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Motor Authority - blog Category: A8

  • Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 Hits The 'Ring

    Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 Hits The 'Ring October 13th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 13th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 Hits The 'Ring

    The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-Series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model. We should get our first look at the car, however, this November.

    An official teaser, released as part of the automaker’s centenary celebrations earlier this year, revealed a few...

    The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-Series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model. We should get our first look at the car, however, this November. An official teaser, released as part of the automaker’s centenary celebrations earlier this year, revealed a few more design details for the A8, including the now-signature Audi LED daytime running lights and what seems like a much shorter stance. These latest spy shots show the car’s overall proportion out on the road, as well as a few finer details such as the shape of its new grille and LED tail-lamps. In a previous interview, Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff explains: "The first generation [of the A8] was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise." Sielaff also revealed that the new A8 will be “the first of a new styling language at Audi”. Recent reports have speculated that Audi may introduce a new four-cylinder version overseas. While this model will almost certainly miss out on a U.S. launch, a smaller V-6 option may be heading Stateside for the first time and this could see the starting price of the range actually fall from current levels. The aluminum spaceframe of the current model will carry over, saving engineers more than 330 pounds compared with a conventional steel body. The car’s final curb weight is expected to range from between 3,630 pounds and 4,180 pounds depending on the model specification. Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model (in Europe) will remain front-wheel drive but all-wheel drive variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems. The aforementioned four-cylinder engine will output around 230 horsepower. Filling out the rest of the engine range will be a 250 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 TDI, a 290 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 FSI, a 340 horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 TDI, a 372 horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 FSI and finally a 620 horsepower 5.0-liter V-10 FSI reserved for the S8. A 12-cyclinder engine is also expected to be offered but it could be phased out due to low demand and the all-important emissions regulations. Read More

  • Report: Next Audi A8 to get handwriting recognition

    Report: Next Audi A8 to get handwriting recognition July 31st, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 31st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 5 Comments

    Report: Next Audi A8 to get handwriting recognition Windows Mobile devices have been doing it for years. Palm devices for even longer. So why haven't high-end luxury cars offered handwriting recognition as a standard feature yet? That question may soon be answered - whether for the good or the bad - with the next-gen Audi A8.

    Set for a debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the next Audi A8 is expected to come with handwriting recognition according to a report from Germany's Autobild. The input device will be a center console-mounted touchpad, much like what you'd find on a typical modern laptop.

    The device would replace a plethora of switches and buttons on the center console stack, and... Windows Mobile devices have been doing it for years. Palm devices for even longer. So why haven't high-end luxury cars offered handwriting recognition as a standard feature yet? That question may soon be answered - whether for the good or the bad - with the next-gen Audi A8. Set for a debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the next Audi A8 is expected to come with handwriting recognition according to a report from Germany's Autobild. The input device will be a center console-mounted touchpad, much like what you'd find on a typical modern laptop. The device would replace a plethora of switches and buttons on the center console stack, and could even offer effective use without taking the driver's attention from the road, much like Lexus's new haptic Remote Touch input system. Audi has previously detailed its third-gen MMI system, which is expected to include a joystick-like remote to replace the wheel currently in use. But so far, no mention of a supplementary touchpad has been made. Whether this means the report is a bit too far-fetched to be believed or that the touch interface will be reserved for the flagship A8 for now, it's clear that Audi is playing its cards close for the time being. Expect to see more of the car (see a preview here) and the technology - if it is indeed coming - as September draws nearer.2011 Audi A8 renderings Read More

  • First official teaser for next-gen Audi A8

    First official teaser for next-gen Audi A8 July 21st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 21st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    First official teaser for next-gen Audi A8 The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model. We should get our first look at the car, however, this November.

    This official teaser, released as part of the automaker’s centenary celebrations this month, reveals a few more... The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model. We should get our first look at the car, however, this November. This official teaser, released as part of the automaker’s centenary celebrations this month, reveals a few more design details for the A8, including the now-signature Audi LED daytime running lights and what seems like a much shorter stance. Standing beside the car is Audi's Board Member for Technical Development, Michael Dick. Recent reports have speculated that Audi may introduce a new four-cylinder version overseas. While this model will almost certainly miss out on a U.S. launch, a smaller V6 option may be heading Stateside for the first time and this could see the starting price of the range actually fall from current levels. A prototype for the car has been spotted undergoing cold weather testing on a number of occasions, but always hidden beneath the current D3 body. Tell-tale signs that the prototype was the next-generation model included extended fender flares, a stretched wheelbase and wider track. The aluminum spaceframe body will carry over from the current model, saving engineers more than 150kg compared with a conventional steel body. The car’s final curb weight is expected to range from between 3,630lb (1,650kg) and 4,180lb (1,900kg) depending on the model specification. The new rendering diverges somewhat from earlier previews of the car with new air intakes in the front air dam and redesigned LED-edged headlights. Distinguishing features will be a large single-frame grille, LED daytime running lights and a coupe-like profile. In a previous interview, Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff explains: "The first generation was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise." Sielaff also revealed that the new A8 will be “the first of a new styling language at Audi”. In 2008 Audi released several teaser sketches of its future product lineup, including the new D4 A8. Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems. The aforementioned four-cylinder engine will output around 230hp (172kW). Filling out the rest of the engine range will be a 250hp (186kW) 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp (216kW) 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp (253kW) 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp (277kW) 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp (462kW) 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. A 12-cyclinder engine is also expected to be offered but it could be phased out due to low demand and the all-important emissions regulations.2011 Audi A8 renderingsAudi future lineup official sketches Read More

  • Preview: Next-gen Audi A8 saloon

    Preview: Next-gen Audi A8 saloon July 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 29 Comments

    Preview: Next-gen Audi A8 saloon The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model.

