Editing Audi A8 (section)

== {{anchor|D2|4D|first}} D2 (''Typ'' 4D; 1994) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation (D2/4D)
| image = A8 white.jpg
| caption = Pre-facelift Audi A8 4.2 quattro (US)
| production = June 1994 – 4 August 2002<ref name=ETKA/><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/12/29/audi-puts-aluminum-car-plans-in-gear/ |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | first=Jim | last=Mateja | title=Audi Puts Aluminum-car Plans In Gear | date=1993-12-29 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>
| model_years = 1995–2002 (Worldwide) <br /> 1997–2002 (US)
| assembly  = Germany: [[Neckarsulm]]
| platform  = [[Volkswagen Group D platform#D2|Volkswagen Group D2 ("Audi Space Frame")]]
| engine = {{collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0;| title = [[petrol engine]]s
|1 = 2.8&nbsp;L ''[[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#AAH|AAH]]'' [[SOHC]] [[V6 engine|V6]]
|2 = 2.8&nbsp;L ''[[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#ALG|ALG/AMX]]'' [[Multi-valve|30v]] V6
|3 = 3.7&nbsp;L ''[[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#AEW|AEW]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]
|4 = 4.2&nbsp;L ''[[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#ABZ|ABZ/AHC]]'' V8
|5 = 6.0&nbsp;L [[Volkswagen W12 engine|W12]] 
}}
{{collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0;| title = [[diesel engine]]s
|1 = 2.5&nbsp;L ''[[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel engines#Six-cylinder diesels|TDI]]'' V6
|2 = 3.3&nbsp;L ''[[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel engines#Eight-cylinder diesels|TDI]]'' V8
}}
| transmission = {{collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0;| title = Manual transmission
|1 = 5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
|2 = 6-speed manual
}}
{{collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0;| title = Automatic transmission
|1 = 4-speed [[ZF 4HP24 transmission|ZF 4HP24]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
|2 = 5-speed [[ZF 5HP19 transmission|ZF 5HP19]] automatic
|3 = 5-speed [[ZF 5HP24 transmission|ZF 5HP24]] automatic
}}
| wheelbase = SWB: {{convert|2882|mm|1|abbr=on}}<br />LWB: {{convert|3010|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| length = SWB: {{convert|5138|mm|1|abbr=on}}<br />LWB: {{convert|5164|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1880|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1438|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = '''2.5:''' {{convert|1630|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (TDI)<br />'''2.5:''' {{convert|1735|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (TDI AWD)<br />'''3.3:''' {{convert|1860|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (TDI AWD)<br />'''2.8:''' {{convert|1540|kg|lb||abbr=on}}<br />'''3.7:''' {{convert|1645|kg|lb||abbr=on}}<br />'''3.7:''' {{convert|1725|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (AWD)<br />'''4.2:''' {{convert|1750|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (AWD)<br />'''4.2:''' {{convert|1845|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (US)<br />'''4.2:''' {{convert|1790|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (AWD A8L)<br />'''4.2:''' {{convert|1885|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (US)<br />'''6.0:''' {{convert|1950|kg|lb||abbr=on}}<br />'''6.0:''' {{convert|1980|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (AWD A8L)<br />'''S8:''' {{convert|1730|kg|lb||abbr=on}}<br />'''S8:''' {{convert|1845|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (US)
| designer = Chris Bird; [[Dirk van Braeckel]] (1990, 1991)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x136/GTO-Carsouce/audi.jpg|title=Brave front for aluminium Audi}}</ref>
| sp = uk
}}

=== Development ===
[[File:Audi Space Frame.JPG|thumb|left|Audi Space Frame concept car|alt=]]

