and well-being. Indirect ventilation prevents drafts and ensures desired climate settings during every trip. Additionally, the air conditioning's quiet operation has highly refined acoustics.

Design The flowing lines of the new Audi A8 L clearly reveal the personality of this nearly 17-foot-long sedan: a harmonious combination of clarity and sporting character, grace and elegance. A low front with an unusually short overhang, a high, powerful tail and the distinct wedge-shaped body of the new A8 L are all features of its dynamic styling. The A8 L's crouched silhouette and shoulder line rising to the rear underline the sporty effect. The powerful, well-proportioned styling of the A8 L radiates both elegance and agility. The extended wheelbase of the A8 L, at 121 inches, is neatly incorporated between the B- and D-pillars. The rear doors, which are also increased by five inches, allow for particularly convenient passenger entry and exit. Even more convenience awaits the passengers inside. Head room in the rear, along with shoulder height and elbow room has been increased as compared to the previous generation.

The Aluminum Body The innovative aluminum body of the A8 L uses a further developed form of the Audi Space Frame (ASF(R)) (see ASF release for details), and is the basis for the new A8 L's ride comfort, excellent road behavior and handling characteristics. Compared to the previous A8 model, the number of body elements has been significantly reduced by using more functional large castings and extruded sections. The A8 L has a completely closed space frame and therefore has considerable increase in static torsional rigidity -- a decisive yardstick for dynamic driving and freedom from vibration. The A8 L's performance in these areas, and its balance of high rigidity and low weight, challenges standards set in the luxury sedan segment.

Engine and Driveline The 2004 A8 L features a 330-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 five-valve engine and Audi's legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The standard six- speed Tiptronic(R) automatic transmission invites the driver to choose freely between the sporting character of a manual-shift gearbox and the convenience of an automatic transmission. The engine has gained significantly in terms of output and performance. An additional 20 hp and 15 lbs. ft. of torque results in an estimated 0-60 miles per hour sprint of just 6.3 seconds. The A8 L has an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The A8 L features a new six-speed Tiptronic with Dynamic Shift Program (DSP). Thanks to the additional ratio, power output and torque are always available in such accurately controlled amounts that there are no further conflicts between spontaneous power flow, high performance and refinement. Those who prefer to shift manually will appreciate the convenience of the A8 L's adaptive electronics. A version of the DSP specially developed for the six-speed Tiptronic helps to reduce the number of gear shifts, despite the additional ratio compared to the previous five-speed unit. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive, through which the A8 L transfers its power to the road, remains an advanced feature in the luxury car class. It provides excellent traction and stable cornering, and minimizes any self- steering tendency caused by the influence of tractive force through the driveline. This is a precondition for high cornering speeds and a high level of dynamic stability. The end result is maximum driving pleasure and active safety.

Suspension The 2004 A8 L has an aluminum suspension with a four-link front axle layout and a controlled toe-angle trapezoidal-link rear axle -- both concepts that gave the A8 L's predecessor its renowned responsiveness and steering precision. Audi's suspension engineers have now purposefully developed its strengths. The braking system and steering system with variable transmission ratio and Servotronic(R) are newly designed. The adaptive air suspension (see Air Suspension release for details) is an air suspension concept used for the first time in the luxury car class, which eliminates the classic conflicting goals of satisfactory handling properties versus a high level of suspension comfort. Lowering the ride height at high speeds improves the aerodynamics of the A8 L and therefore helps reduce its fuel consumption. The A8 L features sporty seven-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R17 tires -- a combination that provides excellent handling and ride comfort. This equipment also sets high standards for wet road grip and low rolling resistance.

Standard Equipment Undeniably, it's not the quantity alone but the special quality of the new A8 L's standard equipment that sets a benchmark in the luxury car class: The A8's speed-sensitive Servotronic with new steering-angle sensing assists in matching the car's speed and steering wheel angle. The new six-speed Tiptronic and multifunction, four-spoke steering wheel ensures a high level of handling confidence. Additionally, Audi's development engineers concentrated on improving the automatic air conditioning system by reducing the likelihood of unpleasant currents of air inside the cabin. Additional air outlets have been integrated into the top of the fascia, from where the necessary air volume is distributed without any noticeable drafts. Air is supplied to the rear seats through outlets in the B-pillars, at the rear end of the center console and in the rear foot wells. A newly developed moisture-sensing system in the A8 L reduces the risk of fogged windows. The demisting performance of the air conditioning evaporator is based on data from the temperature and moisture sensors and from an infrared radiation sensor that determines the temperature of the windshield without touching it. But that's not enough. Forward-looking technologies such as the Multi Media Interface (MMI) (see MMI release for details), the electro-mechanical parking brake with starting assistant, and LEDs in the rear turn indicators and side repeater lamps are once again confirmation of Audi's advanced technology. The same applies to passive safety equipment. The driver's and front passenger's airbags have dual-stage inflation for optimum protection in frontal collisions; the driver's airbag is a ring pattern. In the event of a side collision, side-impact airbags in the seatbacks and the SIDEGUARD(TM) head airbag system help provide occupant safety in the outboard seating positions. The A8 L's interior ambience is governed by the fine wood decor that extends to the sides. Various color combinations -- from Black and Light Beige to Brown and Matte Palladium -- are available for the seat upholstery and trim. The striking aluminum optics in the cockpit highlight the dynamic character of the A8 L, such as the MMI terminal, the instrument panel's tubular dial surrounds and the clip on the multifunction steering wheel. The premium Bose(R) Surround Sound stereo/CD changer with dynamic noise compensation offers the utmost in acoustics and keeps occupants supplied with up-to-date information. Four-way antenna diversity and 12 speakers provide premier reception and sound quality for all seating positions. An equalizer matched to the car's equipment and trim specification takes into account changes to interior acoustics caused, for instance, by the choice of upholstery. The Bose system is a completely new design and assures listening pleasure via the five amplifier channels. The channels distribute sound around the listener as in a concert hall -- an aural experience that is setting new standards in the automotive luxury class. The stereo's integration into the MMI operating concept has raised the level of user convenience most impressively. A list of all radio stations that can be received in a given region appears at the touch of a button and is constantly updated by the tuner.

Optional Equipment Distinction is of the highest importance when designing an automobile -- particularly in the luxury class. The new A8 L offers an almost inexhaustible list of design, equipment and technical options. Power front seats with massage, heat and ventilation functions, together with four-zone automatic air conditioning, provide among the best in travel comfort. An optional solar-cell sunroof produces enough electrical energy to supply the passenger compartment continuously with fresh air via the blower -- even with the ignition off. Additional leather upholstery choices extend to the door armrests and center consoles. With the selection of Amber Vavona wood or Beige Grained Birch, an additional note of individuality is created in the A8 L interior. The extended aluminum look with numerous applications on the center console and fascia underlines the sporty flair of the A8 L cockpit. The interior lighting package with ambient illumination has several pre- defined profiles to ensure a light intensity in the interior that matches actual driving conditions. Ambient illumination creates a new level of harmony with the entire interior design.