21 March 2002: German carmaker Audi has rolled out its 100,000th range-topping A8 eight years after the first Audi A8 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was an Audi A8 L 6.0 quattro.

Audi’s unique Space Frame (ASF) is a high-strength aluminium frame structure into which large aluminium panels are integrated, thus assuming a supporting function. Furthermore aluminium extruded sections are connected by means of unique die-cast parts which are welded or riveted together.

The systematic reduction in body weight of approximately 40% achieved with the ASF principle, compared to a conventional steel body, improves performance and contributes towards optimum emissions levels.

Two years ago Audi extended its long-standing aluminium expertise, as embodied by the Neckarsulm Aluminium Centre, to large-scale production. The Audi A2 has been built in Neckarsulm since mid-2000 taking Audi’s aluminium car production to over 180,000.

The Audi A8 L 6.0 quattro is powered by a 12-cylinder, six-litre engine with an output of 420 bhp.

In 2001 the company sold more than 726,000 Audi models. The revenue of the Audi Group totalled around EUR 22 billion. The Audi Group has over 50,000 employees, around 13,700 of who work at the Neckarsulm plant.



The original 1985 body is shown above, the models making light work of lifting it.

©2002irishcar.com