2008 Audi A8L W12 quattro

The Audi A8L W12 quattro fuses the performance of a powerful sports car with an ambience of luxury and sportiness. Subtle differences in detail distinguish it visually from the eight-cylinder versions: never obtrusive, but instantly recognizable by the automotive connoissseur. For instance, the highly polished black single-frame grille features vertical double chrome applications. At the rear, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes integrated in the bumper identify the top model in the Audi A8 model line.

The LED daytime running lights at the front of the Audi A8L W12 quattro provide a distinctive accent. Located in a cloverleaf-shaped reflector and each comprising five white LEDs, the daytime running lights consume a minimum, barely perceptible, amount of energy. Each diode has an output of just one watt, while conventional dipped headlights have an output of up to 300 watts. The white light, which is similar to daylight, not only illuminates the road ahead; it also makes the driver's own car immediately visible to all other road users.

One of the quietest sedans in the world

Furthermore, the Audi A8L W12 quattro benefits from the consistent development of the model range, subtle modifications to the timeless design and the extended range of colors and equipment.

With the innovative sound proofing package to insulate the vehicle from road, rolling and ambient noise and the standard, new kind of insulating glass, the Audi A8L W12 quattro is further strengthening its position as the quietest sedan in the world. Moreover, with its more direct steering and retuned suspension it is proof of how successful the synthesis of fascinating agility and superlative ride comfort can be. Under the engine compartment lid is a powerplant that is unparalleled in modernday engine construction. The W-shaped twelve-cylinder unit offers an inestimable advantage: despite the larger number of cylinder units and despite a substantially higher displacement, the W12 is as compact as a V-eight-cylinder engine and considerably smaller than a conventional V-shaped 12-cylinder powerplant.

Thanks to its unusually short length this engine can be paired with quattro fourwheel drive. Significant competitor models with twelve-cylinder units installed at the front can merely drive both rear wheels. In this case there is not enough space under the hood for additional front-wheel drive components.

High performance and low weight

A further advantage of this compact design and the materials used - aluminum and magnesium - is the very low weight of the twelve-cylinder unit. This in turn contributes toward the low total vehicle weight of 4,729 lbs., an achievement unrivalled by competitors. One horsepower on the Audi A8L W12 quattro has to accelerate just 10.5 lbs. - a figure that is on a par with a high-performance sports car.
With a maximum output of 450 hp the engine delivers excellent torque: a remarkable 428 ft. lbs. on tap between 4,000 and 4,700 rpm. The powerpack has an impressively direct response and spontaneously translates the slightest movement of the throttle into acceleration.
The Audi A8L W12 quattro sprints from zero to 60 in only 5.0 seconds.