The 2019 Audi A8 Introduction
eSelf-Study Program 990493

Audi of America, LLC
Service Training
Created in the U.S.A.
Created 05/2018
Course Number 990493
©2018 Audi of America, LLC
All rights reserved. Information contained in this manual is based on
the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to
the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Audi of America,
LLC., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to
make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording
or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other
sites without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.
All requests for permission to copy and redistribute information should
be referred to Audi of America, LLC.
Always check Technical Bulletins and the latest electronic service repair
literature for information that may supersede any information included
in this booklet.

Revision:1-June_2018
ii

Introduction

1

Overview
Dimensions

2
4

Body

6

Introduction
Attachments
Interior equipment
Roof

Engine
Powertrain
Fuel tank
Exhaust system for the 3.0l TFSI engine

Power transmission
Overview
Automatic transmission selector mechanism
Parking lock emergency release
8-speed automatic transmission 0D5
Functions influencing the transmission and sport differential

Suspension
Overview
Axles and wheel alignment
Adaptive air suspension
Steering system
Suspension
Wheels and tires

Electrics and electronics
Installation locations of the control modules

Climate control
New features

Safety and driver assistance systems
Passive safety
Active safety
Driver assistance systems

Infotainment and Audi connect
Overview of versions

Inspection and maintenance
Overview
Special tools and workshop equipment

Appendix
eSelf-Study Program

Knowledge assessment

6
10
12
17

18
19
20
22

26
26
28
29
30
37

40
40
41
42
43
44
45

46
47

48
49

50
50
68
92

96
96

98
98
99

100
100

101

iii

This eSSP contains video links which you
can use to access interactive media.

The eSelf-Study Program (eSSP) teaches a basic understanding of the design and mode of operation of new models, new
automotive components or new technologies.

Note

It is not a repair manual! Figures are given for explanatory purposes only and refer to the data valid at the time of
preparation of the SSP.
For further information about maintenance and repair work, always refer to the current technical literature.

iv

Reference

Introduction
Launched in Europe in 1994, the Audi A8 was the world’s first
large volume production automobile with a self-supporting
aluminum body. Since then, Audi has built approximately one
million vehicles with the Audi Space Frame body.
Its successor continues this tradition. The design of the 2019
A8 embodies the fundamental qualities for which Audi is
renowned: sports appeal, lightweight construction and
quattro all wheel drive.
Stylistically, the new A8 marks the beginning of a new design
era for the entire brand. The front end, with its wide, upright
single frame grille and fluid muscular body symbolizes sporty
elegance, sophistication and progressiveness. The defining
design feature of the new A8 is spacious luxury. The interior
resembles a lounge of generous proportions. The interior is
deliberately minimalist with clearly defined and strictly horizontal architecture.

Audi carries its high quality standards into the digital age with
a radically new operating concept. The driver operates the
infotainment system by fingertip control on a large display. A
second touchscreen display in the center tunnel console is
used to access the climate control and comfort functions as
well as making text inputs.
The 2019 A8 employees the MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electrical
Vehicle) technology based on a newly developed 48 volt electrical system. The 12 volt system of the A8 is a sub-system of
the 48 volt system.

662_002

Learning objectives of this eSelf-Study Program:
This eSelf-Study Program describes the design and function
of the 2019 Audi A8. When completed, you will be able to
answer questions about the following topics:

››
››
››
››

48 volt electrical system.
New suspension features.
New power transmission features.
New features of the assistance systems.

1

Overview

Engines
3.0l V6 TFSI engine with twin-scroll turbocharger
›› Maximum power: 335 hp (250 kW)
›› Maximum torque: 369 lb ft (500 Nm)
›› 0-60 5.7 seconds
The 2019 A8 is the first Audi to be offered as a
mild hybrid.

Click here for additional
information about hybrid vehicles.

