Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.
With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.
“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.”
With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.
“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, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.
The Audi A8 combines a new level of intelligence with exemplary and easy operation. Its multimedia interface (MMI) includes a pioneering innovation: Combined with the standard (in the U.S.) navigation system it has a touchpad. MMI touch enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example, the navigation destination can be entered by writing the letters on the pad with the touch of a finger.
MMI navigation plus is networked in a novel fashion with the 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 for the ACC stop & go function. Their enhanced intelligence enables these systems to recognize complex scenarios and to make anticipatory decisions to assist the driver. The new technologies include a night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians, the Audi pre sense safety system as well as – in the course of 2010 – a speed limit display.
Another high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions. They give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. The revolutionary optics used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used today. The full LED headlights herald a new chapter in lighting technology.
Another high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions. They give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. The revolutionary optics used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used today. The full LED headlights herald a new chapter in lighting technology.
The new A8 starts off with a 4.2 FSI with 273 kW (372 hp). The engine affords increased power and torque – but the fuel consumption has dropped by around 15 percent, thanks to intelligent and efficient technologies like the recuperation system and innovative thermal management.
At a glance The new Audi A8
Body
Body
- Lightweight and yet ultra-strong aluminum body with ASF design
- Flowing design, full LED headlights on request
Interior and Controls
- Luxurious interior with newly developed, spacious styling
- Craftsman-level workmanship, emotionally charged interior lighting
- 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 for minimizing their consequences
Infotainment and Driver Assistance Systems
- Navigation system of the next generation closely networked with the 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
- One gasoline engine, with direct fuel injection and 273 kW (372 hp)
- Consumption improved by 15 percent with enhanced performance
- New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive, optional sport differential
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
The new Flagship from Audi The Audi A8
Audi has launched the next generation of the A8 – the sportiest sedan of the luxury class sets new standards. Its elegantly styled body with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) is aluminum, the engines are powerful and highly efficient, and the power transmission and running gear combine dynamics with convenience. The new flagship’s generously designed interior captivates with its luxurious equipment, newly developed control system MMI and the excellent quality of its workmanship. Innovative assistance systems lend even more confidence to driving.
Audi has launched the next generation of the A8 – the sportiest sedan of the luxury class sets new standards. Its elegantly styled body with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) is aluminum, the engines are powerful and highly efficient, and the power transmission and running gear combine dynamics with convenience. The new flagship’s generously designed interior captivates with its luxurious equipment, newly developed control system MMI and the excellent quality of its workmanship. Innovative assistance systems lend even more confidence to driving.
High-end Technology: the Full LED Headlights
The high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights. They give the big sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. Their revolutionary optics mean a departure from the large, tubular light modules commonly used today.
The low beams comprise ten individual modules forming an arc situated below the wing-shaped chrome contour known as the “wing.” Just below this is another arc of 22 white and 22 yellow LEDs for the daytime running lights and the turn signals. Their thick wall technology makes them appear from the outside as homogenous, continuous strips of light.
Located above the wing are the high beams, whose light is generated by two powerful four-chip LEDs and a free surface reflector system. An assistant switches between the high and low beams, and additional high-power LEDs generate the highway light and cornering light. A separate fan and heat sink moderate the system’s temperature.
The full LED headlights offer a number of functional advantages in everyday situations. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, their light resembles daylight and thus is much less tiring to the eyes. They also offer efficiency advantages. The low beams, for example, consume only 40 watts per unit, a bit less than the already highly efficient xenon plus headlights.
The side view of the new Audi A8 also gives the image of concentrated and forward-thrusting power. Typically for the Audi line, the vehicle line makes up two-thirds of the height, with the remaining third falling to the greenhouse. From the single-frame grill Audi's characteristic Tornado line runs as a light edge just beneath the window sill. The line continues close above the wheel arches, giving the A8 a powerful appearance on the road.
The surfaces below the Tornado line interpret the interplay of light and shadow, of convexity and concavity, and are statement of seriousness and timeless elegance. Proceeding downwards, the surfaces are framed by the rising dynamic line running above the side sills. Large wheels – from 17 to 21 inches in diameter – fill the wheel arches pulled out wide.
