Monday, February 25, 2013

1969 Ford Fairlane - Torino Cobra






Officially, these are known simply as Cobras, according to period Ford advertising and sales brochures, and more importantly, the dealer winder-sticker. Really though, these are Fairlanes, as the Torino designation was an option package for the Fairlane body-code and was not yet a separate model line in 1969. Sometimes also referred to as the Torino GT or Fairlane Cobra, this naming convention generates some debate in collector circles. This line featured two body styles: the hardtop (aka “formal roof”) and the much more common “sports roof” fastback. The Cobra performance package included as standard the 335 hp 428 Cobra Jet V-8 with a Holly 4bbl. Optional Ram Air didn’t increase horsepower, but it boosted the performance peak to 5,600 rpm. Also included was a locking rear differential, which was exclusive to Ford. Quarter mile times were typically in the 14.5 second range. Exact production figures are difficult to come by, but it is estimated that about 14,000 Cobras were sold in 1969, with the vast majority of them being the fastback version. Naturally, I prefer the rare hardtop (pictured here), which number about 3,000.



The Ford Fairlane was an automobile model sold between 1955 and 1970 by the Ford Motor Company in North America. The name was taken from Henry Ford's estate, Fair Lane, near Dearborn, Michigan.

Over time, the name referred to a number of different cars in different classes; the Fairlane was initially a full-size car, but became a mid-size car from the 1962 model year. The mid-sized model spawned the Australian-built Fairlane in 1967, although it was considered a large car there  listverse.com


The Cobra was introduced in 1969 as a competitor for Plymouth's Road Runner. Basic models featured the 302 CID V8 and three-speed manual transmission as standard. Options included the 390 CID and two 428 CID V8s. The Cobras, meanwhile, had a standard 428 CID V8 with 335 bhp (250 kW), and options included bucket seats, hood scoop, clock, tachometer, power disc brakes and 4.30:1 rear axle gearing. "Regular" Fairlanes and Rancheros continued, all with bucket-seat options.

An even more powerful version, the Torino Talladega, was created to compete on the NASCAR Grand National speedways. Only 754 were built. To compete with the new Dodge Charger 500, the Sportsroof-based Ford Torino Talladega got a sloped nose and flush grille. The 428 CID V8 was standard, but it was mated to a C-6 Cruise-o-Matic automatic transmission.



Ford Torino Talladega

The Ford Torino Talladega was a car produced by the Ford Motor Company during the first few weeks of 1969, only. Ford's Talladega was named after the Talladega Superspeedway racetrack in Alabama, which also made its debut in 1969. The Ford Talladega was a special, more aerodynamic version of the Ford Torino / Fairlane Cobra. It was produced specifically to make Ford even more competitive in NASCAR stock car racing, and it was sold to the public only because homologation rules required a certain minimum number of cars (500 in 1969) be produced and made available for sale to the public. It is believed that a total of 754 Talladegas may have been built, although the Talladega/Spoiler Registry can only account for a maximum of 750.


This number includes all prototypes, pilot cars, and production cars built, plus a special post-production car that was built for the president of Ford Motor Company, Semon Emil "Bunkie" Knudsen, in March 1969. The Bunkie Knudsen car was significantly different from all of the homologation cars with regard to options and color. This Talladega was even built at a different plant: Ford's Lorain, OH plant on March 20, 1969. However, all production examples were constructed during January and February 1969 at Ford's Atlanta, Georgia plant.

All production homologation cars produced after the pilot cars were built between January 21 and February 28. (According to the Talladega/Spoiler Registry's records, Talladega number 502 was actually completed on January 31, and then the last 247 homologation cars were built between February 14 and February 28, following a 2 week break in production.) It is unknown as to why Ford built an "extra" 247 homologation cars, once the homologation requirements had been met during the initial run, as it is thought that Ford lost several thousand dollars on every Talladega that was built. wikipedia.org
















Thursday, February 21, 2013

Top Legendary Cars

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Chevrolet Corvette (C1)

 


The Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced late in the 1953 model year and produced through 1962. It is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray. The Corvette was rushed into production for its debut model year to capitalize on the enthusiastic public reaction to the concept vehicle, but expectations for the new model were largely unfulfilled.



