Short Wheelbase A8 6.0 Quattro Quicker than Long Wheelbase Car
Introducing a super-luxury sedan into any market requires a strong understanding of the elite market and a great deal of planning to pull the launch off smoothly.
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| Audi is set to deliver a short wheelbase 6.0 liter W12 version of the A8 to its European customers shortly. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
When Audi brought the A8 to North America, it did so initially with the L, or long wheelbase version. A short wheelbase A8 followed for those wanting a sportier limousine.
While no short wheelbase A8 is offered in North American anymore, at least not yet, Audi is set to deliver an abbreviate 6.0 liter W12 version to its European customers shortly.
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| About 13 cm shorter then the A8L found in North America, the A8 6.0L quattro's wheelbase length is just shy of three meters. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
The shorter A8 6.0 quattro bears the same odd grille and fascia as the new A8 6.0L quattro, but its wheelbase is identical to the regular A8; some 13 cm (5.1 inches) shorter than the long variant. Total wheelbase length is just shy of three meters, or more exactly 2,944 mm (115.9 inches).
While initially all that looks different between the regular A8 and the 6.0-liter version is its unique face, there are quite a few changes under the skin. First off the motor, which has a history that can be traced through to the first generation A8, now produces more power. While impressive its 450-hp isn't enough to outpace the twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz S600, but it's enough to make the lighter aluminum space frame A8 quite brisk.