At the rear the separation edge gives an impression of sleekness, which further reinforces the impressively sculptured surfaces. A chrome strip underlines the width of the sedan, terminating in a diffuser.
The tail lights also produce an appearance both three-dimensional and striking – and typically Audi. They, too, use LED technology with 72 light-emitting diodes per unit. Chip-on-board LEDs, which can be packed tightly together with high precision, are used in many areas due to the limited amount of space available.
The tail lights, which consume only 9 watts per unit, form a trapezoidal contour that appears as an even, homogenous strip. Its upper segment is a light guide – a plastic tube; the lower section is a reflective, textured free-form surface. It is thicker than the upper segment to optically lower the center of gravity of the A8's back end. The turn signal is a horizontal line. The five-segment brake light is located inside the trapezoid.
Engines
Superior power and high efficiency – the new A8 makes its debut on the market with a strong V8 engine. With 372 hp, they never fail to impress with their superior power and mighty but discreet propulsion. All engines feature direct fuel injection, and consume 15 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors.
The engine in the A8 has intelligent elements from Audi’s modular efficiency system on board. During deceleration the recuperation system converts the kinetic energy to electric power, which is buffered in the battery. In the innovative thermal management a computer monitors numerous actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior in any situation. After the cold start the engine is temporarily fully uncoupled from the cooling circuit, considerably shortening the warm-up phase with its high loss of friction.
The 4.2 FSI draws 273 kW (372 hp) of power from 4,163 cm3 displacement, generating its maximum of 445 Nm (328.22 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates the A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with the propulsion ending (as in all engine variants) at the electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The most important reason for this enhanced power is the reduction of internal friction, especially in the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries. The controlled oil pump with changeover between two pressure stages operates with high efficiency. Like all gasoline engines from Audi, the V8 has FSI direct injection. It allows a high compression of 12.5:1, for increased power and efficiency.
Safety
The new A8 is one of the safest cars on the market. It protects its passengers with a high-stability body, adaptive restraint systems and with the new Audi pre sense system. It’s available in a standard version and in three expanded levels.
In the standard variant – Audi pre sense basic – the system analyzes the information from the ESP sensors. When they signal maximum brake application or skidding, the control unit intervenes. Depending on the situation, it activates the hazard warning lights and closes the side windows and the sunroof; it also tensions the front seat belts. Electric motors trigger this process, which is reversible – if the situation ends well, the belts are released again.
The expanded levels of the system are called Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense plus and Audi pre sense rear. They are integrated in the optional assistance systems adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and Audi side assist.
In interplay with ACC stop & go, Audi pre sense front monitors the traffic in front of the new Audi A8 and supports the driver in multiple stages. The first is a warning signal, and the second a warning jerk in the form of a brief deceleration. If the driver now depresses the pedal, the brake assist system initiates precise braking relative to the preceding vehicle.
Even an avoidance maneuver – often the better solution – would still be possible. Should the driver remain passive, the third stage follows – autonomous partial braking that slows the A8 at a rate of 3 m/s2. Windows and the sunroof are closed, the hazard warning lights are activated and the seat belts are tensioned.
If the full version of Audi pre sense plus is on board, a fourth stage comes into play: braking with an initial deceleration of 5 m/s2 followed by maximum braking. This phase is initiated roughly one half second before the collision. While a collision can no longer be avoided in this case, its consequences are greatly ameliorated, for up to impact the A8 has reduced the speed by about 40 km/h (24.85 mph).
The Audi pre sense rear system mitigates the consequences of a rear end collision. Here, too, it closes the windows and sunroof and tensions the seat belts. If the A8 has the optional front memory seats on board, they move into a position that protects the passengers well.