 Reviews were mixed and sales fell far short of expectations through the car's early years. The program was nearly canceled, but Chevrolet would ultimately stay the course and Harley Earl and company would transform the Corvette into a true world-class sports car.
In 1927 General Motors hired designer Harley Earl who loved sports cars. GIs returning after serving overseas in the years following World War II were bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, and the like. In 1951, Nash Motors began selling an expensive two-seat sports car, the Nash-Healey, that was made in partnership with the Italian designer Pinin Farina and British auto engineer Donald Healey, but there were few moderate-priced models. Earl convinced GM that they needed to build a two-seat sports car, and with his Special Projects crew began working on the new car, "Project Opel" in late 1951. The result was the hand-built, EX-122 pre-production Corvette prototype, which was first shown to the public at the 1953 GM Motorama at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on January 17, 1953. Production began six months later. The car is now located at the Kerbeck Corvette museum in Atlantic City and is believed to be the oldest Corvette in existence. wikipedia.org



During the last half of 1953, 300 Corvettes were to large degree hand-built on a makeshift assembly line that was installed in an old truck plant in Flint, Michigan while a factory was being prepped for a full-scale 1954 production run. The outer body was made out of then-revolutionary fiberglass material, selected in part because of quotas, left over from the war, limited the availability of steel. A 55 degree racked windshield was made of safety glass, while the licience plate holder was set back in the trunk, covered with a plastic window Underneath the new body material were standard components from Chevrolet's regular car line, including the "Blue Flame" inline six-cylinder engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and drum brakes. The engine's output was increased however from a triple-carburetor system exclusive to the Corvette, but performance of the car was decidedly "lackluster". Compared to the British and Italian sports cars of the day, the Corvette lacked a manual transmission and required more effort to bring to a stop, but like their British competition, such as Morgan, was not fitted with roll-up windows; this would have to wait until sometime in the 1956 model year.A Paxton centrifugal supercharger became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, greatly improving the Corvette's straight-line performance, but sales continued to decline.


The Chevrolet division was GM's entry-level marque. Managers at GM were seriously considering shelving the project,[15] leaving the Corvette to be little more than a footnote in automotive history, and would have done so if not for three important events. The first was the 1955 introduction of Chevrolet's first V8 engine since 1919. Late in the model year, the new 195 hp (145 kW) 265 small-block became available with a three-speed manual transmission, coupled to a 3.55:1 axle ratio, the only one offered.The engine was fitted with a single 2366S WCFB four-barrel (four-choke) Carter carburetor. The combination turned the "rather anemic Corvette into a credible if not outstanding performer".
The second was the influence of a Russian émigré in GM's engineering department, Zora Arkus-Duntov. The third factor in the Corvette's survival was Ford's introduction of the 1955 two-seat Thunderbird, which was billed as a "personal luxury car", not a sports car. Even so, the Ford-Chevrolet rivalry in those days demanded GM not appear to back down from the challenge. The original concept for the Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag into the design, but was changed well before production since associating the flag with a product was frowned upon.








Die Chevrolet Corvette (C1) ist die erste Generation des Sportwagens von der Chevrolet Division von General Motors in den späten 1953 Modell des Jahres und produzierte bis 1962. Es wird allgemein als "solid-Achs-Generation" bezeichnet, da die Einzelradaufhängung hinten nicht bis 1963 Sting Ray erscheinen. Die Corvette wurde in die Produktion für seine Debüt-Modell des Jahres stürzte auf die begeisterte Reaktion der Öffentlichkeit auf die Konzept-Fahrzeug zu nutzen, aber die Erwartungen für das neue Modell weitgehend unerfüllt.



Chevrolet Corvette (C1) является первое поколение спортивного автомобиля путем разделения Chevrolet от General Motors представила в конце 1953 модельного года и производятся по 1962 год. Это обычно упоминается как "твердое-ось" поколения, а независимая задняя подвеска не появлялись до 1963 года Sting Ray.Corvette был доставлен в производство для своего модельного года Дебют заработать на восторженные реакции общественности на концепцию автомобиля, но надежды на новую модель в значительной степени нереализованным.


