2010 Audi A8 photo gallery

In Miami today Audi launched its all new A8 saloon. Complete with a vast array of new technologies and improved efficiency the luxury sedan sits atop the Audi family tree.

European deliveries will commence in the early months of 2010 and, at first, buyers will have the choice of two V8 engines. Audi’s familiar 4.2 FSI, tuned to 273kW and 445Nm in A8 spec, can reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. This will be accompanied by a 4.2 TDI, with peak power of 258kW. The diesel’s massive 800Nm of torque gets the big saloon to 100km.h 0.2 seconds faster than the petrol engine, taking just 5.5 seconds. Meanwhile, both engines are relatively frugal for their class, the petrol V8 is rated at 9.5l/100km while the oil burner sips a miserly 7.6l/100km and, amazingly, emits just 199g/km of CO2, or roughly the same as the 2.0 TFSI found in the much smaller S3.

Two six cylinder 3.0 TDI engines will become available after the initial launch. The higher spec tune will have 184kW. However, it is the more modest spec 150kW tune that Audi will use to grab the headlines, due mostly to its class leading 6.0l/100km fuel consumption and 159g/km CO2 figures.

Naturally there are numerous new electronic gadgets and features in the new A8, but it is the MMI touch functionality attached to the navigation plus system that presents the biggest step forward for in cabin usability. At least, it looks that way, the proof will be given in real world use. Basically the driver is able to use the touchpad to hand write characters to direct the nav system, or make phone calls, and so on. Crucially, the system is able to recognise several languages and character sets, including Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean and Cyrillic.

Other features include optional full LED headlamps, an 8 speed tiptronic transmission, night vision with pedestrian recognition, a rear biased quattro system and a high end Bang & Olufsen stereo system for added bling.

Now, those full LED headlamps (shown in the first image after the press release below). Hmm, nice technology and all, but I think Audi has jumped the shark on the styling front. The R8 headlight styling has paved the way for Audi to forge ever more daring results and it has to be said the new A8 design is a step too far. Stick to the povo spec xenon lights, then. Overall, though, the car looks quite good, while not especially outstanding. It has a more defined and chiselled in appearance than the car it replaces and I don’t mind it. The previous A8 was an almost perfect execution in how to proportion a luxury saloon. You knew it was a big car because it wore the A8 badge, but it wasn’t ostentatious or in your face. Probably need to see this car in the flesh to judge that aspect of the styling.

You can read the brief version of Audi’s press release after the jump, along with over 50 images, most available as wallpaper-friendly 2000px super images by clicking on each pic. There’s a short clip showing off the car, as well. If you have the stomach for more comprehensive technical details, you can download Audi’s full press release in PDF format using the link below.

• The new Audi A8 (148kb)

The New Audi A8 Unveiled

• World premiere of the new Audi A8 takes place in Miami
• Innovative touchpad MMI technology makes its debut
• Night vision assist, Audi pre sense safety system and speed limit display offered for the first time
• Eight-speed tiptronic standard

Ingolstadt / Miami – The flagship of the Audi range, the new A8, has been revealed.

Featuring innovative technologies, superior comfort and driving dynamics, the new Audi A8 is the pinnacle of the brand’s ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy.

With its lightweight aluminium body, powerful and extremely fuel efficient engines, enhanced MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights and elegant interior, the new Audi A8 offers the perfect balance of driving dynamics, design, craftsmanship and pioneering fuel efficiencies. With the arrival of the A8 3.0 TDI, Audi will lead the luxury segment with the lowest fuel consumption rate of 6.0 litres /100kms and a CO2 emission of 159 grams per kilometre.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG.

“It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”

The new luxury sedan will arrive in European dealerships in the first quarter of 2010.

Revealing the new luxury model in Miami, on the eve of two of the world’s leading design festivals, the new Audi A8 is regarded a technical work of art. With its body made from aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF), it weighs almost 40% less than a comparable steel structure. The interior features a spacious design and uncompromising high-quality workmanship, including electrically-adjustable rear passenger seats.

The multimedia interface (MMI) features a pioneering touchpad innovation, allowing the driver to control functions such as entering a navigation destination by tracing the letters on the pad.

MMI navigation plus is networked with the new Audi A8’s advanced driver assistance and safety systems. It follows the route in advance during driving and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and the Adaptive Cruise Control ACC stop & go function. These enhanced systems recognise complex scenarios and anticipate decisions to assist the driver. Night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians, Audi pre sense safety system and speed limit display will all make their debut on the new Audi A8.

Full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for light functions, give the new A8 an unmistakable appearance. The revolutionary optics used in the headlights are a departure from the tubular light modules more commonly used.

At launch, the new Audi A8 will feature two engines, a 4.2 FSI with 273 kW and a 4.2 TDI packing 258 kW. A 3.0 TDI with 184 kW will follow. Each engine has increased power and torque but fuel consumption has dropped by 13 to 22 percent thanks to intelligent and efficient technologies like the recuperation system and innovative thermal management.

A second variant of the 3.0 TDI engine will also become available. It features 150 kW of power, drives the front wheels and consumes just 6.0 litres per 100km in the EU driving cycle. That corresponds to a CO2 emission rate of 159 grams per kilometre – a figure yet to be achieved in the luxury segment.

The new tiptronic: eight speeds for more comfort and efficiency

An electronically controlled eight speed tiptronic transmission makes its debut on the new Audi A8. Operated by a gear selector level and rocker switches at the steering wheel, this new standard transmission aids in increasing fuel efficiency with its gears finely graduated over a large range. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system offers a typical sporty feel with a sport differential available which dynamically distributes forces between the rear wheels; on the A8 4.2 TDI this feature is standard.

The chassis of the new A8 enhances the dynamic driving appeal of this luxury sedan. The distribution of the axle loads is balanced, with the all wheel control arms made from aluminium. The adaptive air suspension together with adaptive damping is always on call as it forms part of the standard Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. Dynamic steering will be offered as an additional component to this system.

A Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system with 1,400 watts and 19 speakers is one of the many multimedia functions available in the A8.

The new Audi A8 has gained in dynamics, convenience, prestige and intelligence, setting new standards in all sectors.

At a glance – The new Audi A8

Body

• Lightweight and ultra-strong aluminium body with Audi Space Frame ASF design
• Flowing design, full LED headlights

Interior and controls

• Luxurious interior with spacious styling
• Highest quality craftsman-level workmanship
• Advanced MMI operating system, MMI touch navigation system with pioneering operating concept
• Seats with optional ventilation and massage functions, luxurious individual rear seats optional

Safety

• New Audi pre sense safety system for avoiding accidents and minimising consequences

Infotainment and driver assistance systems

• Next generation navigation system closely networked with assistance systems; high-end audio systems and online services
• Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go feature and advanced driver assistance systems

Drivetrain

• Two TDI engines and one petrol engine, all with direct fuel injection with power ranging from 184 kW to 273 kW
• Another 3.0 TDI with 150 kW, best-in-class CO2 of 159 g/km
• Consumption improved by up to 22% with enhanced performance
• All engines with recuperation system, 3.0 TDI also with start-stop system
• New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control
• Standard quattro all-wheel drive, optional sport differential (standard with A8 4.2 TDI)

Chassis

• Lightweight wheel suspension, balanced axle load distribution
• Audi drive select driving dynamic system including standard adaptive air suspension and adaptive damping, optional dynamic steering

First posted at 11:30am, 1 December 2009:

Audi have just completed the launch of their new A8 saloon which took place in Miami. The pictures you see here were snapped from the A8’s live online broadcast. More details and official photos as they become available.