1997-2003 Audi A8: Technical Specifications

Two engines have been used in the A8. Both are dual overhead-cam V8s. The 3.7-liter V8 was installed in the A8 3.7, developing 230 horsepower. That model came only with front-wheel drive and traction control. A 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 went into the A8 4.2, which came with Quattro all-wheel drive. A 5-speed automatic transmission was standard in 1997. A year later, a Porsche-designed Tiptronic unit, capable of manual gear selection, ousted the conventional automatic. The 3.7-liter engine disappeared after 1999, and the 4.2-liter V8 gained 10 horsepower in 2000. In 2001, the 3.7-liter V8 was replaced by a 4.2-liter with 360 horsepower.