Especificaciones y análisis del Audi A8
Power
179HP
Torque
370Nm
Consumption
7.2l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
8.8s
Top Speed
227km/h
Weight
1705kg
Price
51,570€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Manual 6v
FWD
5 / 4 doors
525 L
90 L
132 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Audi A8 2.5 TDI 180CV manual 6 vel. (2000-2002)
General description
The Audi A8 from the late 90s and early 2000s is not just a car; it's a statement of intent. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and German engineering of its time, a flagship designed to devour miles with an elegance and poise that still impress today. This A8, with its powerful V6 diesel engine and its unusual 6-speed manual gearbox, offered a unique driving experience, combining the comfort of a large sedan with a touch of mechanical involvement that is now extinct.
Driving experience
Getting behind the wheel of this A8 is to rediscover the pleasure of driving a large sedan. The V6 TDI engine pushes with a forceful and progressive strength from very low revs, thanks to its 370 Nm of torque. The six-speed manual gearbox, a rarity in this segment, connects you directly with the mechanics, offering a control and involvement that the automatic transmissions of the era could not match. Despite its size, it feels agile, with a suspension that masterfully filters out road imperfections without sacrificing superb composure in corners. It's a car that invites you to travel far, very far, with an unparalleled sense of security and power.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the first-generation Audi A8 is an exercise in timeless elegance. Its lines are pure, sober, and fluid, avoiding any unnecessary ostentation. The body, largely built from aluminum, was not only a technological feat but also contributed to an imposing yet light presence. Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of quality and space, where noble materials and perfect fits convey a solidity that, even decades later, feels absolutely premium.
Technology and features
Although it may seem discreet in terms of screens today, the technology of this Audi A8 resided at its core. The revolutionary Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, built from aluminum, was a feat that reduced weight and increased rigidity, improving both safety and dynamics. The 2.5 TDI engine was a marvel of efficiency and performance for its time, with direct injection and a variable geometry turbo. Furthermore, its sophisticated independent suspension on both axles guaranteed a ride comfort and stability that were the envy of its competitors. It was technology at the service of the driving experience.
Competition
In the Olympus of large luxury sedans, the Audi A8 went head-to-head with titans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series. While the S-Class was the epitome of comfort and status, and the 7 Series offered the sportiest character, the A8 played its own card. It offered a unique balance with its innovative aluminum construction. This manual version, in particular, stood out completely, appealing to a driver who sought luxury without giving up a pure mechanical connection, something its automatic rivals did not offer.
Conclusion
The manual Audi A8 2.5 TDI is more than just a luxury sedan from another era; it's a piece of automotive history. It represents a time when engineering, build quality, and driving sensations were paramount. It's a car for connoisseurs, for those who appreciate the solidity of something well-made and the rare combination of a powerful diesel engine and a manual gearbox in a flagship format. Driving it today is an emotional and powerful reminder of why Audi earned its place in the premium segment.