وشفروليه كورفيت (C1) هو الجيل الأول من السيارات الرياضية من قبل شعبة شيفروليه من جنرال موتورز قدم في وقت متأخر من نموذج عام 1953 والمنتجة من خلال 1962. ويشار إلى أنه في الجيل "الصلبة المحور"، كما تعليق مستقل خلفي لم تظهر حتى ستينغ راي 1963. ونقل كورفيت في الإنتاج لاول مرة في نموذج عام للاستفادة من رد فعل الجمهور متحمسا لمفهوم السيارة، ولكن التوقعات كانت النموذج الجديد لم تتحقق إلى حد كبير.







Sunday, February 10, 2013

Borgward Lloyd Arabella


Norddeutsche Automobil und Motoren GmbH (English: North German Automobile and Engine) was a German brand created in 1908 and was owned by the Norddeutsche Lloyd shipping company. The factory was in Bremen.

Many of the products of the company and its successors were badged with the Lloyd marque. The German Lloyd had no connection with the British Lloyd Cars Ltd company active between 1936 and 1951.

The final Lloyd made was the Arabella, which had a four cylinder "boxer" engine of opposed twin cylinders with a capacity of 897 cc. However, the company collapsed before this car was ready for the market. Much was written at the time about the collapse of the Borgward concern, which cost thousands of workers their job. The bankruptcy might well have been prevented but this would have required a different course of action by the City of Bremen and a less stubborn approach by Carl Borgward.




1966 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C















Norddeutsche Automobil und Motoren GmbH (englisch: North deutschen Fahrzeug-und Motorentechnik) war eine deutsche Marke im Jahr 1908 erstellt und wurde von der Norddeutsche Lloyd Reederei. Die Fabrik war in Bremen.



Viele der Produkte des Unternehmens und seinen Nachfolgern wurden mit dem Lloyd marque badged. Die deutsche Lloyd hatte keine Verbindung mit dem britischen Lloyd Cars Ltd tätiges Unternehmen zwischen 1936 und 1951.



Die endgültige Lloyd hergestellt war die Arabella, die eine Vier-Zylinder "Boxer"-Motor gegenüberliegender Doppelschneckenextruder Zylinder mit einer Kapazität von 897 cc hatte. Allerdings brach das Unternehmen vor das Auto war bereit für den Markt. Viel wurde in der Zeit um den Zusammenbruch des Borgward Sorge, die Tausende von Arbeitern ihren Job gekostet geschrieben. Der Konkurs könnte auch verhindert worden, aber dies wäre ein anderes Vorgehen von der Stadt Bremen und einem weniger hartnäckigen Ansatz Carl Borgward erforderlich gewesen.

كان العلامة التجارية الألمانية التي تم إنشاؤها في عام 1908 وكانت مملوكة من قبل شركة الشحن لويد Norddeutsche: Norddeutsche السياره اوند شركة محدودة المواتير (شمال ألمانيا السيارات والمحرك إنجليزي). وكان المصنع في بريمن.



وأشر العديد من منتجات الشركة وخلفها مع إذنا لويد. كان لويد الألمانية لا علاقة مع البريطانيين لويد المحدودة شركة سيارات نشطة بين عامي 1936 و 1951.



جعل لويد النهائي كان أرابيلا، مما كان له أربع أسطوانات "الملاكم" محرك اسطوانات التوأم تعارض مع قدرة من 897 سم مكعب. ومع ذلك، انهارت الشركة قبل هذه السيارة مستعدة للسوق. وقد كتب الكثير في ذلك الوقت عن انهيار القلق Borgward، الذي تكلف الآلاف من العمال وظائفهم. قد جيدا إفلاس تم منعها ولكن هذا كان يتطلب مسارا مختلفا للعمل من مدينة بريمن واتباع نهج أقل من Borgward كارل العنيد.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

The Chevrolet Impala


The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 1958 model year. Deriving its name from the southern African antelope, Chevrolet's most expensive passenger model through 1965 had become the best-selling automobile in the United States, competing against the Ford Galaxie 500 and the Plymouth Fury when full-size models dominated the market. The Impala was distinguished for many years by its symmetrical triple taillights. The Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for the 1965 model year becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966, which itself remained above the Bel Air and Biscayne.