    Speaking at the carmaker’s annual meeting earlier this year, Stadler said the new A8 will be “the sportiest luxury sedan in its class" and that it will be unveiled for the... The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won’t arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model. Speaking at the carmaker’s annual meeting earlier this year, Stadler said the new A8 will be “the sportiest luxury sedan in its class" and that it will be unveiled for the first time in late November. Pricing hasn’t been announced but don’t expect much to change from the $74,875 starting price for the current 4.2L V8 model. Recent reports have speculated that Audi may introduce a new four-cylinder version overseas. While this model will almost certainly miss out on a U.S. launch, a smaller V6 option may be heading Stateside for the first time and this could see the starting price of the range actually fall from current levels. A prototype for the car has been spotted undergoing cold weather testing on a number of occasions, but always hidden beneath the current D3 body. Tell-tale signs that the prototype was the next-generation model included extended fender flares, a stretched wheelbase and wider track. As this latest computer generated rendering suggests, the design of the new model will be an evolution of the current car. The aluminum spaceframe body will carry over, saving engineers more than 150kg compared with a conventional steel body. The car’s final curb weight is expected to range from between 3,630lb (1,650kg) and 4,180lb (1,900kg) depending on the model specification. The new rendering diverges somewhat from earlier previews of the car with new air intakes in the front air dam and redesigned LED-edged headlights. Distinguishing features will be a large single-frame grille, LED daytime running lights and a coupe-like profile. In a previous interview, Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff explains: "The first generation was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise." Sielaff also revealed that the new A8 will be “the first of a new styling language at Audi”. In 2008 Audi released several teaser sketches of its future product lineup, including the new D4 A8. Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems. The aforementioned four-cylinder engine will output around 230hp (172kW). Filling out the rest of the engine range will be a 250hp (186kW) 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp (216kW) 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp (253kW) 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp (277kW) 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp (462kW) 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. A 12-cyclinder engine is also expected to be offered but it could be phased out due to low demand and the all-important emissions regulations.2011 Audi A8 renderingsAudi future lineup official sketches Read More

  • Audi A1 and A8 will miss September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

    Audi A1 and A8 will miss September’s Frankfurt Motor Show July 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Audi A1 and A8 will miss September’s Frankfurt Motor Show Audi is working on a handful of new models set for launch over the next 12 months but despite the prominence of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show two of the key models won’t be appearing. The cars are the all-new A1 minicar and next-generation A8 flagship.

    Both cars are expected to be revealed in production form before the end of the year but this September’s Frankfurt event won’t be used, reports Automobilwoche. Instead, the event will likely be used for the world debut of new A5 Sportback.

    We won’t have to wait until September to see the A5 Sportback however, as the car is expected to be revealed for the first... Audi is working on a handful of new models set for launch over the next 12 months but despite the prominence of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show two of the key models won’t be appearing. The cars are the all-new A1 minicar and next-generation A8 flagship. Both cars are expected to be revealed in production form before the end of the year but this September’s Frankfurt event won’t be used, reports Automobilwoche. Instead, the event will likely be used for the world debut of new A5 Sportback. We won’t have to wait until September to see the A5 Sportback however, as the car is expected to be revealed for the first time on the 16th of this month at the company’s centenary celebration taking place in Germany. While the launch dates of the A1 are still up in the air, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has previously stated that the A8 will actually be unveiled in November and available in showrooms only in the second half of next year.2011 Audi A8 renderingsAudi A1 family renderings Read More

  • Mariani adds Italian flair to the Audi S8, turns it up to 501hp

    Mariani adds Italian flair to the Audi S8, turns it up to 501hp June 11th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 11th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Mariani adds Italian flair to the Audi S8, turns it up to 501hp Mariani may not be a household name in Audi tuning, but if they keep putting out projects like their latest upgrade program for the Audi A8 and S8, they're likely to grow a following. Combining clean aesthetics with respectable performance upgrades, the Mariani Audi S8 improves on the original.

    In most respects, anyway - the 60mm lower-than-stock ride height threatens to make every curb, driveway, parking lot entry and moderate swell in the road into a 3mph hazard. But aside from that, and possibly the Euro-stretch treatment of the tire/wheel combo, the Mariani S8 presents a balanced combo for performance driving.

    There's definitely no... Mariani may not be a household name in Audi tuning, but if they keep putting out projects like their latest upgrade program for the Audi A8 and S8, they're likely to grow a following. Combining clean aesthetics with respectable performance upgrades, the Mariani Audi S8 improves on the original. In most respects, anyway - the 60mm lower-than-stock ride height threatens to make every curb, driveway, parking lot entry and moderate swell in the road into a 3mph hazard. But aside from that, and possibly the Euro-stretch treatment of the tire/wheel combo, the Mariani S8 presents a balanced combo for performance driving. There's definitely no shortage of oomph under the fast pedal, with Mariani adding 51hp (38kW) to the stock 450hp (335kW) 5.2L V10, raising the total to 501hp (373kW). And despite the wide stretch of the rubber over the 19in front and 20in rear alloy wheels, there's plenty of rubber meeting the road - 255 width up front, 305 in the rear - for good forward lateral traction. The package is also available for the standard A8, neglecting the power boost to the V10 engine, of course. The extremely low stance gives a wide look that's sleek on the street, but paired with stiff springs and aftermarket shocks, might prove a bit much for the daily grind, however, leaving it best suited to the application chosen by Mariani - a low-slung, hard-driving monster of a touring sedan. Via: Autoblog.nl501hp Mariani Audi S8 Read More

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