Editing Audi A8 (section)

=== 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
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| 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/>