Audi Audi A8 2002-2010 Drivetrain Specifications
Detailed technical specifications and maintenance guidelines for the drivetrain system of the 2002-2010 Audi A8. Includes transmission, differential, driveshaft, and quattro system details.
Drivetrain Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a detailed overview of the drivetrain specifications for the 2002-2010 Audi A8. It includes technical details about the engine, transmission, drivetrain system, suspension, and braking components. Use this guide to identify key specifications, understand system components, and find specific technical details for maintenance or modification purposes.
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Key Specifications
Engine Options
3.7L V8, 4.2L V8, 6.0L W12
Transmission
6-speed Tiptronic automatic
Drivetrain
Quattro all-wheel drive
Suspension
Adaptive Air Suspension
Brakes
14.0-inch front, 12.8-inch rear discs
Available Specifications
Engine Overview
The Audi A8 from 2002-2010 features a range of engines, including V8 and W12 configurations. This section details the technical specifications and capabilities of each engine option.
Engine Overview
The Audi A8 from 2002-2010 features a range of engines, including V8 and W12 configurations. This section details the technical specifications and capabilities of each engine option.
Engine Specifications
- 3.7L V8 engine: 280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
- 4.2L V8 engine: 335 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
- 6.0L W12 engine: 450 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
- Fuel type: Premium unleaded gasoline
- Engine management: Bosch Motronic ME 7.1 fuel injection
- Emissions control: Catalytic converter with secondary air injection
Performance Data
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.5 seconds (4.2L V8)
- Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (4.2L V8)
- Fuel economy: 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway
- Recommended oil: 5W-40 synthetic
Transmission
The A8 features a range of transmissions designed for smooth power delivery and optimal performance. This section covers the specifications and features of each transmission option.
Transmission
The A8 features a range of transmissions designed for smooth power delivery and optimal performance. This section covers the specifications and features of each transmission option.
Transmission Specifications
- 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
- Manual mode with paddle shifters (optional)
- Adaptive shift programming based on driving conditions
- Torque converter with lock-up clutch
- Transmission fluid: ATF LL (Long Life)
Drivetrain System
The Audi A8 utilizes the quattro all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability. This section details the drivetrain components and their functionality.
Drivetrain System
The Audi A8 utilizes the quattro all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability. This section details the drivetrain components and their functionality.
Quattro All-Wheel Drive
- Permanent all-wheel drive with self-locking center differential
- Torque distribution: 50:50 under normal conditions
- Dynamic torque redistribution based on traction needs
- Front/rear axle load distribution: 56/44
- Driveshaft: High-strength steel with constant velocity joints
Suspension
The A8 features an adaptive air suspension system designed for comfort and handling. This section provides technical details about the suspension components and their functionality.
Suspension
The A8 features an adaptive air suspension system designed for comfort and handling. This section provides technical details about the suspension components and their functionality.
Suspension Specifications
- Adaptive Air Suspension (AAS)
- Electronically controlled dampers with multiple modes
- Automatic ride height adjustment
- Anti-roll bars: Front and rear
- Suspension travel: 3.5 inches front, 4.7 inches rear
Brakes
The braking system on the A8 is designed for exceptional stopping power and control. This section details the specifications and features of the brake components.
Brakes
The braking system on the A8 is designed for exceptional stopping power and control. This section details the specifications and features of the brake components.
Brake Specifications
- Front brakes: 14.0-inch ventilated discs
- Rear brakes: 12.8-inch ventilated discs
- Brake calipers: 6-piston front, 4-piston rear
- Brake assist system (BAS)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integration
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Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- all-wheel drive
- Configuration
- front-engine, all-wheel drive
- Platform
- Volkswagen Group D3
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
- Layout
- longitudinal
Dimensions
- Wheelbase
- 118.0 in (300 cm)
- Total Length
- 203.7 in (517 cm)
- Width
- 74.6 in (190 cm)
- Height
- 57.3 in (146 cm)
- Front Track
- 63.0 in (160 cm)
- Rear Track
- 63.2 in (160.5 cm)
- Ground Clearance
- 5.1 in (13 cm)
- Turning Diameter
- 39.7 ft (12.1 m)
Materials
- Drivetrain Components
- high-strength steel
- Suspension Components
- aluminum
- Differential Housing
- cast iron
- Driveshaft
- carbon fiber (optional)
- Transmission Casing
- aluminum
- Driveshaft Tube
- high-strength steel
Features
- Torque Distribution
-
- Asymmetric torque split (40:60 front:rear)
- Dynamic torque distribution
- Torque vectoring capability
- Transmission Features
-
- 6-speed Tiptronic automatic
- Manual mode with paddle shifters
- Dynamic shift program (DSP)
- Adaptive shift strategy
- Drivetrain Technologies
-
- quattro all-wheel drive system
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Traction Control (ASR)
- Differential Features
-
- Mechanical center differential
- Electronic torque distribution
- Self-locking center differential
- Suspension Features
-