The high-stability ASF body affords excellent protection in any type of crash. In the interior the adaptive restraint system stands guard. Particularly with smaller and lighter people it significantly reduces the severity of injuries by intelligently managing the interplay between the front airbags and the belt tension limiters. For side collisions the A8 has side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the outside rear seats. The two head airbags extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
Infotainment Systems
Audi has also set the bar significantly higher with regard to multimedia technology with the new A8. The optional MMI navigation plus system provides its data to other technology modules. Its new operating concept with the touchpad – known as MMI touch – is another pioneering idea. The phone, audio and infotainment features are equally state of the art.
The core of the new technologies is the new MMI navigation plus, integrating a large-sized hard disk for navigation, phone and audio data. A graphics processor generates the high-quality, three-dimensional images, which appear in the form of a 3D terrain model. Besides the classic arrows, a new and animated display serves the route guidance.
The database of the new MMI navigation plus describes the road network with countless details. The system analyzes these data predictively, reading the current course of the sedan but always thinking a bit ahead. The data are relayed to the control units managing the ACC Stop & Go, adaptive light and the 8-speed tiptronic so that these systems can precisely adapt their function to conditions well in advance.
MMI Touch: a Revolution in Operation
Audi has entered a revolutionary new path in the operation of MMI navigation plus: it uses a touchpad. To enter the destination or phone number you simply draw the letters or numbers on the control panel with the index finger of your right hand. The system even recognizes Cyrillic, Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Korean characters. MMI touch can also be used to navigate on the map. An intelligent auxiliary feature is the Black Panel technology: Here the pad becomes a control panel containing six programmed radio stations.
The new input technology functions intuitively and spontaneously. The driver’s right hand is ideally guided by the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic. His or her finger draws the lines as if automatically – and the driver's attention remains focused on the road. The system acknowledges the input after each character with an acoustic feedback signal. In contrast to voice control, touchpad input is possible even while conversing or listening to an audio source.
Along with MMI touch, the new A8 also offers conventional operation with the MMI rotary pushbutton. Further improved voice control is also available on request: Places and roads can now be spoken as commands.
A long line of hi-fi elements ensures perfect musical listening pleasure. The Audi music interface is equipped with a USB and an Aux-in connection to form a convenient interface for the customer’s iPod or an external video source. Standard in the U.S. is the Bose surround sound system, with a digital amplifier operating 14 speakers through 12 channels with an output of over 600 watts.
High End: the A8’s Optional Extras
The line of luxurious optional extras is especially attractive. Deserving special mention are the deluxe front center armrest, the convenience key for accessing the vehicle, the electric sun blinds for the rear, the 230 V outlet on the tunnel, the four-zone automatic air conditioning, the auxiliary heating and the ambient light package. The comfort seats for the driver and front passenger can be adjusted 22 ways; heating, ventilation and a massage feature with five programs are available on request.
The new A8 also occupies a leading position in navigation and infotainment systems. The top version, MMI navigation plus, reads the course of the route in advance. The MMI touch also serves operation – another solution from Audi that sets new standards. Three sound systems, including the top-notch system from Bang & Olufsen, are truly music to the ears, while a fully integrated rear seat entertainment system is available for the rear. The new A8 also has intelligent technologies on board for utilizing internet services.
For the distinct individualists among its customers Audi has developed a wide range of interior colors, upholstery and inlays. The Audi design selection impresses with especially exclusive combinations, and with various optional packages containing leather, Alcantara and decorative applications.
Source: Audi of America Media Site
The high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights. They give the big sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. Their revolutionary optics mean a departure from the large, tubular light modules commonly used today.
The low beams comprise ten individual modules forming an arc situated below the wing-shaped chrome contour known as the “wing.” Just below this is another arc of 22 white and 22 yellow LEDs for the daytime running lights and the turn signals. Their thick wall technology makes them appear from the outside as homogenous, continuous strips of light.
Located above the wing are the high beams, whose light is generated by two powerful four-chip LEDs and a free surface reflector system. An assistant switches between the high and low beams, and additional high-power LEDs generate the highway light and cornering light. A separate fan and heat sink moderate the system’s temperature.
