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Audi A8L 6.0 (2001)

Introduced at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, the new long-wheelbase A8 6.0 is powered by the largest and most powerful engine to be featured in a 12-cylinder luxury sedan, a 6.0-litre W12. If you are confused by the "W" designation, it gets even worse as this isn't even a genuine W12. In the traditional W engines, three separate cylinder banks are connected to the same crankpin. In the A8L 6.0, the design more closely resembles two V6 engines coupled together. Each of the two-rows of cylinders in one half is situated at 15 degrees from the other, and the two halves are joined at 72 degrees. The result is an engine about as compact as you can get considering the displacement.

Another unique feature of the engine is dry-sump lubrication, meaning the oil is delivered by the pumps to the engine from a separate tank. The oil pump is driven by a chain directly from the crankshaft. A water cooler on the left side of the engine near the oil sump ensures efficient oil cooling. This system is most advantageous for high lateral acceleration levels, as it delivers the engine an optimum supply of oil. Only a few high-performance sports cars use this system, such as the McLaren F1 for example. Double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank are driven by a single chain and can be adjusted variably, allowing for good idle quality, low emissions and plenty of torque. A Bosch Motronic ME 7.1.1 fuel injection system and 6 catalytic converters to keep emissions down complete the engine package.

In the end all that really matters is hard numbers and the 6.0 delivers: over 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque with 90% of that torque being available at 2500 rpm. The power from the engine is transmitted through a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission to the Quattro system and all four 245/45ZR18 wheels. Aluminum is aplenty in order to keep the weight down. The aluminium Audi Space Frame coupled with the all-aluminium suspension, engine block, wheel carriers, front and rear control arms, brake calipers, shock absorber mountings and wheels keep weight down (well, sort of), considering the size of the vehicle.

To get a sample of the luxury available in the A8L 6.0, take a look a the Audi S8 page. Rest assured that an excellent audio system, plenty of gadgets, computers, screens, dials and abundant room and leather are all going to be standard. Oh, and did I mention it reaches 100 km/h in under 6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h? - by Traian Popescu

Specifications