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JE Design Audi A8 Review

June 2006
Filed under: JEDESIGN Car News | JEDESIGN Headlines
A year ago JE DESIGN from Leingarten, specializing in sophisticated Audi tuning solutions for many years now, was the first tuning firm to present a complete upgrade program for the premium class A8 sedan, in what was then the new single-frame grille version. But JE DESIGN is not resting on its laurels. Now it is launching yet another, further improved version of its A8. And this time it's totally awesome in the engine department. A supercharger conversion based on the 4.2-liter V8, for which the first customer is a Sheikh from the United Arab Emirates, and for whom the emblem-free radiator grille was also created to individual specifications (see photographs).

Two tons of unladen weight are not that easy to gloss over. With that much weight, every scrap of power and every Newton meter of torque counts. The basic specifications of the 4.2-litre Audi A8 do indeed make quite an impressive read. After all, 246 kW / 334 bhp, 430 Nm at 3500 rpm, a top speed of 155 mph and 6.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 - 62 mph are not exactly chicken feed. But JE DESIGN turns the A8 into real high-flyer, with no less than 500 supercharged horses (368 kW) rearing and bucking under the hood. 600 Nm of torque, available at 3,850 rpm, propel this heavyweight from a standstill to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds. And it does not stop till it reaches an impressive 188 mph. The supercharger conversion includes a water-cooled intercooler, an exhaust system from the manifold, special forged pistons and modified engine management. JE DESIGN also takes care to ensure that the A8 still complies with the emissions regulations. The conversion also includes TÜV certification.

The extra power simply cries out for an appropriate visual transformation. At the front JE DESIGN fits a "W12-style" front panel (matt black). The also available front spoiler from JE DESIGN has enlarged air intakes, plus additional lateral ventilation channels. The aerodynamic section delivers an impressive front end as well as more downforce, for improved driving stability. The pair of side sills with air intakes improve airflow into the wheel arches and lower the A8 visually. The rear-end view is enhanced by a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, exerting more downforce on the rear axle, and a rear skirt extension with diffuser. Twin headlight units (a set for left and right), including fog light and headlight, make the front view even more striking.

A four-pipe rear silencer equipped with 101 mm-diameter chrome tailpipes bears witness to the mega-power under the hood. That means that you should be able to make yourself heard in any case.

JE DESIGN fits big boots to the A8. A set of 10 x 21 wheels - the two-piece rims are gray-painted on the inside - complete with 285/30 ZR 21 tires front and rear have to transmit the tremendous power onto the road. And the final touch is provided by an electronic lowering module, lowering the car by approx. 35 mm.

All JE DESIGN components are suitable for all the A8 engine options, as well as for the short and long-wheelbase versions, and come of course with a TÜV certificate.

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