The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-size model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, Impala was revived as a muscular 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Caprice Classic sedan. In 2000, the Impala was re-introduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive full-size sedan. Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen."


Chevrolet’s famed 409 engine was immortalized in the 1962 Beach Boys song of the same name, and was the desire of many muscle car enthusiasts in the early 60′s. In ’62 the hot set-up was to order the 409 in the lightweight “bubble-top” Bel Air 2-door hardtop. Well, kicking it up a notch in 1963, Chevrolet introduced the Z11 option package for its Impala line. The package included a modified 409 increased to 427 cid by way of a stroked crank, and had special heads, valves and a two-piece aluminum intake manifold sporting dual quads. Output was rated at 430 hp. The additional Z11 features were not limited to the engine compartment however, as the hood, fenders bumpers and other items were made of aluminum to lighten its overall curb weight. This was a RPO (regular production option) package supposedly available to the general public, but appears to have only been selectively sold to racers with the intent of furthering Chevrolet’s cause at the drag strip. No matter, the ’63 Impala SS with a standard 425 hp 409 was plenty fast for the average joe, regularly turning sub-15′s in the quarter mile. Only 50 or so (qtys vary by source) Impala Z11s were sold in 1963, and there are 7 known to be still in existence today.







Plymouth Road Runner

Plymouth Satellite

Dodge Challenger

Mercury Marquis

 





L'Impala è una vettura Full-Size prodotta dalla casa statunitense Chevrolet a partire dal 1958. Nel periodo in cui le vetture così definite, cioè quelle con ingombri particolarmente elevati, dominavano il mercato statunitense l'Impala era l'automobile più venduta.

シボレー・インパラ (Chevrolet Impala) は、ゼネラルモーターズ (GM) がシボレーブランドで販売している大型乗用車。現在、日本では正式発売されていない。 1958年~1964年モデルは、ローライダーと呼ばれるカスタムのベース車として日本、アメリカで人気が高い。

Chevrolet Impalu osmislio je Chevrolet, dio General Motorsa uvodeći prvi model 1958. godine. Automobil je nazvan po južnoafričkoj antilopi. Ovaj model je do 1965. godine postao najprodavaniji u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama, natječući se protiv Forda Galaxyja i Plymoutha Furya koji su tada dominirali na tržištu. Impala se razlikovala dugi niz godina svojim simetričnim trostrukim svjetlima. Chevrolet Impala ostao je najpopularniji model do sredine osamdesetih godina. Chevrolet je devedesetih godina proizvodio Super Sport limuzine temeljene na Chevroletu Capriceu, opremljene 5,7-litarskim V8 motorom.

Chevrolet Impala je automobil střední třídy, který od roku 1958 vyrábí americká automobilka Chevrolet. Původně byla nejvyšším modelem automobilky. Tento post ale získal v roce 1965 typ Caprice. Poprvé se jméno Impala objevilo na studii General Motors Motorama 1956.
La Chevrolet Impala est une automobile développée et construite par la division Chevrolet de General Motors. Ed Cole, l’ingénieur en chef de Chevrolet vers la fin des années 1950, a défini l’Impala comme étant un véhicule prestigieux accessible au citoyen américain moyen.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

NSU


 
NSU Motorenwerke AG, normally just NSU, was a German manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles and pedal cycles, founded in 1873. It was acquired by Volkswagen Group in 1969. VW merged the company with Auto Union, to eventually evolve into Audi as it is known today.


NSU originated as a knitting machine manufacturer established in 1873 by Christian Schmidt, a technically astute entrepreneur, in the town of Riedlingen on the Danube. The business relocated in 1880 to Neckarsulm, where the river Sulm flows into the Neckar. There followed a period of rapid growth and in 1886 the company began to produce bicycles, the first of them branded as the "Germania", and by 1892, bicycle manufacturing had completely replaced knitting machine production. At about this time, the name NSU (from Neckar and Sulm) appeared as a brand name.
The first NSU motorcycle appeared in 1901,followed by the first NSU car in 1905. In 1932, the car factory in Heilbronn was sold to Fiat.
During World War II NSU designed and produced the Kettenkrad, the NSU HK101, a half-tracked motorcycle with the engine of the Opel Olympia.

