Uber Alles! 2008 Audi RS6 Avant Revealed

Just as we got off the phone speaking with a source of ours about the RS6, we opened up Jalopnik's page and voila; the Audi RS6 Avant! And boy does it look hot… We're not entirely sure if this a leak since the Audi RS6 is supposed to be officially unveiled on Sept. 5 (it could be from a European or Australian site for example), but we don't mind at all.

So along with the official pictures here's the "unofficially – official" info that we gathered: the RS6 is equipped with a Biturbo 5.0-litre V10 that delivers 580 Hp and it sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4,6 seconds –we forgot to ask whether this time is for the Avant or the Saloon. It's worth mentioning that a reader of Carscoop (who asked to remain anonymous), fell spot on with the information he sent us back in the first week of August –check it out by clicking here. We'll have more on the RS6 as soon as Audi come out with official announcement.

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/09/uber-alles-2008-audi-rs6-avant-revealed.html

Audi TT 2007

Apparently, Audi just couldn't wait. The German automaker was all set to lift the veil on its next-generation TT at the New York International Auto Show, next week. But Audi decided not to wait for the New York show, a lightly attended event for the European press, and unveiled the car in Berlin on Thursday.

It's been six years since Audi introduced the original TT, a car that did a lot to buff up the automaker's sporty image. For the new version Audi increased both the car's overall length and width. It now measures 165 inches nose to tail, and 72.4 inches door to door, up five and three inches respectively.

The 2007 TT gets a sharp sheetmetal makeover, which removes the Deco lines and replaces them with bolder forms that hint at the Nissan 350Z, which was itself inspired by the original TT, according to its designer Ajay Panchal.

For the new TT, Audi combined aluminum and steel for a new body structure. Audi claims optimal weight distribution, but also adds a pop-up rear spoiler that deploys above 75 mph.

Audi will offer the next-generation TT with two engines: a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 200 hp. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, Audi says, and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. The other powertrain is a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6 that sprints to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. Both engines are mated to a six-speed stick shift or can be combined with an S-tronic (sequential manual) transmission using Audi's slick double-clutch system. The 2.0-liter TT has front-wheel drive; the V-6 is a quattro.

A new rear suspension and other improvements, combined with a wider thread and larger wheels, are aimed at improving handling. Later in the year, Audi will add an adaptive suspension system.The new TT will be equipped with automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system. Adaptive lighting/corner lighting and a reverse-parking system is optional.

The new TT Coupe will be available at the end of summer and will be joined by a Roadster in 2007.

Source: http://robson.m3rlin.org/cars/audi-tt-2007-2/

Audi RS 6 Avant Revealed

April 2008 is the month to keep an eye on, because that will signify the showroom launch of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, Audi's most potent car ever (not counting the Audi R10 TDI LaMans racer). Audi's new family sports wagon produces an astounding 580 hp (426 kW) from a newly developed V10 FSI engine with torque peaking at 650 Nm at 6700 rpm. The new TwinTurbo V10 FSI is based on the V10 found in the S6 and S8 but has been redeveloped in almost every single aspect to attain this new level of performance.

Needless to say that its performance times are impressive and comparible to super cars. 0-100 km/h takes just 4.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in just 14.9 seconds with and only stops at 250 km/h because of its speed limiter. And while the car weighs in at 2,025 kg, the power-to-weight ratio is just 3.5 kg to every horsepower. A six-speed tiptronic is putting all that power to the road through Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.
The interior is of Audi quality with carbon fibre, aluminium, leather and Alcantara with the usual safety features as standard. Wheels come in 19 inch as standard but 20 inch are optionally available. Audi has fitted ceramic brakes on 420mm steel discs in the front and 356mm in the rear.

Outstanding top performance and maximum dynamism combined with excellent suitability for everyday use are the impressive features of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt. A newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin turbochargers, permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control DRC set the standard for high-performance vehicles in the luxury class. 426 kW (580 bhp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm add up to an unforgettable performance experience. At the same time, the new Audi RS 6 Avant offers a high standard of travel comfort – on long journeys, too.

