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April
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Two alternatives are also available in terms of vehicle dimensions. The A8 3.2 FSI can be ordered either with the standard wheelbase of 2,944 millimetres or in the long-wheelbase version, which has a wheelbase of 3,074 mm, an increase of 130 mm. This extra length provides additional space, entirely for the benefit of the rear passengers. Just like its more powerful counterparts and the 3.0 TDI, the new Audi A8 3.2 FSI sports the exclusive front end with single-frame radiator grille, which was previously the distinguishing feature of the 12-cylinder A8. The new Audi A8 3.2 FSI can already be ordered in Germany, and the first deliveries will take place starting from June 2005. Prices start at € 60,900 for the standard-wheelbase version with front-wheel drive and continuously variable multitronic transmission. 40 bhp more power The 3.2 V6 FSI is making its production debut in its new, uprated 191 kW (260 bhp) version in the Audi A8. This represents an increase in power of 40 bhp over its predecessor, the A8 3.0, which developed 220 bhp. This V6 engine delivers maximum power at 6,500 rpm; its peak torque of 330 Nm is available at just 3,250 rpm. The A8 3.2 FSI with continuously variable multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (this also applies to the version with quattro permanent four-wheel drive and 6-speed tiptronic transmission). The combination of the efficient engine and the low weight of the Audi Space Frame aluminium body means average fuel consumption figures of just 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. How does FSI technology differ from a conventional power unit in terms of design? In contrast to the manifold injection principle, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. Fuel is supplied by a common rail high-pressure injection system with a demand-controlled, single-piston high-pressure pump, delivering just enough fuel into the system to achieve the operating pressure of between 30 and 100 bar. The 3.2-litre V6 has been deliberately designed with lightweight construction in mind. Its length of 360 millimetres and width of 430 millimetres result in a low weight of just 169.5 kilograms - which brings substantial benefits in terms of handling characteristics. Like on Audi's new V-configuration engines in general, the cylinders are arranged at an angle of 90o and the distance between cylinders is 90 millimetres. Cylinder bore of 84.5 millimetres and cylinder lift of 92.8 mm add up to an overall engine capacity of 3,123 cc. The Audi A8 3.2 FSI with front-wheel drive is available with seven-stage multitronic transmission. When quattro permanent four-wheel drive is chosen, the power is transmitted through a six-speed tiptronic gearbox. The 12-cylinder A8 became the first production model to sport the single-frame grille in January 2004. As the new face of the Audi brand, it has meanwhile also been adopted for the A3 Sportback, A4 and A6, new models of which were also launched in 2004. It has now been the distinctive hallmark of the 6 and 8-cylinder versions of the Audi brand's sporty luxury saloon since March 2005. (April 21, 2005)
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