Fiat 1300 - Milletrecento - Zastava 1300 - Tristać

  • NSU Prinz I, II, 30 and III (1957–1962)
  • NSU Sport Prinz (1959–1967)
  • NSU Prinz 4, 4L (1961–1972)
  • NSU Prinz 1000, NSU 1000 (1964–1972)
  • NSU 1000 TT, NSU TT, NSU TTS (1965–1972)
  • NSU Typ 110, NSU 1200 (1965–1972)
  • NSU Spider (1964–1967)
  • NSU Ro 80 (1967–1977)
  • NSU K70, produced after VW/Audi takeover as the Volkswagen K70 (1970–1975)










Monday, February 4, 2013

2013 Audi A8






What's New for 2013

For 2013, the 4.2-liter V8 engine featured in the Audi A8 has been replaced by a supercharged V6 that delivers better performance. Beyond that, a smaller yet more powerful turboV8 is also available. Later, a diesel V6 will also join the A8 lineup. There are several new option packages across the line.
Introduction

Apparently downsizing has now become upscale -- at least in the United States. Both long- and regular-wheelbase versions of Audi's A8 flagship sedan have historically been powered by V8 or W12 engines, but the base 2013 Audi A8 is propelled by a V6, and the results might surprise you.


The natural assumption leads most to think a V6 wouldn't be a good match with this big sedan's size and weight -- certainly not as good as a V8, in any case. Generating 333 horsepower, the new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is down 39 hp and 3 pound-feet of torque compared to the previous 4.2-liter V8. We expected the V6 car to be marginally slower as a result, but it's actually marginally quicker than the heavier V8-equipped sedan. Meanwhile, the supercharged V6 car's fuel economy is essentially identical to that of the normally aspirated V8.

For these reasons, we doubt anyone would miss the former V8, especially since Audi has added a new and even more powerful turbocharged V8 to the A8 lineup. Later in the year, a diesel-fueled V6 will debut. Meanwhile, the 6.3-liter W12 remains the same as before, the perfect choice for those who think too much is just enough.

Engines aside, the 2013 Audi A8 maintains its place in the top tier of luxury sedans. It delivers a very high level of old-world luxury and comfort, along with a healthy dose of high-tech features that should delight any early adopter. This big Audi also manages to balance performance and luxury in a way that should appeal to drivers of all stripes. And for those who desire more emphasis on the performance side of the full-size sedan proposition, there's also an Audi S8, which is covered in a separate review.

Like its rivals, the A8 features an artful blend of understated styling, excellent craftsmanship, and exemplary interior materials. Picking a winner among them isn't easy, but then again, there's not a loser in the bunch. The BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class mostly place an emphasis on luxury, while the Jaguar XJ and Porsche Panamera have more sporting demeanors. Those looking for a middle ground would do well to try out the 2013 Audi A8.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2013 Audi A8 "Quattro" is an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan that is offered in regular- and long-wheelbase versions, the latter described by "L" and bestowed with about 5 extra inches of rear legroom. Trim levels include 3.0T, L 3.0T, 4.0T, L 4.0T and L W12. Each designation corresponds to the wheelbase and engine types.


Standard features for the base 3.0T include the new supercharged V6 engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED running lights, headlight washers, a sunroof, adaptive air suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, heated 12-way adjustable front seats with driver memory, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, aluminum and wood interior trim and a power rear sunshade. Electronic features include a navigation system, Audi's MMI electronics interface with voice control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a Bose surround-sound system with a CD player and an iPod interface. Also included is Audi Connect (enhanced Web-based navigation, information and WiFi access).

While the A8 3.0T is well equipped, there are a number of available options. Buyers can add the Convenience package, which includes a power trunk lid, keyless ignition/entry, parking sensors with rear- and top-view cameras, and soft-close power doors. An Extended Leather package wraps the armrests, center console and steering wheel airbag cap in leather. The Warm Weather package adds four-zone automatic climate control and power rear window sunshades.