The Audi RS models from quattro GmbH are the ultimate in sportiness, complemented by powerful and elegant design, exclusive equipment and perfect quality. It has also meanwhile become a good tradition that their sports performance is combined with the high utility value of an Avant: the very first Audi RS2, which appeared in 1993, was only built as an Avant model. Although the unique Audi RS driving sensation can now be experienced in saloon, Avant and Cabriolet models – as is the case with the current RS 4 – customers especially appreciate the combination of dynamism and versatility that an Avant offers.

The new Audi RS 6 will therefore only be available as an Avant to start with, with the unrivalled combination of 580 bhp and a maximum 1,660 litres of luggage space. The Audi RS 6 Avant will be launched in April 2008.The new leader in the performance category

The Audi RS 6 redefines the term "high performance" in the business class. With its 426 kW (580 bhp), it is the most powerful model in the current Audi range and – with the exception of  pure racing cars like the Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI – the most potent Audi of all time. But not only that: it is also clearly superior to all competitors in the top performance category.

The ten-cylinder V-configuration engine in the RS 6 is based on the V10 powerplants of the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but has been redeveloped in practically every respect to attain the significantly higher level of performance. The twin turbochargers ensure an impressively constant stream of power over the entire engine speed range: the mighty peak torque of 650 Nm is available across the entire range from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm; maximum output is available between 6,250 and 6,700 rpm.The road performance of a super sports car

This powerplant enables the Audi RS 6 Avant to achieve the road performance of a high-performance sports car. It requires just 4.6 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h, and reaches the 200 km/h mark in a mere 14.9 seconds. Only when the needle touches 250 km/h is the propulsive power electronically governed. The power-to-weight ratio, too, matches that of a first-rate sports car: after all, with a vehicle weight of 2,025 kilograms – including the dynamic and sure-footed quattro four-wheel drive – every horsepower of the RS 6 Avant has to propel just 3.5 kilograms

The ten-cylinder concept provides the ideal basis for a high-performance unit of this calibre. The V10 is unusually compact with an overall length of 670 millimetres and is very light with a total weight of 278 kilograms. TFSI technology from Audi, the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, ensures efficient power output, based on extensive experience in the field of motor sport: the R8 racing car, a pioneer of TFSI technology, captured a series of victories for the brand with the four rings at Le Mans.Racing technology for high efficiency

FSI direct injection delivers precisely metered amounts of fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This permits a compression ratio of 10.5:1, which is very high for a turbo engine. Remarkably efficient combustion is the result. The engine is thus content with a standard consumption of 13.9 litres – a very good figure in view of the potential offered.

A further feature adopted from racing technology is the dry-sump lubrication system used on the V10. By virtue of the elaborate design of the oil pump module and oil tank, reliable lubrication of all engine components and both turbochargers is guaranteed, even with constant lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

Thanks to FSI technology and the optimised design of the turbocharger and air ducts, the ten-cylinder unit is extremely responsive and converts minimum movements of the throttle into dynamic acceleration. Yet the twin turbo is by no means a rough-and-ready sports engine: it runs smoothly and with refinement, as is typical of a ten-cylinder unit. When accelerating, of course, its dual-branch exhaust system with two oval tailpipes produces that sonorous sporty, throaty sound – an essential feature of a high-performance automobile. Those who wish to enhance this daily delight for the ears even further may opt for the alternative sports exhaust system.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070905.002/audi-rs-6-avant-revealed

Uber Alles! 2008 Audi RS6 Avant Revealed

Just as we got off the phone speaking with a source of ours about the RS6, we opened up Jalopnik's page and voila; the Audi RS6 Avant! And boy does it look hot… We're not entirely sure if this a leak since the Audi RS6 is supposed to be officially unveiled on Sept. 5 (it could be from a European or Australian site for example), but we don't mind at all.

So along with the official pictures here's the "unofficially – official" info that we gathered: the RS6 is equipped with a Biturbo 5.0-litre V10 that delivers 580 Hp and it sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4,6 seconds –we forgot to ask whether this time is for the Avant or the Saloon. It's worth mentioning that a reader of Carscoop (who asked to remain anonymous), fell spot on with the information he sent us back in the first week of August –check it out by clicking here. We'll have more on the RS6 as soon as Audi come out with official announcement.

