For most people the Audi A8 isn't short on space or comfort.
But for those privileged few who spend their lives living on
a completely different plateau of luxury, Audi's come up with
a long wheelbase version which has rear seats and equipment
which wouldn't look out of place in a luxury private jet.
With an overall length of 5,267 millimeters (17.28 ft), the
2011 Audi A8 L is 130 mm (0.43 ft) longer than the regular version.
The wheelbase has grown by the same amount, to 3,122 mm (10.24
ft). The width remains unchanged at 1,949 mm (6.39 ft); the
height has increased by 2 mm (0.08 in) to 1,462 mm (4.8 ft).
Like the standard car the A8 L uses a lightweight aluminium
monocoque
chassis, or as Audi like to call it the Audi Space Frame (ASF)
principle. This has construction method is 40 percent lighter
than less than a comparable steel body.
Among the high-end technologies featured on the A8 model line
are the optional LED headlight units (standard on the A8 L W12
quattro) with all lighting functions performed by LEDs.
Subtle visual details distinguish the A8 L W12 quattro from
the other cars in this model line. The single-frame radiator
grille with integral grid structure has a high-gloss black paint
finish and special chromed horizontal bars. There are also chromed
inserts of new design in the air inlets, and chromed applications
on the exterior mirrors. W12 badges are displayed on the single-frame
grille and at the rear of the car. The exhaust system has two
trapezoidal-pattern tailpipe trims neatly integrated into the
rear bumper.
Interior
The back seat is where most buyers of the A8 L will spend the
majority of their time. That's not because they're senile and
keep getting in the wrong door, but because it's the best place
to be. Rear seat occupants get power adjustable business seats.
These can be heated, ventilated and adjusted in a variety of
ways: forward and back, seat cushion depth and seat back angle
with top section adjustable separately. There is also a fully
adjustable lumbar support.
As an optional extra a full length center console can be ordered
which houses a variety of creature comforts. This unit extends
back from the center tunnel to the rear shelf, and can be specified
with integral items such as a folding table or a refrigerator.
Separate controls for the rear air conditioning are also standard.
The luxury four-zone automatic air conditioning is controlled
by no fewer than 25 adjusting motors - perhaps a bit of overkill
there? You'll spend the whole trip adjusting the various vents!
Another novel feature of the Audi A8 L is the reclining seat
behind the front passenger's seat. The angle of the seat cushion
can also be adjusted. The occupant can be massaged by ten air-filled
compartments; four programs can be selected at a remote control.
The feet rest on a power-adjustable support at the base of the
front passenger seat back. Heating, ventilation and the luxury
head restraint are integral features of the reclining seat.
A folding table, additional wood and leather trim, a refrigerator
and a Rear Seat Entertainment system with two 10.2-inch screens
are among the features.
Drivetrain
At launch the 2011 Audi A8 L will be available with a 6.3 litre
W12 engine which produces 500 horsepower and 625 Nm (460 lb-ft)
of torque @
3,250 rpm. This unit gives the car an awesome 0-62 mph (100km/h)
time of just 4.9 seconds, and a electronically limited top speed
of 155 mph (250 km/h). Power is sent to all four wheels using
Audi's quattro AWD system
and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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