Opting for the long-wheelbase L 3.0T version includes the above three packages in addition to piano-black interior inlays.

To either wheelbase, 3.0T buyers may choose to add a Cold Weather package consisting of a heated steering wheel, a ski bag for the rear seat pass-through and heated rear seats. A Comfort package includes 22-way multicontour comfort front seats with ventilation and pneumatic massage, plus wood inlays on the front seatbacks. The Sport Design package includes the Comfort package items but adds 20-inch wheels and upgraded leather upholstery. For a sportier A8, the Sport Plus package applies summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive steering and a sport differential. Finally, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control with automatic pre-braking and stop-and-go functionality, a blind-spot monitor and a lane-departure warning system.

Stand-alone options include full LED headlights/turn signals, a panoramic sunroof (L 3.0T), a solar sunroof (powers a ventilation fan to keep the car cool), dual-pane acoustic windows, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a night vision camera (an infrared camera to detect animals and pedestrians up to 1,000 feet away), a rear-seat entertainment system (with two 10-inch headrest-mounted screens) and a choice of several headliners and interior trim elements.

The 4.0T and L 4.0T models are pretty much offered with the same optional equipment as the 3.0T models.

Previously available only on the top-shelf L W12 but now available on the L 4.0T is the Executive Rear Seat Comfort package. It includes powered control of the front passenger seat from the rear seat (and reduces the front seat to 10-way power adjustment without massage), the Rear Seat Entertainment package plus heated and ventilated rear seats, a fixed rear center console with its own MMI controller, a reclining rear passenger seat with power footrest, multi-program massage with remote and a small refrigerator in the rear center pass-through. Twenty-inch wheels are a stand-alone option.

The prestige-level L W12 is essentially a fully loaded four-seat long-wheelbase model that is powered by a 12-cylinder engine and includes almost all of the above listed features and many of the options, rolling on 20-inch wheels. Still optional, however, are the Driver Assistance package, W12 Sport package, Executive Rear Seat package, Audi Design Selection package, Bang & Olufsen sound system, night vision camera and solar sunroof.
Powertrains and Performance

Powering the base model 2013 Audi A8 is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. All of this power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In Edmunds testing, a long-wheelbase L 3.0T with the optional Sport Plus package accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is quicker than every V6-powered competitor and just off the pace of those packing V8s.

Also standard on the V6 is an automatic stop/start feature that shuts the engine off when the car comes to a stop. It helps to increase fuel economy, which is quite good for this class of car at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 21 mpg in combined driving for either wheelbase.

The new turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 produces 420 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque. Stop-start, an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard. In Edmunds testing, an A8 L 4.0T ran to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The EPA estimates the 4.0T should earn 17 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, or nearly the same as the supercharged V6. The L 4.0T is only slightly more thirsty at 16/26/19 mpg.

Audi A8s with the 6.3-liter W12 engine only come in long-wheelbase configuration but benefit from 500 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque. As with all A8s, an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard. Weighing in about 200 pounds more than the L 4.0T, Audi claims the L W12 will reach 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 13/21/16 mpg.

Details regarding the new turbodiesel V6 are forthcoming.
Safety

Standard safety equipment for every 2013 Audi A8 includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, front- and rear-seat side airbags and active front headrests. The optional Driver Assistance package also includes a blind spot monitor and lane-departure warning system, as well as Audi Pre-Sense Plus, which monitors traffic and alerts the driver if a potential collision is detected, even applying the brakes (to a standstill below 20 mph).

In Edmunds brake testing of a V6-powered A8 with the optional summer tires included with the Sport Plus package, the car came to a stop from 60 mph in an impressively short 104 feet. All-season tires delivered a stop of 121 feet, which is average for similarly equipped cars in the class. An A8 L 4.0T with all-season tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 114 feet.
Interior Design and Special Features

As Audi's flagship, the 2013 A8 represents the best that the company has to offer. With the best materials combined with impeccable craftsmanship, the cabin is one of the finest in any flagship luxury sedan.

