Audi has revealed some stunningly sexy S8 and A8 specials in Europe and the UK, including the Edition 21 and the S8 Plus with its 605-horsepower and 189-mph top speed.
The first tweaked model we have — aside from the S8, of course, which is on the US price lists from $115,000 for 2016 — is this new A8 4.0T Sport. This new Sport replaces the old 4.0T model with a bump of 15 horsepower to a round 450, plus an upgraded exterior look that is kissing-close to the S8 from all angles.
The most dramatic change, of course, comes via the front lower bumpers on the Sport, which are vastly cooler and more youthful than the normal appearance of the A8. The A8 4.0T Sport is coming to the USA exclusively as the A8 L longwheelbase model, but hides its length via slimmer and sportier sills and rear bumper details.
Critical options? The $2,500 Dynamic pack with Quattro torque-vectoring differential in back. The Dynamic pack also includes variable adaptive steering. Four wheel styles and dozens of colors are all still pretty conservative, without a dark wheel style in the bunch. (The slim five-spokes are a dark silver.)
A black Alcantara headliner, however, is priced to move as a no-charge option.
We’ve thumbed through the configurator over here and came out pretty happy, especially versus the fairly trad and dull-looking $82k A8 3.0 TFSI and A8 3.0 TDI below this 4.0T Sport on the price ladder.
2016 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport
Audi introduces 2016 A8 L 4.0T Sport model
- New Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model achieves 450 hp through an enhanced 4.0T twin turbo V8
- Sport style exterior with muscular front fascia creates a striking presence on the road
- Interior features panoramic sunroof, acoustic glazing on windows and Alcantara headline
Featuring more power and enhanced luxury inside and out, the Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model enters the Audi lineup for 2016. The variant of the Audi A8 flagship sedan boasts an enhanced 4.0T twin turbo V8 engine achieving an impressive 450 hp, an increase of 15 hp from the previous 4.0T model. The Sport model also includes a muscular front fascia with larger air intakes for a more commanding presence on the road.
The bumper of the A8 L 4.0T Sport has been lowered for a more performance-oriented look and the sides of the sedan have been given more prominent rocker panels to give the vehicle a wider stance. On the rear of the car, the lower bumper has been reshaped for a more dynamic appearance. The A8 L 4.0T Sport comes standard with 20’’ 5-double spoke wheels and is available with two additional 20’’ wheel options. Also available are 21’’ 5-arm wheels with summer tires.
The interior of the A8 L 4.0T Sport model has been designed for ultimate comfort. The standard Executive and Luxury packages offer 22-way Comfort front seats with Valcona leather and a sporty diamond pattern stitching. The front seats also include ventilation and massage functions. Also standard is an Alcantara headliner, panoramic sunroof and acoustic glazing on the windows creating an interior experience that is more luxurious than ever.
Innovative Audi driver assistance functions include Audi side assist with pre sense rear, which can aid the driver when changing lanes and helps monitors the traffic following the vehicle and Audi head-up display with navigation information. Also available is Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go.
Summary of full equipment for the 2016 Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport model:
- An enhanced 4.0T twin turbo V8 engine achieving an impressive 450 hp in total, an increase of 15 hp from the previous 4.0T model
- Sport style exterior; completely new lower bumper and reshaped rear bumper; more prominent side rocker panels; more muscular shape and less chrome accents
- Standard 20” 5-double spoke wheels with all-season tires; available 21” 5-arm wheels with summer tires
- 22 way Comfort Sport seats with ventilation and massage functions
- Head Up Display
- Audi side assist with Audi pre sense rear
- Valcona leather interior with diamond pattern stitching
- Alcantara headliner
- Standard Executive, Luxury and Sport style packages
- Panoramic sunroof
- Acoustic glazing on the windows
Pricing detail
Model year 2016 A8 L 4.0T Sport starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
(Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges)
| Model | MSRP |
| Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport | $90,500* |
*Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, optional equipment, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
For more information on the Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport, please visit www.audiusa.com.
