The new Audi A8 has been described as a “supremely competent, utterly complete premium luxury sedan”. The Automobile Magazine has called the A8’s cabin “the sexiest sedan interior in the world”. Though there is weariness in the market in the present economic meltdown, key auto players like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are still introducing swankier, sportier and extremely sophisticated models. Audi’s new A8 is expected to make a dent in the up market auto sales.
The 2009 Audi A8 is an attractive car with a long body and a slightly arching roofline. “The sheet metal — its Armani suit — that wraps around the car is the best representation of the current Audi styling language and the huge full-length grille looks bold and luxurious”, according to Automobile Magazine. While driving, the new A8 is very “nimble, precise and responsive”, according to test-drivers. Along with the standard seventeen-inch rim wheels with 235-series all season tires, Audi also offers 18 inch and 19 inch rims with 255-series tires. Audi claims that the new A8 can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 238 km/h.
Audi has reported in a press release “the 1,690 kg 2009 Audi A8 equipped with the company’s new 2.8-liter FSI engine features a standard fuel consumption of only 8.3 liter per 100 km (that’s about 34 mpg) and produces only 199 g/km of CO2 emissions” which is the best level in its class. The transmission has the conventional tiptronic 6-speed automatic. The updated Audi A8 executive sedan features new fog-lamps, new side mirrors with built-in turn signals, new wheels, new LED tail lamps, new steering system, new air suspension, as well as a set of new electronic assistance systems.
Reviewers find the interiors of the new A8 very “functional”. Its multifunctional steering wheel which has four controls and the standard Multi Media Interface (MMI), wood and leather interiors, comfortable driver’s seat have all come in for praise from reviewers. The MMI has been hailed as the “undisputed new benchmark among interfaces” for its simple, logical and easy-to-use design. Some of the other features include keyless ignition system, intelligent cruise control, 10 standard air bags and Adaptive Light System.
While conventional looking, the new Audi A8 promises to give stiff competition to the other luxury car manufacturers in the coming year.
2009 Audi A8 Specs and Safety
VEHICLE
EPA Classification Large
ENGINE
Engine Type Gas V8
Displacement 4.2L/254
Fuel System FSI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 350 @ 6800
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 325 @ 3500
TRANSMISSION
Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive
Trans Type 6
Trans Description Cont. Automatic
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.17
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.34
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.52
Fourth Gear Rato (:1) 1.14
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.87
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.69
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.40
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.32
MILEAGE
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) 16
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) 23
ELECTRICAL
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0� F (Primary) - TBD -
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 190
COOLING SYSTEM
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) 12.2
WEIGHT INFORMATION
Base Curb Weight (lbs) 4321
TRAILERING
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) - TBD -
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) - TBD -
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) - TBD -
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) - TBD -
SUSPENSION
Suspension Type - Front Adaptive Air,
Suspension Type - Front Adaptive Air
Suspension Type - Rear Adaptive Air
Suspension Type - Rear Adaptive Air,
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) Sport
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) Sport
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm) - TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm) - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in) - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in) - TBD -
BRAKES
Brake Type Power
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 14.2 x 1.34
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 12.2 x 0.87
TIRES
Front Tire Size P255/40R19
Front Tire Size P245/40R18
Front Tire Size P275/35R20
Rear Tire Size P245/40R18
Rear Tire Size P275/35R20
Rear Tire Size P255/40R19
Spare Tire Size P245/40R18
Spare Tire Size P255/40R19
Spare Tire Size - TBD -
WHEELS
Front Wheel Size (in) 19 x 8.5
Front Wheel Size (in) 18 x 8.5
Front Wheel Size (in) 20 x 9.0
Rear Wheel Size (in) 18 x 8.5
Rear Wheel Size (in) 20 x 9.0
Rear Wheel Size (in) 19 x 8.5
Spare Wheel Size (in) 18 x 8.5
Spare Wheel Size (in) 19 x 8.5
Spare Wheel Size (in) 18 x - TBD -
Front Wheel Material Alloy
Rear Wheel Material Alloy
Spare Wheel Material Alloy
STEERING
Steering Type Power Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall - TBD -
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 2.8
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) 41.0
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft) - TBD -
FUEL TANK
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) 23.8
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (in) 115.9
Length, Overall (in) 199.3
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 74.6
Height, Overall (in) 56.9
Tread Width, Front (in) 63.9
Tread Width, Rear (in) 63.3
Min Ground Clearance (in) 4.72
Liftover Height (in) - TBD -
CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS
Trunk Volume (ft�) 14.6
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Passenger Capacity 5
Passenger Volume (ft�) 114.9
Front Head Room (in) 37.3
Front Leg Room (in) 41.4
Front Shoulder Room (in) 59.1
Front Hip Room (in) - TBD -
Second Head Room (in) 38.0
Second Leg Room (in) 37.6
Second Shoulder Room (in) 57.5
Second Hip Room (in) - TBD -
SUMMARY
Vehicle Name A8
Body Style 4 Door Sedan
PRICES: Dealer Invoice MSRP
Base Price $68,867 $74,050
Destination Charge $825 $825
Total Options $0 $0
Total Price $69,692 $74,875
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