Audi A8 D4 Test drive since 2010 sedan
Audi A8 /1000 km
The best and most amazing quality of Audi A8 is the harmonious combination of the most modern technologies with a classic design. So, our collection of sedan sedan was replenished with a second car from Germany. And again we have a top version. Audi A8 with the most powerful engine of 4.2 liters, which develops even a little larger than the engine of our BMW - 335 hp. The exquisite mother-of-pearl color does not turn to name simply gray-blue-its branded designation Northern lights are much larger. And the beige skin of Nappa seems almost a branded Audi element.
Already in the standard configuration for Russia there are six -speed Tiptronic, and parking assistance systems, electrical drives adjusting the front seats, an audio system and much more. The machine provided to us by the Audi representative office, in addition, is equipped with an impressive number of options - the cost of additional equipment exceeds 20 thousand dollars. The list includes adaptive headlights, which at speeds of less than 70 km/h illuminate the turning area. The access system without a key with the identification of the driver by printing finger marks their life when several people use the machine. Yes, and saves time - it is enough to approach the car with a radio ceremony so that the locks open. A logical complement is a proprietary alarm with almost all the existing functions currently existing. The climate is monitored by a four -zone system and forced ventilation, which is powered by solar batteries in the hatch cover. True, the latter as a result became opaque. In case of strong light from behind, there is a retractable curtain, which can be controlled by both the driver and passengers of the rear seat.
A multifunctional steering wheel with petals for manual transfers and control of the audio system and the phone also facilitates driving. Pneumatic supports are also available on the front seats and for two passengers of the rear seat. The front, in addition, are equipped with memory, and the driver's chair is tied to the recognition system by fingerprint. Against the background of this electric drive opening and closing the lid of the trunk, it does not look too much extravagance, but a hatch with a ski cover behind the armrest - and completely banality.
ALL AT ONCE. Already the previous generation of the Audi A8 could boast of two differences from classmates-competing: aluminum load-bearing and constant all-wheel drive. And aluminum and drive to all wheels are used on other cars of this class. However, the alloy structure of the supporting frame is much more serious than individual panels. And the drive of both axles, originally embedded in the design, allows you to maximize its advantages and avoid complications like additional shafts and alteration of the front suspension. The QUATTRO system used by AUDI provides for the use of a self -locking differential type Torsen, which under normal conditions distributes the power between the axes equally, and when slipping the front or rear wheels can change the proportion up to 75:25. If this is not enough, the electronic system of blocking differentials can provide the supply of maximum power to one of the wheels. Although the main task of Quattro is to ensure the stability of the machine on a regular road, which it copes with more than successfully, the possibility of blocking differentials will help to cope with the traditional seasonal features of our roads. Like a pneumatic suspension that allows you to change the road clearance in the range from 95 to 145 mm. In the latter case, the A8, of course, is far from passability even to the parquet SUV, but this regime will help to drive up to the entrance of a not too elite house.
A tailcoat for every day. It is simply amazing that such an avant -garde design was so organically drained with a classic, in the best sense of the word, design. In the best sense, it means that the desired share of modernity remains, and there is also a tagged for the future. So after a few years, A8 will not seem outdated.
In the guidelines for etiquette, the tailcoat and tuxedo is recommended to be worn simply and at ease, like an everyday jacket. True, the answer to the question of how to wear a jacket is formulated even more concise in the same guidelines: as a tailcoat. The appearance of the A8 can be called an almost perfect illustration of this principle: the absence of shackles in terms of compactness allowed designers to achieve excellently balanced proportions, so that the car looks noble in appearance and, not catching the eye in the usual stream, also naturally looks in the motorcade of Gate of the Embassy or the Presidential Palace.
Tact and feelings. To the maximum extent, compliments regarding the design are interior. After all, any car worth several tens of thousands of hardware units cannot be bad. In the case of A8, we have to conclude that the Audi successfully analyzed the experience of competitors and managed to synthesize an almost perfect solution. Maybe this option will have few hot supporters, but there will be even fewer critics. If only because there is always a choice: to maintain the classic simplicity of the instrument panel or add the possibilities that modern electronics provide. To do this, just remove or put forward a multifunctional MMI display - Multi Media Interface. Through it, using the handle and buttons on the console, the driver gets access to control of all car systems, from suspension to the radio. At the same time, the most frequently used controls are duplicated by buttons and handles on the steering wheel (audio system and display on the instrument panel) or console (climate control).
However, such a perfect car is not devoid of shortcomings: the parking system is limited to sound alarm. The direction and frequency of signals indicate the presence of obstacles and distance to them, however, the Mercedes-Benz indicators and even more so the image of dangerous zones on the BMW display provide the driver with much more complete and accurate information.
Text Valery Chusov, photo Sergey Sherestnikov
Model/Modification Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
Manufacturer/country Audi AG/Germany
ENGINE
Type/number/location of gasoline cylinders/8/V-shaped
Working volume (cubic cub) 4172
Power (kW (L.S.) at about./Min.) 246 (335) at 6500
Moment (nm at about./Min.) 430 at 3500
TRANSMISSION
The permanent drive is full, an interdosseous differential type Torsen
Automatic gearbox 6-speed
Brakes, safety
Front/rear circular ventilated/disk ventilated
ABS, assisting electronic systems 4-channel with EBD systems; ESP; Hydraulic Brake Assist
Safety pillows 10: two front and four side, pillows to protect the head
Dimensions/mass
Length/width/height (mm) 5051/1894/1444
Wheel base (mm)/clearance (mm) 294/120
Tires 255/45 R18
Mass weight/complete (kg) 1780/2380
The volume of the fuel tank (L) 90
Maximum speed (km/h) 250 (limited by electronics)
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 6.3
Fuel consumption (city/highway/mixed, l/100 km) 17.6/8.8/12.0
Price in Moscow $ 127 200
Costs (April 02 - April 20)
Mileage city/highway - 2000 km
AI-98 gasoline (180 l) $ 75
Autocasco insurance plus g $ 15 687
Moika $ 100
Washing liquid $ 4
Total: $ 15 806
Source: "Autopilot"