In 1982, [[Ferdinand Piëch]] signed an agreement with [[Alcoa|Aluminum Company of America]]. The objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel drive was around {{Convert|100|kg|0|abbr=on}} heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and [[Dirk van Braeckel]] was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1993|1993 Frankfurt Motor Show]] (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0bh_Wu6YjLMC|title=Aluminium|isbn=9781855735910|access-date=14 July 2015|last1=Anyadike|first1=Nnamdi|date=29 March 2002|publisher=Woodhead }}</ref>

=== Introduction ===
The Audi A8 (''Typ'' 4D) was presented in February 1994 and debuted at the [[Geneva Auto Show#1994|1994 Geneva Auto Show]] in March, with full-scale factory production commencing in June 1994,<ref name=ETKA>[[ETKA]] official factory data</ref>{{Clarify|date=April 2010|reason=This is not a proper reference citation. Use {{tl|Cite web}} or similar to provide source details.}} although it was not until October 1996, for the 1997 [[model year]] that it became available in North America. Unlike its predecessor, the [[Audi V8]] model, which was built on an existing steel platform, the A8 debuted on the then-new [[Volkswagen Group D platform#D2|Volkswagen Group D2 platform]], an all [[aluminium]] [[monocoque]], marketed as the {{nowrap|"Audi Space Frame"}} (ASF), which helped to reduce weight and preserve structural rigidity. The [[sedan (automobile)|saloon/sedan]] was offered in both the A8 (standard wheelbase), and the A8 L extended or long-[[wheelbase]] (LWB) version. The A8 L adds {{convert|5|in|0}} of rear legroom. Updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior [[airbag]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/9610111755/renaissance-rings|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195447/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/9610111755/renaissance-rings|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2013|title=Renaissance of the rings|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://audi-q7.bootnetworks.com/ |title=Home |website=audi-q7.bootnetworks.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.topcars.am/en/brand/audi/a8.html|title=Audi A8 :: Top Cars ::|access-date=14 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715031009/http://www.topcars.am/en/brand/audi/a8.html|archive-date=15 July 2015}}</ref> The A8 was designed as a competitor to fellow German rivals [[Mercedes-Benz W140|Mercedes Benz S Class]] and the [[BMW 7 Series (E38)|BMW 7 Series]]. It also competed against the British [[Jaguar XJ (X300)|Jaguar XJ]] and the Japanese [[Lexus LS#Second generation (XF20; 1994)|Lexus LS]].

{{multiple image
| align             = left
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 200
| image2            = 1996 Audi A8 (4D) 4.2 crimson quattro sedan, back.jpg
| caption2          = Pre-facelift Audi A8 4.2 quattro
| image3            = 1st Audi A8 L 4.2 -- 03-21-2012.JPG
| caption3          = Facelift Audi A8 L 4.2 quattro (US)
| image4            = A8 W12.JPG
| caption4          = First series production Audi with a [[list of Volkswagen Group petrol engines#6.0 WR12 48v|W12]] engine
| image1            = 
}}

In 1997, Audi introduced the first series production [[electronic stability control]] (ESP) for all-wheel drive vehicles (Audi A8 and Audi A6)– the world's first production cars with both front and rear [[side airbag]]s.

For 1997, the new A8 was available with either [[front-wheel drive]] (FWD), or the [[Torsen]]-based [[quattro (four-wheel drive system)|quattro]] permanent [[four-wheel drive]]. The FWD models are powered by a [[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#2.8V6-24v|2.8-litre V6 engine]], producing {{convert|142|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on}}, and a 3.7-litre [[V8 engine]] producing {{convert|169|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on}}, while the quattro received a [[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#4.2 V8 32v 206-220kW|4.2-litre V8]] producing {{convert|221|kW|PS bhp|0|abbr=on}}.

The A8 is available with standard luxury amenities, including dual-zone [[climate control]], wood and leather interior trim, 14-way power and heated seats, and an enhanced [[Bose Corporation|Bose]] audio system.