As you'd expect, comfort is a priority and the A8 delivers it in heaping portions. The upgraded seats found in the Comfort package adjust in so many ways that Audi needed to invent a more advanced means of controlling them, and they ultimately ensure that drivers of any size or shape will find an optimal position to motor away countless miles. Rear-seat comfort is also noteworthy, especially in the long-wheelbase versions that provide an expansive 43 inches of rear legroom.

For technophiles, Audi's Multi Media Interface provides a long list of functions through a crystal-clear display. There's a bit of a learning curve to it, but with a little time, control of numerous systems becomes second nature. The unique remote touchpad (upon which you can "write" numbers and letters with your finger) also doubles as a radio preset panel. It may seem like a superfluous novelty at first, but it turns out to be as useful as it is cool.

If there's one complaint that seems to come up more than others, it would be the A8's lack of trunk space. At a paltry 13.2 cubic feet, cargo capacity is far below that of its competitors and not nearly adequate to accommodate luggage for four adults.
Driving Impressions

When we heard that a supercharged V6 would replace the base V8, the news was met with quite a bit of skepticism. As it turns out, the new V6 is actually quicker to 60 mph, if only by a few tenths of a second. We contend that few drivers would ever suspect the difference between the two engines.

Power is plentiful, whether under acceleration or cruising down the highway. Passing slower cars is effortless and the brakes are equally up to the task of bringing the big sedan to a halt. The even newer 4.0T power plant is even more impressive. While earning nearly the same fuel economy as the supercharged V6, the turbo V8 delivers a tidal wave of effortless torque. If you're so inclined, it will also go toe to toe with almost any muscle car in a drag race.

With its all-wheel drive, automatic air suspension and crisp steering response, the A8, in either wheelbase configuration, handles like a smaller, lighter sport sedan. Yet over broken pavement the Audi flagship delivers a compliant, composed ride fully in keeping with its luxury sedan status. We also like its electronically adjustable settings for the chassis and engine calibration, which provide a much greater degree of driver customization than BMW's similar system.

All things considered, the 2013 Audi A8 is a worthy competitor among world-class luxury sedans. While the gap between its rivals is narrow, the Audi does distinguish itself by being more of a "driver's" car, rather than being an isolation chamber.


 edmunds.com


L W12 6.3 quattro
  • 6.3L W12 engine 
  • Automatic transmission 
  • Up to 13 cty/21 hwy mpg 
  • All-wheel drive 
  • Navigation System 
  • Bluetooth 
  • iPod input 
  • Satellite radio 
  • Side/Curtain Airbags 
  • Stability Control 
  • Traction Control 
  • DVD player


L 4.0T quattro
  • 4.0L V8 engine 
  • Automatic transmission 
  • Up to 16 cty/26 hwy mpg 
  • All-wheel drive 
  • Navigation System 
  • Bluetooth 
  • iPod input 
  • Satellite radio 
  • Side/Curtain Airbags 
  • Stability Control 
  • Traction Control 
  • DVD player (Optional)
4.0T quattro
  • 4.0L V8 engine 
  • Automatic transmission 
  • Up to 17 cty/28 hwy mpg 
  • All-wheel drive 
  • Navigation System 
  • Bluetooth 
  • iPod input 
  • Satellite radio 
  • Side/Curtain Airbags 
  • Stability Control 
  • Traction Control 
  • DVD player (Optional)

L 3.0T quattro
  • 3.0L V6 engine 
  • Automatic transmission 
  • Up to 18 cty/28 hwy mpg 
  • All-wheel drive 
  • Navigation System 
  • Bluetooth 
  • iPod input 
  • Satellite radio 
  • Side/Curtain Airbags 
  • Stability Control 
  • Traction Control 
  • DVD player (Optional)

3.0T quattro
  • 3.0L V6 engine 
  • Automatic transmission 
  • Up to 18 cty/28 hwy mpg 
  • All-wheel drive 
  • Navigation System 
  • Bluetooth 
  • iPod input 
  • Satellite radio 
  • Side/Curtain Airbags 
  • Stability Control 
  • Traction Control 
  • DVD player (Optional)