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.