Source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/09/uber-alles-2008-audi-rs6-avant-revealed.html

Audi TT 2007

Apparently, Audi just couldn't wait. The German automaker was all set to lift the veil on its next-generation TT at the New York International Auto Show, next week. But Audi decided not to wait for the New York show, a lightly attended event for the European press, and unveiled the car in Berlin on Thursday.

It's been six years since Audi introduced the original TT, a car that did a lot to buff up the automaker's sporty image. For the new version Audi increased both the car's overall length and width. It now measures 165 inches nose to tail, and 72.4 inches door to door, up five and three inches respectively.

The 2007 TT gets a sharp sheetmetal makeover, which removes the Deco lines and replaces them with bolder forms that hint at the Nissan 350Z, which was itself inspired by the original TT, according to its designer Ajay Panchal.

For the new TT, Audi combined aluminum and steel for a new body structure. Audi claims optimal weight distribution, but also adds a pop-up rear spoiler that deploys above 75 mph.

Audi will offer the next-generation TT with two engines: a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 200 hp. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, Audi says, and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. The other powertrain is a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6 that sprints to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. Both engines are mated to a six-speed stick shift or can be combined with an S-tronic (sequential manual) transmission using Audi's slick double-clutch system. The 2.0-liter TT has front-wheel drive; the V-6 is a quattro.

A new rear suspension and other improvements, combined with a wider thread and larger wheels, are aimed at improving handling. Later in the year, Audi will add an adaptive suspension system.The new TT will be equipped with automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system. Adaptive lighting/corner lighting and a reverse-parking system is optional.

The new TT Coupe will be available at the end of summer and will be joined by a Roadster in 2007.

Source: http://robson.m3rlin.org/cars/audi-tt-2007-2/

Audi RS 6 Avant Revealed

April 2008 is the month to keep an eye on, because that will signify the showroom launch of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, Audi's most potent car ever (not counting the Audi R10 TDI LaMans racer). Audi's new family sports wagon produces an astounding 580 hp (426 kW) from a newly developed V10 FSI engine with torque peaking at 650 Nm at 6700 rpm. The new TwinTurbo V10 FSI is based on the V10 found in the S6 and S8 but has been redeveloped in almost every single aspect to attain this new level of performance.

Needless to say that its performance times are impressive and comparible to super cars. 0-100 km/h takes just 4.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in just 14.9 seconds with and only stops at 250 km/h because of its speed limiter. And while the car weighs in at 2,025 kg, the power-to-weight ratio is just 3.5 kg to every horsepower. A six-speed tiptronic is putting all that power to the road through Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system.
The interior is of Audi quality with carbon fibre, aluminium, leather and Alcantara with the usual safety features as standard. Wheels come in 19 inch as standard but 20 inch are optionally available. Audi has fitted ceramic brakes on 420mm steel discs in the front and 356mm in the rear.

Outstanding top performance and maximum dynamism combined with excellent suitability for everyday use are the impressive features of the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt. A newly developed V10 engine with FSI direct injection and twin turbochargers, permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control DRC set the standard for high-performance vehicles in the luxury class. 426 kW (580 bhp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm add up to an unforgettable performance experience. At the same time, the new Audi RS 6 Avant offers a high standard of travel comfort – on long journeys, too.

The Audi RS models from quattro GmbH are the ultimate in sportiness, complemented by powerful and elegant design, exclusive equipment and perfect quality. It has also meanwhile become a good tradition that their sports performance is combined with the high utility value of an Avant: the very first Audi RS2, which appeared in 1993, was only built as an Avant model. Although the unique Audi RS driving sensation can now be experienced in saloon, Avant and Cabriolet models – as is the case with the current RS 4 – customers especially appreciate the combination of dynamism and versatility that an Avant offers.

The new Audi RS 6 will therefore only be available as an Avant to start with, with the unrivalled combination of 580 bhp and a maximum 1,660 litres of luggage space. The Audi RS 6 Avant will be launched in April 2008.The new leader in the performance category

The Audi RS 6 redefines the term "high performance" in the business class. With its 426 kW (580 bhp), it is the most powerful model in the current Audi range and – with the exception of  pure racing cars like the Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI – the most potent Audi of all time. But not only that: it is also clearly superior to all competitors in the top performance category.