In 1998, upon assuming office, German Chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]] chose the A8 to be his official state car, marking a break from tradition, as his predecessors had preferred [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class]] models.<ref>{{Cite web |title=akg-images - Search Result |url=https://www.akg-images.com/archive/-2UMEBM1SRIML.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=www.akg-images.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-11 |title=Der erste Kanzler-Audi |url=https://www.autobild.de/klassik/artikel/audi-a8-w12-klassiker-des-tages-15467949.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=autobild.de |language=de}}</ref> Upon being re-elected to second term in 2002, he moved on to the next generation A8's sister model [[Volkswagen Phaeton]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pander |first=Jürgen |date=2002-02-01 |title=VW Phaeton: Schröder vor den Karren gespannt |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/auto/aktuell/vw-phaeton-schroeder-vor-den-karren-gespannt-a-180187.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=2195-1349}}</ref>

In 1999, Audi's flagship received [[side curtain airbag]]s, new colours, and restructuring of option packages. The North American "warm weather package" added a solar [[sunroof#Sunroof types|sunroof]] which allows the interior ventilation fans to run, keeping the interior cool while the car is parked with the engine turned off. Changes to all models included a larger passenger-side mirror, and a [[first aid kit]] located in the rear centre armrest.

In 1999 for the 2000 [[model year]] came a minor front-end restyle, with new, larger, clear [[headlamp|headlights]], a revised grille, and lower front valance with standard projection fog lamps. In the interior, the seats received a new, horizontal stitch pattern. Also, the [[list of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines#3.7V8-32v|3.7-litre V8]] FWD model was dropped, leaving the 2.8 V6 model and the long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase 4.2-litre quattro. These restyled cars also featured revised external door handles and an integrated radio antenna. For 2000, the North American A8 line-up was expanded to include the A8 L.

In 2001, Audi introduced its new [[W12 engine]], a compact [[Volkswagen Group W12 engine|6.0-litre unit]] developed by effectively mating two [[VR6 engine]]s together at the crankshaft. The engine quickly became available in the A8, though only to European and Asian customers. From its introduction through its discontinuation in 2003, only 750 of the D2 "W12" models were produced. 2001 also marked the debut of the high-performance S8 variant in North American markets. It produced 360&nbsp;hp.

In 2002, the A8 L received standard [[xenon arc lamp|xenon]] [[high-intensity discharge lamp]] (HID) headlights, and a heated steering wheel. A [[tire pressure monitoring system|tyre pressure monitoring system]] (TPMS), an updated Symphony II stereo, and new exterior colours were also added. For 2002, all A8 variants received a trunk/boot interior release lever to facilitate escape in the event an individual became trapped within.

Factory production of this generation ceased at Number 105,092<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.audiworld.com/news/02/080402/content.shtml|title=Audi A8 Number 105,092 Initiates Change of Generation - AudiWorld|work=AudiWorld|date=4 August 2002|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref> on 4 August 2002.<ref name=ETKA/>

=== Coupé (prototype) ===
In 1997, [[IVM Automotive]] of Munich, Germany built a two-door Audi A8 Coupé. The car was unveiled at the 1997 [[Salon International de l'Auto|Geneva Motor Show]]. Audi contracted IVM to build the [[prototype]], and was considering production of the vehicle. The [[coupé]] had a re-engineered aluminium body, shorter than the production A8 saloon. Like the [[Mercedes-Benz CL-Class]], there was no central "B" pillar, giving the car a seamless design with a gradually sloping roofline. The car included custom leather seats which could seat four. Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the A8 Coupé into production, citing lower-than-expected sales figures for the similar [[BMW 8 Series (E31)]] and [[Mercedes-Benz CL-Class#C140|Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé]]. Only one A8 Coupé was ever built. The single prototype, painted in a colour called "Ming Blue pearl", remains the property of IVM Automotive, and resides in Munich. Its last public appearance was in 2002 on a series of test drives.{{Clear}}