- Adaptive Air Suspension
- Self-leveling suspension
- Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)
- Optional Features
-
- Sport Differential
- Dynamic Steering
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Safety Features
- Traction Control
-
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Electronic Stability
-
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Yaw control system
- Braking System
-
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Comfort Features
- Suspension
-
- Adaptive Air Suspension
- Self-leveling suspension
- Dynamic Ride Control (DRC)
- Noise insulation
-
- Acoustic glass
- Sound-dampening materials
- Drivetrain Refinement
-
- Smooth shifting transmission
- Low noise operation
- All Wheel Drive Benefits
-
- Improved traction
- Enhanced stability
- Better control in inclement weather
- Convenience Features
-
- Hill descent control
- Gradient braking assist
Accessories
- Towing Package
-
- Trailer hitch
- Wiring harness
- Trailer stability control
- Winter Package
-
- Snow tires
- Wheel spacers
- Heated windshield washer nozzles
- Performance Package
-
- Sport differential
- Dynamic steering
- Adaptive suspension
Maintenance
- Service interval
- every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Service Items
-
- Oil change
- Tire rotation
- Brake inspection
- Fluid check
- Filter replacement
- Belt inspection
- Maintenance Notes
- Follow Audi-recommended service intervals
Warranty
- Basic Warranty
- Miles: 50000Years: 4Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
- Powertrain Warranty
- Miles: 70000Years: 5Coverage: Drivetrain components
- Corrosion Warranty
- Miles: UnlimitedYears: 12Coverage: Perforation
- Maintenance Warranty
- Miles: 50000Years: 4Coverage: Scheduled maintenance
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Audi AG
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Robotic welding
- Laser cutting
- Aluminum casting
- High-strength steel stamping
- Quality Control
- inspection: End-of-line testingCertification: ISO 9001Standards: DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recycling of materials
- Energy-efficient manufacturing
- Use of sustainable materials
- Production Metrics
- Units Produced: Over 100,000 unitsProduction Years: 2002-2010Plant Location: Neckarsulm, Germany
Service Information for drivetrain Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Oil change
- Tire rotation
- Brake pads inspection
- Fluid level check
- Air filter inspection
Regular maintenance service
- Spark plug replacement
- Fuel filter replacement
- Drive belts inspection
- Suspension components check
- Differential fluid level check
Intermediate service
- Transmission fluid change
- Brake fluid replacement
- Coolant replacement
- Steering system check
- Driveshaft inspection
Major service
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What type of drivetrain does the 2002-2010 Audi A8 use?
What type of drivetrain does the 2002-2010 Audi A8 use?
The 2002-2010 Audi A8 is equipped with a quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This system uses a Torsen (Torque-Sensing) center differential to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, typically with a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split under normal conditions.
Q2 What is the torque capacity of the Torsen differential in the Audi A8?
What is the torque capacity of the Torsen differential in the Audi A8?
The Torsen differential in the Audi A8 can handle up to 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque, ensuring robust performance and durability under high-load conditions.
Q3 What is the recommended service interval for the drivetrain components?
What is the recommended service interval for the drivetrain components?
Audi recommends inspecting the drivetrain components, including the differential and driveshafts, every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Fluid changes for the differential should be performed every 40,000 miles or 4 years.
Q4 Can the quattro system be retrofitted to a non-AWD Audi A8?
Can the quattro system be retrofitted to a non-AWD Audi A8?
No, retrofitting the quattro AWD system to a non-AWD Audi A8 is not feasible due to significant structural and mechanical differences, including the absence of a transmission tunnel, rear differential, and modified suspension components.
Q5 What type of fluid is used in the differential of the Audi A8?
What type of fluid is used in the differential of the Audi A8?
The differential in the Audi A8 requires Audi-approved synthetic gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5 specification. The exact capacity is approximately 1.2 liters for the front differential and 1.5 liters for the rear differential.
Q6 How does the quattro system improve handling in the Audi A8?
How does the quattro system improve handling in the Audi A8?
The quattro system enhances handling by continuously monitoring wheel slip and adjusting torque distribution between the front and rear axles. This improves traction, stability, and cornering performance, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
Audi A8 Drivetrain Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial Audi service manual detailing drivetrain maintenance, repair procedures, and specifications for the 2002-2010 A8.
Quattro System Overview
Coming SoonTechnical overview of the quattro all-wheel-drive system, including its operation, benefits, and maintenance tips.
Differential Fluid Replacement Guide
Coming SoonStep-by-step guide for replacing differential fluid in the Audi A8, including fluid specifications and torque settings.
Audi A8 Drivetrain Troubleshooting
Coming SoonCommon drivetrain issues and troubleshooting steps for the 2002-2010 Audi A8, including diagnostic codes and repair solutions.
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Technical Information
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