The ten-cylinder V-configuration engine in the RS 6 is based on the V10 powerplants of the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but has been redeveloped in practically every respect to attain the significantly higher level of performance. The twin turbochargers ensure an impressively constant stream of power over the entire engine speed range: the mighty peak torque of 650 Nm is available across the entire range from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm; maximum output is available between 6,250 and 6,700 rpm.The road performance of a super sports car

This powerplant enables the Audi RS 6 Avant to achieve the road performance of a high-performance sports car. It requires just 4.6 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h, and reaches the 200 km/h mark in a mere 14.9 seconds. Only when the needle touches 250 km/h is the propulsive power electronically governed. The power-to-weight ratio, too, matches that of a first-rate sports car: after all, with a vehicle weight of 2,025 kilograms – including the dynamic and sure-footed quattro four-wheel drive – every horsepower of the RS 6 Avant has to propel just 3.5 kilograms

The ten-cylinder concept provides the ideal basis for a high-performance unit of this calibre. The V10 is unusually compact with an overall length of 670 millimetres and is very light with a total weight of 278 kilograms. TFSI technology from Audi, the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, ensures efficient power output, based on extensive experience in the field of motor sport: the R8 racing car, a pioneer of TFSI technology, captured a series of victories for the brand with the four rings at Le Mans.Racing technology for high efficiency

FSI direct injection delivers precisely metered amounts of fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This permits a compression ratio of 10.5:1, which is very high for a turbo engine. Remarkably efficient combustion is the result. The engine is thus content with a standard consumption of 13.9 litres – a very good figure in view of the potential offered.

A further feature adopted from racing technology is the dry-sump lubrication system used on the V10. By virtue of the elaborate design of the oil pump module and oil tank, reliable lubrication of all engine components and both turbochargers is guaranteed, even with constant lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

Thanks to FSI technology and the optimised design of the turbocharger and air ducts, the ten-cylinder unit is extremely responsive and converts minimum movements of the throttle into dynamic acceleration. Yet the twin turbo is by no means a rough-and-ready sports engine: it runs smoothly and with refinement, as is typical of a ten-cylinder unit. When accelerating, of course, its dual-branch exhaust system with two oval tailpipes produces that sonorous sporty, throaty sound – an essential feature of a high-performance automobile. Those who wish to enhance this daily delight for the ears even further may opt for the alternative sports exhaust system.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070905.002/audi-rs-6-avant-revealed

Spied: Audi A3 Cabrio on US shores

Spy photographers have spotted the upcoming A3 Cabrio on U.S. shores for the first time. The A3 Cabrio is expected to debut at March's Geneva Motor Show, although a September introduction at the Frankfurt Auto Show is still possible.

The newest A3 is also reported to have significant styling changes, both front and rear. The front fascia is said to have a new hood, narrower headlights with a more imposing grill and a new lower spoiler. The new rear fascia will include A5-styled taillights.

The styling changes will help align the A3 with the newly introduced A5 coupe and the next-generation A4 sedan, which will show up at the Frankfurt auto show next month. The side profile should remain similar to that of the current A3, thanks to a sharply raked rear window. The soft-top, which is electrically operated, will fold flat behind the rear seats, revealing twin roll-over hoops.

The A3 was first offered in North America just two years ago in 2005. It has been available in Europe since the mid-1990s.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-a3-future.html

Audi A8 – the new driving experience

Audi is honing the character of its flagship: from September, the Audi A8 will exhibit notably enhanced qualities. An even more precise driving feel, superior ride and acoustic comfort and subtle refinements to the design and interior underline the exceptional position of the sportiest saloon in the luxury class. Just how well the A8 combines sporty, elegant design with superlative handling characteristics, supreme comfort and exemplary eco-friendliness is illustrated by the Audi A8 2.8 FSI: with CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometre it is the best by far in its class.

Impressive handling characteristics, pioneering technology and exclusive design and equipment – the Audi A8 defines the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment in a distinctive, masterly way. As the flagship of the brand, the A8 embodies the progressivenees of Audi: its extremely rigid lightweight aluminium body built according to the Audi Space Frame principle, the potent FSI and TDI powerplants with direct injection, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly praised MMI operating system are only some of the elements employed by Audi to demonstrate its proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik in the luxury class.

