Audi A8 D3 W12 (2004 – 2009), the hi-tech ship, from €12,000

What are Collectibles?

These are cars of particular importance and therefore deserve protection. They are not necessarily old, but still exist in certain quantities, either because the manufacturer decided so or because their production has been discontinued. They then take advantage of features that make them particularly attractive: an engine, a chassis, a design or a concept. Finally, they will probably see their rating rise. An extra argument for collecting them before everyone else!

Why is the Audi A8 D3 W12 a collector’s item?

Symbolizing Audi quality at its best, the A8 W12 D3 is also distinguished by its extraordinary 12-cylinder engine, practically equipped with four banks as it consists of two VR6s. With four-wheel drive, it is one of the noblest mechanical units, enhanced by an active management air suspension. Very rare, the W12 allows to make the most of all the capabilities of the A8 in terms of performance, comfort and active safety while offering great reliability. Moreover, this kind of mechanic has disappeared forever from Audi, which relies on electrification.

Go higher, Tina Arena sang. Did she do an internship at Audi? In any case, the Ingolstadt company has continued to push the market since its foundation in 1965. 200 Turbo in 1983, V8 in 1988 and then A8 in 1993. The latter attacks the pillars of the luxury sedan category with aluminum as a strong case. This material, which forms the chassis and body, is ubiquitous in this car, a specificity that its rivals Mercedes S-Class, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series cannot boast. so it is entitled to a descendant.

The Audi A8 D3, at its launch in late 2002. Its sharp appearance is more dynamic than the previous A8.

The second generation A8 was launched in 2002 and adopted the main technological lines of its predecessor – aluminum and all-wheel drive. On the other hand, everything has been scrutinized and has a much sharper line, the front of which is certainly reminiscent of that of the Fiat Stilo launched a year earlier. Revitalised, the A8 in late 2003 reinstates a block that just glimpsed its predecessor: a 12-cylinder 6.0 l.

Created by placing two VR6s side by side, this naturally aspirated engine develops 450 horsepower, meaning it prefers smoothness over raw power. In addition, the electronically controlled air suspension signals the emphasis on comfort. Despite its more than 5 m length and its mechanical arsenal, the A8 W12 manages to stay under two tons. As a result, it still offers sporty performance, from 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds! Outwardly, it is characterized by a new “single frame” grille, which will then become widespread at Audi.

Introduced at the end of 2003 and going on sale in 2004, the A8 W12 is notable for its imposing vertical “single frame” grille.

In France it is only offered with the higher definition Avus, with archi-complete equipment: leather, CD loader, GPS, cruise control, integrated telephone, heated and electric seats front/rear, double glazing, television, motorized boot lid, indicator xenon headlights … The A8 W12 Avus, which was launched in 2004, is billed for € 122,800, or € 159,500 today according to INSEE. For an additional cost of € 8,170 you have access to the long version (+ 13 cm and + 30 kg). Expensive ? Yes, but hardly more than for the BMW 760i (€ 119,350 for 445 hp), and much less than for the Mercedes S600 (€ 143,600 for 500 hp). The Jaguar XJ does not have 12 cylinders.

Discretion is essential for the Audi A8 W12, here in 2004. Here an L, from long, with a 13 cm extended wheelbase. It is not much heavier than the standard version (+30 kg).

The A8 D3 enjoys a good career, supported in late 2007 by a light restyling with new equipment such as active cruise control, collision avoidance radar and lane departure warning. The limousine from Ingolstadt ends its career at the end of 2009.

In standard chassis, the A8 W12 is livelier and more dynamic than in long chassis, but also more economical due to its shorter final drive ratio.

How much is it ?

This fantastic flagship can be found for a fraction of the original price. Count €12,000 for a beautiful A8 W12, with just over 300,000 km. For € 15,000 you get a car with about 200,000 km, while for € 20,000 the mileage is around 150,000 km. With 22,000 € we fall under 100,000 km. We even spotted a version of 13,000 km for almost € 50,000! It’s armored, so if you’re a dictator in exile or a fallen godfather, it could be of interest to you.

At the end of 2007, the A8 received a restyle: grille with bars that were now vertical, rectangular fog lights… The W12 did not evolve, so to speak.

Which version to choose?

