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2004 Audi A8 L
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Ride, Handling and Performance
The most impressive aspect of the new Audi A8L's ride and handling is that it feels like a much smaller car than it actually is. You feel like you are behind the wheel of a nimble sports sedan, rather than the large car that it is. The ride is as comfortable, as the handling is precise.
The A8L features Audi's "Adaptive Air Suspension," which was first offered on the Allroad wagon several years ago, and replaces the entire conventional steel suspension system. Its components are "layered" to provide excellent driving characteristics while maintaining the sensitive response needed to handle minor roadway imperfections.
At all four wheels, air-suspension bellows surround continuously variable, twin-tube shock absorbers and air-suspension struts. The struts are pressurized by a compressor in the engine compartment, and a pressure reservoir at the rear of the car. Information from four sensors on the axles, and three acceleration sensors on the body, is evaluated in the suspension control unit. Based on the driving situation identified, the computer adjusts individual shock absorbers, in milliseconds, to maintain optimum driving dynamics and ride comfort. The adaptive air suspension system maintains vehicle suspension height, regardless of loads and it can be adjusted from the MMI. With high weight loads, extra air is pumped into the springs at high gross weights, and discharged when the load is removed. This adapts the firmness of the springs to the load situation at all times, resulting in a consistent ride and stance.
Power in the 2004 Audi A8L comes from Audi's 4.2-liter, 5-valve, 330-horsepower, V8 engine. The engine delivers 20 more horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. more torque than the predecessor. The power is sent to the wheels through a new six-speed, Tiptronic transmission that allows the driver to enjoy the benefits of an automatic while commuting, or converting to a manual mode when you want to have more control. Engine response and acceleration is quick, the 2004 A8L goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with the top speed electronically governed to 130-mph. Acceleration is as smooth as you would expect from a fine luxury car.
Safety
Audi is has as strong a list of safety features as any Tier One luxury automaker. The 2003 version received dual 5-Star ratings for driver and passenger safety in a 35-mph frontal crash from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Although the 2004 A8L has yet to be tested, similar results are expected.
The driver and front passenger's airbags have dual-stage inflation for optimum protection in frontal collisions. In the event of a side collision, side-impact airbags in the seatbacks and the SIDEGUARD™ head airbag system help provide occupant safety in the outboard seating positions. Additionally, knee airbags bring the A8L's total number of airbags to ten, throughout the vehicle.
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