The best fuel consumption figures in its class

New in the model range is the Audi A8 2.8 FSI. With FSI petrol direct injection and the innovative Audi valvelift system AVS, this engine develops 154 kW (210 bhp), producing its maximum torque of 280 Newton-metres across a wide speed range from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. These ample reserves and – thanks to the aluminium Space Frame body – remarkably low vehicle weight of only 1690 kilograms ensure supreme acceleration in every situation. The A8 2.8 FSI sprints from 0 to 100 in 8.0 seconds, its top speed being 238 km/h.

Despite these convincing performance figures the A8 with the 2.8-litre FSI engine achieves top marks in its class in terms of fuel consumption: an average of only 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres, according to the standard test method. This corresponds to a CO2 figure of only 199 grams per kilometre.

Saloon for a unique driving experience

The entire model range offers a new driving experience: To this end, the A8 has been consistently developed in many areas and refined in terms of its unique blend of sportiness and elegance, superiority and sophistication. The rack-and-pinion steering with variable steering gear ratios and servotronic speed-dependent power assistance has been optimised and is more direct. Shock absorbers, bearings and adaptive air suspension settings have been modified. As a result, the A8 responds more spontaneously to steering inputs, tackles winding country roads with precision yet – seemingly of its own volution – maintains calm and supreme straight-line stability at high speeds.

Exceptional comfort in terms of suspension and acoustics

Similarly to the handling characteristics, ride comfort has also been improved: the standard adaptive air suspension is now more responsive to minor irregularities in the road surface. The continuously variable shock absorbers feature new seals to reduce friction, new valves optimise the characteristics and the entire hydraulics system has been retuned. The A8 even moves smoothly over transverse joints, with no vibration whatsoever. Together with the package designed to insulate rolling and road noise, the luxury saloon from Audi offers outstanding comfort.

The acoustics of the A8 have been enhanced and optimised throughout by using innovative materials – after all, noise insulation at Audi is always viewed under the aspect of intelligent lightweight construction. The result: without any additional weight, the Audi A8 exhibits the lowest rolling, road and ambient noise level in its class. The Audi A8 is one of the quietest cars in the world – an important element for relaxed comfort on long journeys in the saloon.

Comfort and safety with assistance systems

The Audi A8 supports the driver with state-of-the-art assistance systems. These provide comfort and convenience on long journeys, helping to keep the driver fit and alert – and are therefore decisively important for safety, too. Audi side assist utilises intelligent radar technology. The system is specially designed for lane-changing manoeuvres, alerting the driver to hazardous situations: if another vehicle moves into the critical zone, yellow LEDs in the housing of the exterior mirror light up permanently. If, despite the warning, the driver of the A8 sets the indicator lever to change lanes, the LEDs become brighter and flash rapidly for about one second. It is virtually impossible to overlook this impulse because the human eye is highly sensitive to changes in contrast in the peripheral field of vision.

Audi lane assist alerts the driver if he/she inadvertently moves out of the lane. A small camera, located on the windscreen above the rear-view mirror, monitors the road in front of the vehicle; a high-performance computer identifies the lane markings. If the driver drifts on to one of these lines without indicating, Audi lane assist signalises this accordingly by causing the steering wheel to vibrate.

Progressive design language, with specific refinements

The clear and progressive design language of the Audi A8 is characterised by its timeless quality. New touches were added to the exterior, for instance, but only in specific yet effective areas – from the single-frame grille to new exterior mirrors with integrated indicator and new wheel designs through to new-look LED taillights. New paint finishes complete the range as do high-quality aluminium applications, new colours and inlays for the interior.

Continuing on the road to success

Hence the Audi A8 is clearly on the road to success. With over 100,000 vehicles sold so far the current-generation model including both top-of-the-range versions, the Audi A8 W12 and Audi S8, has already surpassed the sales total of its predecessor.

Year for year, it continues to achieve sales growth in an overall stagnating market segment. The reason: while the A8 constantly attracts customers of other brands with its clear personality, the product loyalty and repurchase rate among A8 drivers is at the same time higher than average.

When it comes to the trade press and its readers, the A8 also has much to celebrate. It regularly picks up awards as the best car in the luxury class – from "auto, motor und sport" in Germany, for example, from "Auto Express" in the UK or "AutoWeek" in the US.