The full LED headlights offer a number of functional advantages in everyday situations. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, their light resembles daylight and thus is much less tiring to the eyes. They also offer efficiency advantages. The low beams, for example, consume only 40 watts per unit, a bit less than the already highly efficient xenon plus headlights.
The side view of the new Audi A8 also gives the image of concentrated and forward-thrusting power. Typically for the Audi line, the vehicle line makes up two-thirds of the height, with the remaining third falling to the greenhouse. From the single-frame grill Audi's characteristic Tornado line runs as a light edge just beneath the window sill. The line continues close above the wheel arches, giving the A8 a powerful appearance on the road.
The surfaces below the Tornado line interpret the interplay of light and shadow, of convexity and concavity, and are statement of seriousness and timeless elegance. Proceeding downwards, the surfaces are framed by the rising dynamic line running above the side sills. Large wheels – from 17 to 21 inches in diameter – fill the wheel arches pulled out wide.
At the rear the separation edge gives an impression of sleekness, which further reinforces the impressively sculptured surfaces. A chrome strip underlines the width of the sedan, terminating in a diffuser.
The tail lights also produce an appearance both three-dimensional and striking – and typically Audi. They, too, use LED technology with 72 light-emitting diodes per unit. Chip-on-board LEDs, which can be packed tightly together with high precision, are used in many areas due to the limited amount of space available.
The tail lights, which consume only 9 watts per unit, form a trapezoidal contour that appears as an even, homogenous strip. Its upper segment is a light guide – a plastic tube; the lower section is a reflective, textured free-form surface. It is thicker than the upper segment to optically lower the center of gravity of the A8's back end. The turn signal is a horizontal line. The five-segment brake light is located inside the trapezoid.
Engines
Superior power and high efficiency – the new A8 makes its debut on the market with a strong V8 engine. With 372 hp, they never fail to impress with their superior power and mighty but discreet propulsion. All engines feature direct fuel injection, and consume 15 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors.
The engine in the A8 has intelligent elements from Audi’s modular efficiency system on board. During deceleration the recuperation system converts the kinetic energy to electric power, which is buffered in the battery. In the innovative thermal management a computer monitors numerous actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior in any situation. After the cold start the engine is temporarily fully uncoupled from the cooling circuit, considerably shortening the warm-up phase with its high loss of friction.
The 4.2 FSI draws 273 kW (372 hp) of power from 4,163 cm3 displacement, generating its maximum of 445 Nm (328.22 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates the A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with the propulsion ending (as in all engine variants) at the electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The most important reason for this enhanced power is the reduction of internal friction, especially in the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries. The controlled oil pump with changeover between two pressure stages operates with high efficiency. Like all gasoline engines from Audi, the V8 has FSI direct injection. It allows a high compression of 12.5:1, for increased power and efficiency.
Safety
The new A8 is one of the safest cars on the market. It protects its passengers with a high-stability body, adaptive restraint systems and with the new Audi pre sense system. It’s available in a standard version and in three expanded levels.
In the standard variant – Audi pre sense basic – the system analyzes the information from the ESP sensors. When they signal maximum brake application or skidding, the control unit intervenes. Depending on the situation, it activates the hazard warning lights and closes the side windows and the sunroof; it also tensions the front seat belts. Electric motors trigger this process, which is reversible – if the situation ends well, the belts are released again.
The expanded levels of the system are called Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense plus and Audi pre sense rear. They are integrated in the optional assistance systems adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and Audi side assist.
In interplay with ACC stop & go, Audi pre sense front monitors the traffic in front of the new Audi A8 and supports the driver in multiple stages. The first is a warning signal, and the second a warning jerk in the form of a brief deceleration. If the driver now depresses the pedal, the brake assist system initiates precise braking relative to the preceding vehicle.
Even an avoidance maneuver – often the better solution – would still be possible. Should the driver remain passive, the third stage follows – autonomous partial braking that slows the A8 at a rate of 3 m/s2. Windows and the sunroof are closed, the hazard warning lights are activated and the seat belts are tensioned.
