The
A8 L 6.0 quattro – which goes on sale in Germany this month for around $US100,000
– is the first 12-cylinder Audi since 1932. It will be built only with left-hand
drive.
The merger of two compact aluminium block V6 engines has created a six-litre
W12 delivering 420bhp and a 550Nm (405lb ft) of torque. This can take the A8
flagship from rest to 62mph in only 5.8 seconds, from rest to 124mph in just
20 seconds and to the electronically limited 155mph top speed in 38 seconds.
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The
new A8 L 6.0 quattro (top) will be powered by the 6.0 W12 engine (below) |
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However, the new engine complies with EU 4 emissions limits, due to come into
force in 2005, thanks in part to no fewer than six three-way catalytic converters
Audi has arranged its 12-pot engine in a double ‘V’ or ‘W’ formation. The block
from each V6 unit, containing six cylinders mounted at an angle of 15 degrees,
is linked together at an angle of 72 degrees to form the ‘W’.
The major benefit of this unique design is its space efficiency. Despite four
additional cylinders and a larger displacement, the six-litre W12 engine takes
up no more space than the 4.2-litre V8 engine also offered in the A8.
Advanced design and extensive use of aluminium components has permitted an
exceptionally low engine weight of just 245kg.
Another advantage of the W12 unit’s compact size is that it enables power to
be transmitted, via the standard five-speed automatic gearbox, to all four wheels.
All other conventional front-mounted V12 engines drive only the rear wheels
because there is normally insufficient space within the engine bay for the additional
components.
The W12 engine is installed only in the long wheelbase version of the A8, which
is 130mm longer than the standard car.
The A8 L 6.0 quattro has a unique radiator grille design with vertical chrome
bars and a W12 emblem. The wheels are 18-inch, 10-hole alloys with 245/55 ZR
18 tyres.
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