If you like to be driven, go for a long version. Knowing that a “standard” W12 is already very spacious. Prefer copies with full tracking, given the high technical nature of the model and especially the risks of rejuvenating the odometer of certain cars, especially those sold new in Germany…

In 4-seater configuration, the A8 W12 pampers its rear passengers as rarely: electric seats, dual-zone air conditioning, DVD screens… Here, in 2008.

Collector’s versions

As often, these are cars in perfect original condition, generously equipped with options (carbon-ceramic brakes, parking heater, 4-zone air conditioning, extensive leather, B&O stereo, etc.), with a complete history and a low mileage display.

Using proven technologies, the W12 of the Audi A8, here in 2005, is extremely durable. The air suspension, less…

What to monitor?

Sticking to indirect injection and well-designed chain timing, the A8 W12 engine is much more reliable than the A8 4.2 l V8, or even the S8’s V10 which may suffer from a problematic liner. It does not cause any particular concern and collects high mileage with standard maintenance. It remains expensive because, for example, 12 spark plugs have to be replaced… The transmission also proves to be durable, provided it is emptied regularly.

Rather, the problems come from the erratic electronics boxes, and especially from the air suspension, whose struts eventually leak. Since they cost around 1,000 euros each, it is better to inspect them seriously. We will also examine the assisted closing system of the doors, which has malfunctions (not serious), and we will check that all accessories in the cabin are used normally (bugs can affect the MMI multimedia system or Bluetooth). Obviously, there’s no serious and recurring failure to list, but cumulatively, the little annoyances are sometimes costly to eradicate.

On the road, the Audi A8 W12 combines performance, comfort and safety at a very high level. Here a Longue from 2008.

The driving

I find this generation A8 very elegant, both outside and inside. There, the finish impresses, as well as the space and the rare comfort of the seats. How good we are! The W12 hardly disturbs this serenity at start-up. It doesn’t sound as good as a V12, but its availability impresses from the lowest revs. Then he catapults this limousine with a pleasant force, and without ever giving the impression of forcing, even if it makes no sense to push it to the switch. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but selects the longer gears too quickly, certainly to reduce fuel consumption.

Superb presentation and finish on board the Audi A8 W12. Here a restyled version from 2008, equipped with a blind spot detector. We do note that the passenger airbag hatch has not been removed.

At highway speed, the W12 L, using a longer bridge than that of the short one, sticks to 2,500rpm: silence is almost total. Consolation? Also. The suspension provides remarkable filtering, so that the hundreds of miles fly by without you thinking about it. In addition, the handling is absolutely impeccable, imperial stability and total traction, without the car becoming dull. In fact, it’s quite nimble considering its size, although it’s not a matter of mistaking it for a GTI. On the consumption side, count on 11-12 l/100 km when used on 4-lane and an average of 14 l/100 km if you do a small city.

The youngtimer alternative

Audi A8 D2 W12 (2001-2002)

In 2001, the first generation Audi A8 (code D2) inaugurated the W12 block of the Volkswagen Group.

The first A8 of the name inaugurated a huge 12-cylinder W at the very end of its career, the same one that will equip the Bentley Continental GT with a supercharger. This 6.0 l, in the atmo version, develops 420 hp, and if it can already be found in the VW Phaeton, then it is in the A8 W12 that it expresses itself best. Why ? Because thanks to the all-aluminium construction, the Audi is much lighter (1,980 kg against more than 2,300).

It also benefits from the famous in-house four-wheel drive and a six-speed ZF automatic transmission, for the most serene of uses. Efficient, safe and comfortable, this A8 was also very expensive and greedy, limiting distribution to 750 units during its short production run. Hard to find anymore, it is therefore a pure collector’s item. From € 14,000.

During the restyling in 2007, the Audi A8 received new LED taillights.

Audi A8 D3 W12 (2005) technical specifications

• Engine: 12 cylinder W, 5998 cc
• Power supply: electronic injection
• Suspension: struts, air springs, stabilizer bar (AV); multi-link axle, air suspension, stabilizer bar (rear)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
• Power: 450 hp at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 580 Nm at 4,000 rpm
• Weight: 1,995 kg
• Maximum speed: 250 km/h (manufacturer data)
• 0 to 100 km/h: 5.2 seconds (manufacturer data)

Visit the La Centrale website to find Audi A8 D3 W12 announcements.

Source link