A8 L 4.0T Sport
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Engineering | Performance
Engine type Eight-cylinder
Displacement (cc)/Bore and stroke (mm) 3,991/84.5 x 89.5
Horsepower (@ rpm) 450 @ 5,100
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 444 @ 1,500
Engine block Aluminum-alloy
Cylinder head Aluminum-alloy
Valvetrain 32-valve DOHC
Induction/fuel injection Turbocharged/TFSI®
Acceleration (0 – 60 mph) TBA sec.
Top track speed 130 mph 7
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Electrical System
Battery 12 volts – 92 amp
Alternator 14 volts – 190 amp
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Transmission | Drivetrain
Transmission Eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission with quattro® all-wheel drive
Gear ratios: 1st 4.714
Gear ratios: 2nd 3.143
Gear ratios: 3rd 2.106
Gear ratios: 4th 1.667
Gear ratios: 5th 1.285
Gear ratios: 6th 1.000
Gear ratios: 7th 0.839
Gear ratios: 8th 0.667
Gear ratios: Reverse 3.317
Gear ratios: Final Drive 3.204
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Steering
Type Electromechanical power steering system
Ratio 15.1:1
Turning diameter (curb-to-curb) (ft) 41.7
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Suspension
Front Five-link front suspension / Audi adaptive air suspension
Rear Trapezoidal-link rear suspension / Audi adaptive air suspension
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Brakes
Front (in) 15.0 (ventilated disc)
Rear (in) 14.0 (ventilated disc)
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Body
Material ultra® lightweight technology — ASF® aluminum construction
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Warranty | Maintenance
Warranty 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
Maintenance 12-month/5,000-mile (whichever occurs first) NO CHARGE first scheduled maintenance
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Exterior Measurements
Wheelbase (in) 122.9
Length (in) 207.4
Height (in) 57.9
Overall width with mirrors (in) 83.1
Overall width without mirrors (in) 76.7
Track front (in) 64.7
Track rear (in) 64.4
Curb weight (lb) TBA
Drag coefficient (Cw) 0.27
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Interior Measurements
Head room (in, front) 37.2
Head room (in, rear) 39.1
Leg room (in, front) 41.4
Leg room (in, rear) 42.9
Shoulder room (in, front) 59.1
Shoulder room (in, rear) 57.8
Cargo volume (cu ft, cu ft, rear seatbacks up/folded) 14.2
Seating capacity 5
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EPA Estimates | Capacities
City 18 mpg 8
Highway 29 mpg 8
Combined 22 mpg 8
Engine oil (qt) 8.5
Fuel (gal) 21.7
Recommended fuel Premium
Emissions rating ULEV II
$0
Exterior Color
$0
Interior Color
$0
Decorative Inlays
$1,200
Wheels
Packages & options
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Cold Weather package
- Rear-seat pass-through
- Heated rear seats
- Heated 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
$750 -
Cold Weather package credit
($750) -
Rear Seat Comfort package
- Power outboard rear seats with power lumbar adjustment (five-passenger configuration)
- Ventilated outboard rear seats with massage function
- Front passenger seat power adjustment from rear seat
$2,500 -
Driver Assistance package
- High-beam assistant
- Audi pre sense® plus
- Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist
- Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go
$2,250 -
Audi design selection – Balao Brown
- Balao Brown Valcona leather seating surfaces
- Balsamic Brown Natural Fine Grain Ash Wood upper inlay
- Brushed Aluminum lower inlay
- Extended Leather package
- Snow White Alcantara® headliner
$5,900 -
Dynamic package
- quattro® sport differential
- Dynamic steering
$2,500 -
Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Sound System
$6,300 -
Night vision assistant
$2,300 -
Rear seat entertainment system with dual 10″ screens and DVD single slot
$3,000 -
Black Alcantara® headliner
http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-a8l/configurator
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.