=== S8 ===
{{Main|Audi S8}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 200
| image1            = Audi S8 D2 (Typ 4D) (3962439095).jpg
| image2            = Audi S8 schwarz hl 1024x768.jpg
| caption2          = Facelift Audi S8
}}

Audi introduced the S8 4.2 quattro into the European market in 1996. The S8 followed the naming convention of other high-performance [[Audi S and RS models|Audi "S" models]] such as the [[Audi A6]]-derived S6 and was similar in vein of [[Mercedes-Benz AMG]] models. In some markets such as the UK, the S8 was only available with the automatic transmission. Cosmetically, Audi differentiated the S8 from the A8 with solid aluminium alloy door mirror housings, chrome-effect beltline and lower front grille trim, and polished twin exhaust pipes, along with subtle "S8" badging. 14-way power adjustable and heated sports front seats with memory function were fitted as were heated rear seats. Standard [[alloy wheel]]s were 18-inch cast [[aluminium alloy]] "Avus" six-spoke style. After the 1999 facelift, 20-inch polished nine-spoke RS wheels became an option. In 2002, 18-inch nine-spoke RS wheels became a no-cost option.

At the same time of the A8's facelift in late 1999, the S8 received the same cosmetic upgrades. This update marked the release of the S8 to the North American market. Production of the D2 series S8 ended in September 2002.

The D2 series S8 featured an uprated, {{convert|250|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} version of the 4.2-litre V8 with four valves per cylinder. From late 1999, Audi increased this to five valves per cylinder with power increased to {{convert|265|kW|hp|0}} and {{convert|430|Nm|lbft|0}}. From launch in 1996, European-market models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A sports-recalibrated version of the [[ZF 5HP24 transmission|ZF ''5HP24'']] five-speed [[tiptronic]] automatic, featuring "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) was released a year later and was the only transmission available in most other markets.

A retuned, {{convert|20|mm|in|1|adj=on}} lowered sports suspension included a 30 percent stiffer spring rate and 40 percent more compression damping in the [[shock absorber]]s. Speed-sensitive "[[servotronic]]" power assisted steering was also standard.

The brakes featured [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] 5.3 [[anti-lock braking system]] (ABS), with [[electronic brakeforce distribution]] (EBD), and worked radially ventilated front [[disc brake|discs]]. From 2002, an upgraded Bosch 5.7 [[electronic stability control|electronic stability programme]] became standard fitment.

=== Engines ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:98%;"
|-
!colspan=3|Engine
!rowspan=2|Power Torque at rpm
!rowspan=2|0–100&nbsp;km/h<br /><small>(0–62&nbsp;mph)</small>
!rowspan=2|Top speed
|-
!Displacement
!Year
!Type
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|2771|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} || 1994–1996 || rowspan="2" | [[V6 engine|V6]] || {{convert|174|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|250|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 9.1&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|228|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| 1996–2002 ||{{convert|193|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|280|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 8.4&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|236|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|3697|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} || 1995–1998 || rowspan="6" | V8 ||{{convert|230|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|315|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 8.7&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|247|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| 1998–2002 || {{convert|260|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|350|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 7.8&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|4172|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} || 1994–1998 || {{convert|300|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|400|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 6.9&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| 1998–2002|| {{convert|310|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|410|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 6.5&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|4172|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} (S8) || 1996–1999 || {{convert|340|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|420|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 5.6&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| 1999–2002 || {{convert|360|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|430|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 5.4&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|5998|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} (A8 L) || 2001–2002 || [[W12 engine|W12]] || {{convert|420|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|550|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 5.8&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |{{convert|2496|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} || 1997–2000|| rowspan="2" | V6 TDI || {{convert|150|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|310|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 9.9&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|220|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
| 2000–2002|| {{convert|180|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|370|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 8.8&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|227|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|3328|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} 
|2000–2002
|V8 TDI|| {{convert|225|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; {{convert|480|Nm|0|abbr=on}}|| style="text-align:center;" | 8.2&nbsp;sec || style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|242|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|}