| Vehicle | |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2011 |
| Make | Audi |
| Model | A8 |
| Style | 4.2 FSI Quattro |
| Base MSRP | $78,925 |
| Options on test vehicle | Bang & Olufsen Audio System ($6,300); Convenience Package ($2,350 -- includes keyless entry, power trunk operation, parking system with rearview camera); Premium Package ($2,000 -- includes 22-way-adjustable climate-controlled seats, wood interior trim); LED Headlights ($1,400); 20-Inch Wheels With Summer Performance Tires ($750); Leather Package ($750 -- includes center console, door armrests, airbag cap); Dual-Pane Acoustic/Security Glass ($600). |
| As-tested MSRP | $93,625 |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Drive type | All-wheel Drive |
| Engine type | Naturally aspirated direct-injected V8, gasoline |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 4,163cc (254 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, variable intake-valve timing and lift |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 12.5 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 372 @ 6,800 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 328 @ 3,500 |
| Fuel type | Premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission type | Eight-speed automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I=4.714, II=3.143, III=2.106, IV=1.667, V=1.285, VI=1.000, VII=0.839, VIII=0.667; Final Drive=3.204 |
| Chassis | |
|---|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent multilink, pneumatic springs, driver-adjustable multimode variable dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent multilink, pneumatic springs, driver-adjustable multimode variable dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Speed-proportional power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 15.1 |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Eagle F1 |
| Tire type | Summer performance front and rear |
| Tire size, front | P265/40R20 |
| Tire size, rear | P265/40R20 |
| Wheel material | Cast-aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 15-inch ventilated disc, two-piston sliding calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 14-inch ventilated disc, single-piston sliding calipers |
| Track Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) | 2.5 |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.1 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.2 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 8.7 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.1 @ 100.9 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 5.0 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 27 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 106 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 66.3 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.82 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 45.5 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 69.4 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 62.7 |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments | |
|---|---|
| Acceleration comments | Slight delay in default Drive/Auto modes. Engine is freakishly quiet and distant. Engine is very smooth, although in Sport/Dynamic modes all that changes dramatically, especially with brake-torque launch, where the car leaps off the line and bangs off harsh upshifts. The result? A full second quicker to 60 and another 2 mph in trap speed in the quarter-mile. Deceptively fast. |
| Braking comments | Moderately firm pedal throughout seven runs. Started out short and got progressively shorter distances. Near zero dive in dynamic mode and arrow straight. Powerful, fade-free and trustworthy. |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Tires are easily tortured with stability control off, but chassis does a good job of staying composed with informative (but light) steering. With stability control on I felt the throttle close slightly, so no tire abuse. Slalom: Rewards slow-in, fast-out technique. Crisp turn-in, plenty of grip and good transitional response. Went faster with stability control on. Couldn't beat the electronics this time. Impressive. |
| Testing Conditions | |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 70.9 |
| Relative humidity (%) | 59.6 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 5.0, headwind |
| Fuel Consumption | |
|---|---|
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 17 city/27 highway/21 combined |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 23.8 |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
|---|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,409 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 4,336 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 57/43 |
| Length (in.) | 202.2 |
| Width (in.) | 76.7 |
| Height (in.) | 57.5 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 117.8 |
| Track, front (in.) | 64.7 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 64.4 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 41.0 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.4 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 38.7 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 37.2 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.1 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 59.1 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 57.8 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 14.6 |
| Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years/Unlimited miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 1 year/5,000 miles |
| Safety | |
|---|---|
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Brake assist |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Standard |
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