If the full version of Audi pre sense plus is on board, a fourth stage comes into play: braking with an initial deceleration of 5 m/s2 followed by maximum braking. This phase is initiated roughly one half second before the collision. While a collision can no longer be avoided in this case, its consequences are greatly ameliorated, for up to impact the A8 has reduced the speed by about 40 km/h (24.85 mph).
The Audi pre sense rear system mitigates the consequences of a rear end collision. Here, too, it closes the windows and sunroof and tensions the seat belts. If the A8 has the optional front memory seats on board, they move into a position that protects the passengers well.
The high-stability ASF body affords excellent protection in any type of crash. In the interior the adaptive restraint system stands guard. Particularly with smaller and lighter people it significantly reduces the severity of injuries by intelligently managing the interplay between the front airbags and the belt tension limiters. For side collisions the A8 has side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the outside rear seats. The two head airbags extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
Infotainment Systems
Audi has also set the bar significantly higher with regard to multimedia technology with the new A8. The optional MMI navigation plus system provides its data to other technology modules. Its new operating concept with the touchpad – known as MMI touch – is another pioneering idea. The phone, audio and infotainment features are equally state of the art.
The core of the new technologies is the new MMI navigation plus, integrating a large-sized hard disk for navigation, phone and audio data. A graphics processor generates the high-quality, three-dimensional images, which appear in the form of a 3D terrain model. Besides the classic arrows, a new and animated display serves the route guidance.
The database of the new MMI navigation plus describes the road network with countless details. The system analyzes these data predictively, reading the current course of the sedan but always thinking a bit ahead. The data are relayed to the control units managing the ACC Stop & Go, adaptive light and the 8-speed tiptronic so that these systems can precisely adapt their function to conditions well in advance.
MMI Touch: a Revolution in Operation
Audi has entered a revolutionary new path in the operation of MMI navigation plus: it uses a touchpad. To enter the destination or phone number you simply draw the letters or numbers on the control panel with the index finger of your right hand. The system even recognizes Cyrillic, Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Korean characters. MMI touch can also be used to navigate on the map. An intelligent auxiliary feature is the Black Panel technology: Here the pad becomes a control panel containing six programmed radio stations.
The new input technology functions intuitively and spontaneously. The driver’s right hand is ideally guided by the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic. His or her finger draws the lines as if automatically – and the driver's attention remains focused on the road. The system acknowledges the input after each character with an acoustic feedback signal. In contrast to voice control, touchpad input is possible even while conversing or listening to an audio source.
Along with MMI touch, the new A8 also offers conventional operation with the MMI rotary pushbutton. Further improved voice control is also available on request: Places and roads can now be spoken as commands.
A long line of hi-fi elements ensures perfect musical listening pleasure. The Audi music interface is equipped with a USB and an Aux-in connection to form a convenient interface for the customer’s iPod or an external video source. Standard in the U.S. is the Bose surround sound system, with a digital amplifier operating 14 speakers through 12 channels with an output of over 600 watts.
High End: the A8’s Optional Extras
The line of luxurious optional extras is especially attractive. Deserving special mention are the deluxe front center armrest, the convenience key for accessing the vehicle, the electric sun blinds for the rear, the 230 V outlet on the tunnel, the four-zone automatic air conditioning, the auxiliary heating and the ambient light package. The comfort seats for the driver and front passenger can be adjusted 22 ways; heating, ventilation and a massage feature with five programs are available on request.
The new A8 also occupies a leading position in navigation and infotainment systems. The top version, MMI navigation plus, reads the course of the route in advance. The MMI touch also serves operation – another solution from Audi that sets new standards. Three sound systems, including the top-notch system from Bang & Olufsen, are truly music to the ears, while a fully integrated rear seat entertainment system is available for the rear. The new A8 also has intelligent technologies on board for utilizing internet services.
For the distinct individualists among its customers Audi has developed a wide range of interior colors, upholstery and inlays. The Audi design selection impresses with especially exclusive combinations, and with various optional packages containing leather, Alcantara and decorative applications.
Source: Audi of America Media Site
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