Audi A8

Audi A8

The second-generation A8 built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in early 2003. The model was longer than the previous generation, with room for four or five large adult occupants in the cabin, depending on rear seat configuration.

Two body variants of the second generation A8 are offered, the A8 (standard, or short wheelbase), and the long-wheelbase (LWB) A8L. The A8L adds 5 in (127 mm) of rear legroom.

Audi restyled the D3 platform A8 range slightly in 2005, endowing all variants with a taller, wider trapezoidal single-frame grille, inspired by that of the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The top-of-the-line W12 engined W12 version was the first model to be equipped with this grille; V8 engined models were fitted with the new grille the following year. In addition to the styling update, new engines became available to European and Asian market customers. The entry-level 3.0 L V6 engine was replaced with a new 3.2 L unit featuring Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), which it shares with the B7 Audi A4.

This generation A8 introduced the 4.2 L turbodiesel V8 engine. Generating 240 kW (326 PS/322 bhp) of power, this is the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile, before the debut of Audi's 6.0L V12 TDI engine in the Audi Q7. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers, with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one bank of four cylinders. The 2.8L V6 FSI, which is recently added to the A8 range, has a class leading 199g/km of CO2 emission.

For 2008, the A8 received a facelift and also received new electronic safety systems. "Audi Side Assist" detects cars in the A8's blind spots. "Audi Lane Assist" helps when the driver attempts to change lanes without signaling first.