Displays and operation
A new operating and display concept incorporating
MMI touch response technology with two touchscreens, a switch panel (optional) and an illuminated button module with tactile and audible feedback, intelligent handwriting entry with
whole-word and multifinger recognition.
An Audi virtual cockpit with HD resolution and
optional head-up display.

Driver assistance systems
For the first time in an Audi, a central driver assistance control module (zFAS) utilizes the data from
various sensors to comprehensively map the area
around the vehicle. This map is updated continuously and is used by a number of assistance functions including the newly optional adaptive cruise
assist. Adaptive cruise assist combines the three formerly independent systems of adaptive cruise
control, Audi active lane assist with “early” corrective steering point, and traffic jam assist. Intersection assist helps the driver in situations where
cross-traffic ahead of the vehicle can only be seen
late due to impaired visibility.

Suspension
The front and rear axles have a precision five-link construction (dynamic allwheel-drive steering is optional). The sport differential will be available in
the future only for the S8. The adaptive air suspension has hydraulically controlled dampers which are adjustable to four height levels.
A fully active Audi AI active suspension will be available at a later date. It
controls each wheel separately and allows a wide range between comfort
and sportiness.

2

Climate control

Body

The climate control system uses R-1234yf as a refrigerant.

The body of the Audi A8 follows the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle. It is
assembled from aluminum parts – the classic composite of cast nodal joints,
extruded profiles and sheet metal. The occupant cell is made from hotformed steel components, complemented by an ultra-high-strength, torsionally rigid rear bulkhead made from carbon-fiber composite (CFC). A
magnesium dome strut completes the lightweight construction concept.

In the future, Carbon dioxide (CO2) will be used as a refrigerant. It is referred
to commercially as R744. It contains neither fluorine nor chlorine and is produced in a series of natural processes that reduce the possibility of depleting
the earth’s ozone layer.

662_068

Power transmission

Electrical system

The eight-speed 0D5 transmission has been redesigned for the A8.

The MHEV technology of Audi is based on the newly developed 48 volt electrical system – it supplies the 12 volt electrical system, which in this case is
the electrical subsystem. The 48-volt electrical system is powered by a belt
alternator starter (BAS) which is connected to the engine serpentine drive. A
lithium-ion battery, positioned safely under the luggage compartment floor,
serves as an energy storage device.

The rear final drive 0G2 is used on the rear axle. The quattro with sport differential drive system with the 0D3 final differential will only be used on the S8.

3

58.5 in (1488 mm)

Dimensions

41.2 in(1049 mm)

64.7 in (1644 mm)

64.2 in (1633 mm)

76.5 in (1945 mm)

83.8 in (2130 mm)
662_074

38.9 in (989 mm)

123.1 in (3128 mm)

m)
5m
(99
2 in

27.4 in (697 mm)

39.

41.

4 in

(10

51

mm 1
) )

662_073

46.6 in (1185 mm)

208.7 in (5302 mm)
662_075

4

33 in (840 mm)

57.5 in (1462 mm)3)

61.1 in (1553 mm)2)

59.1 in (1502 mm)3)

62.2 in (1581 mm)2)

45.6 in
(1159 mm)

662_076

Exterior dimensions and weights

Inner dimensions and other specifications

Length

208.7 in (5302 mm)

Front cabin width

62.2 in (1581 mm)2)

Width
(not including exterior mirrors)

76.5 in (1945 mm)

Front shoulder width

59.1 in (1502 mm)3)

Width
(including exterior mirrors)

Rear cabin width

61.1 in (1553 mm)2)

83.8 in (2130 mm)

Rear shoulder width

57.5 in (1462 mm)3)

Height

58.5 in (1473 mm)

Load sill height

27.4 in (697 mm)

Front track width

64.7 in (1644 mm)

17.8 cu ft (505 l)

Rear track width

64.3 in (1633 mm)

Luggage compartment
capacity

Wheelbase

123.1 in (3128 mm)

Drag coefficient cw

0.27 Cw

Unladen weight

4287.9 lb (1945 kg)

Capacity of fuel tank

21.7 gal (82.1 l)

Maximum headroom
Elbow room width
3)
Shoulder room width
1)
2)

All dimensions refer to the unladen weight of the vehicle.

