Preview: Next-gen Audi A8 saloon
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The new A8’s release date has been pushed back until the second half of next year, though it will be revealed this November
Enlarge PhotoSpeaking 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.
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autoque Posted: 8/13/2008 7:42am PDT
Michael D. Posted: 8/13/2008 9:53am PDT
Only disappointment - the possibility of the W12 being phased out :-(
Then again, the TDI V12 may be added, which is excellent, and I hope it reached United States shores! Also, and I've read this on other blogs, that a V12 developed by Lamborghini may succeed the W12 in the Audi A8, and that would also include the W12's in the Bentley Continental GT and Spur. I hope that's correct and accurate.
raptor Posted: 8/13/2008 12:00pm PDT
Andrew Posted: 8/13/2008 3:08pm PDT
NoNameDenton Posted: 8/13/2008 4:28pm PDT
Hammy Posted: 8/13/2008 4:56pm PDT
admin Posted: 8/13/2008 6:39pm PDT
HECTOR Posted: 8/14/2008 5:29am PDT
BTW, I would invite both BMW & MB to take a look at the A8, it's old incarnation, the current car and the one in the picture for clues as to how to design a tasteful car. (Then again my German intern says there's a German saying that goes something like *you can't argue with success* and both the 7 Series and the S Class outsell the A8. What a pity)
admin Posted: 8/14/2008 7:51am PDT
See here - http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/new_cars/a8_new/a8_new/specifications.html
Carbunlke Posted: 8/14/2008 4:40pm PDT
Lawrence Rinaldi Posted: 8/14/2008 6:29pm PDT
james Posted: 8/17/2008 3:04pm PDT
autoque Posted: 8/18/2008 1:12pm PDT
james Posted: 8/18/2008 2:43pm PDT
amir Posted: 8/25/2008 2:15am PDT
I wonder how a German car's design could possibly be imprecise.
In regards to a 4 cylinder... 4,000lbs and a 4 cylinder....better not be from their current line-up of 4 cylinders. Not enough torque from those. I'll take the 250hp V6 diesel thank you very much.
think 58 people are ragingly mad
Then to the folks who fixate on the number of cylinders: Who cares how many cylinders the car has as long as the power is sufficient to motivate the machine and it's load rapidly enough to be safe and comfortable? More cylinders = More complexity = More cost. It also means more frictional losses and lower efficiency.
I like cars as much as the next guy - but nobody needs more than 350 hp, more than 6 cylinders, or 0-60 in less than 7 seconds...
...unless you're towing a 10,000lb+ trailer or using an automobile to make up for personal shortcomings.
KK Posted: 9/3/2009 12:05pm PDT
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