5

Body
Introduction
The new Audi A8 is based on an advanced ASF body structure. With a mix of aluminum, steel, magnesium and
carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), the load-bearing
structure combines four different lightweight materials.
However, the largest proportion (58%) is represented by
aluminum components which, as cast nodal plates,
extruded sections and sheet metal panels, are the characteristic elements of the ASF construction concept.

A rear bulkhead made of carbon fiber saves approximately
50% of the weight compared with its predecessor and helps
make the body rigid and strong in addition to being lightweight. The intelligent material mix is completed by a dome
strut which is 28% lighter and made of magnesium. Torsional rigidity has been increased 24% compared to the
previous A8.

Key:
Sheet aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Aluminum section
Ultra-high-strength steel (hot-stamped)
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)
Magnesium
Advanced high-strength steel
High-strength steel
Soft steel

Note
The image shows an Audi A8 with a standard wheelbase. The body of the long-wheelbase version (A8 L) is 5.12 in (130 mm)
longer in the area of the ‘B’ pillar.
6

Joining techniques
The following connection systems are used when assembling the multi-material body:
›› Resistance spot welds on steel.

›› Semi-tubular punch rivets.

›› Resistance spot welds on aluminum.

›› Pop rivets.

›› MAG welds.

›› Flow drill screws.

›› Laser welds on aluminum.

›› Clinch connections.

›› MIG welds.

›› Seaming.

›› Friction element welds.

›› Bonding.

662_192

7

Safety cell
The occupant cell, also called the safety cell, is made of
aluminum and conventional hot-formed steel. The cell is
comprised of the lower area of the end wall, the side sills,
the B-pillars and the front area of the roof arch.

Some of these sheet metal blanks are produced with different thicknesses (tailored blanks) and are also partially
tempered where necessary. This reduces the weight and
increases the strength in extremely safety-critical areas.

662_193

B-pillars
The B-pillars are specially formed to enhance rigidity and
meet crash requirements. They are produced using tailor
rolled blank technology. These are flexibly rolled blanks,
where variations in sheet-metal thickness are produced by
controlled opening and closing of the gap between the
rollers. These variations in sheet-metal thickness not only
save weight, but also create defined crumple zones which
provide protection in the event of a side impact. The sheet
metal thicknesses vary between 0.06 and 0.08 in (1.5 and
2.0 mm).

Partial tempering: The individual zones of the B-pillar are
cooled in the mold at different rates during hot working,
giving them different strength characteristics. During a side
impact, the bottom section of the B-pillar deforms in order
to absorb energy. However, less deformation takes place in
the upper section of the B-pillar (at head height).

0.07 in (1.7 mm)

Ultra-high-strength
0.08 in (2.0 mm)

0.07 in (1.7 mm)

High-strength

0.06 in (1.5 mm)

662_194

8

662_195

Roll hemming
Roll hemming is used all around for the entire front and
rear door sills. This process increases the door opening area
(better ingress and egress for the occupants) and improves
the field of vision in the A-pillar area.

Roll hemming is complemented by grip punch riveting
which fixes the side wall frame in its position. This is in
addition to all around structural bonding. These joining
techniques allow the aluminum side wall frame to be
mated with the hot-worked, ultra high strength sheet steel
of the B-pillar, roof arch and sill with narrow flanges.

Roll hemming

Grip punch rivet

662_198

662_197

B-pillar

Carbon fiber rear bulkhead
An ultra high strength, torsion-resistant rear bulkhead
made of carbon fiber is the largest component of the occupant cell and accounts for 33 per cent of the torsional
rigidity of the overall vehicle. To fully absorb the loads in
the longitudinal or transverse direction and shear forces,
6 to 19 fiber layers are placed on top of one another for