Source: http://www.automotoportal.com/article/audi-a8-the-new-driving-experience

Spied: Audi A3 Cabrio on US shores

Spy photographers have spotted the upcoming A3 Cabrio on U.S. shores for the first time. The A3 Cabrio is expected to debut at March's Geneva Motor Show, although a September introduction at the Frankfurt Auto Show is still possible.

The newest A3 is also reported to have significant styling changes, both front and rear. The front fascia is said to have a new hood, narrower headlights with a more imposing grill and a new lower spoiler. The new rear fascia will include A5-styled taillights.

The styling changes will help align the A3 with the newly introduced A5 coupe and the next-generation A4 sedan, which will show up at the Frankfurt auto show next month. The side profile should remain similar to that of the current A3, thanks to a sharply raked rear window. The soft-top, which is electrically operated, will fold flat behind the rear seats, revealing twin roll-over hoops.

The A3 was first offered in North America just two years ago in 2005. It has been available in Europe since the mid-1990s.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-a3-future.html

Audi A8 – the new driving experience

Audi is honing the character of its flagship: from September, the Audi A8 will exhibit notably enhanced qualities. An even more precise driving feel, superior ride and acoustic comfort and subtle refinements to the design and interior underline the exceptional position of the sportiest saloon in the luxury class. Just how well the A8 combines sporty, elegant design with superlative handling characteristics, supreme comfort and exemplary eco-friendliness is illustrated by the Audi A8 2.8 FSI: with CO2 emissions of 199 grams per kilometre it is the best by far in its class.

Impressive handling characteristics, pioneering technology and exclusive design and equipment – the Audi A8 defines the notion of sports appeal in the luxury segment in a distinctive, masterly way. As the flagship of the brand, the A8 embodies the progressivenees of Audi: its extremely rigid lightweight aluminium body built according to the Audi Space Frame principle, the potent FSI and TDI powerplants with direct injection, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly praised MMI operating system are only some of the elements employed by Audi to demonstrate its proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik in the luxury class.

The best fuel consumption figures in its class

New in the model range is the Audi A8 2.8 FSI. With FSI petrol direct injection and the innovative Audi valvelift system AVS, this engine develops 154 kW (210 bhp), producing its maximum torque of 280 Newton-metres across a wide speed range from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. These ample reserves and – thanks to the aluminium Space Frame body – remarkably low vehicle weight of only 1690 kilograms ensure supreme acceleration in every situation. The A8 2.8 FSI sprints from 0 to 100 in 8.0 seconds, its top speed being 238 km/h.

Despite these convincing performance figures the A8 with the 2.8-litre FSI engine achieves top marks in its class in terms of fuel consumption: an average of only 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres, according to the standard test method. This corresponds to a CO2 figure of only 199 grams per kilometre.

Saloon for a unique driving experience

The entire model range offers a new driving experience: To this end, the A8 has been consistently developed in many areas and refined in terms of its unique blend of sportiness and elegance, superiority and sophistication. The rack-and-pinion steering with variable steering gear ratios and servotronic speed-dependent power assistance has been optimised and is more direct. Shock absorbers, bearings and adaptive air suspension settings have been modified. As a result, the A8 responds more spontaneously to steering inputs, tackles winding country roads with precision yet – seemingly of its own volution – maintains calm and supreme straight-line stability at high speeds.

Exceptional comfort in terms of suspension and acoustics

Similarly to the handling characteristics, ride comfort has also been improved: the standard adaptive air suspension is now more responsive to minor irregularities in the road surface. The continuously variable shock absorbers feature new seals to reduce friction, new valves optimise the characteristics and the entire hydraulics system has been retuned. The A8 even moves smoothly over transverse joints, with no vibration whatsoever. Together with the package designed to insulate rolling and road noise, the luxury saloon from Audi offers outstanding comfort.

The acoustics of the A8 have been enhanced and optimised throughout by using innovative materials – after all, noise insulation at Audi is always viewed under the aspect of intelligent lightweight construction. The result: without any additional weight, the Audi A8 exhibits the lowest rolling, road and ambient noise level in its class. The Audi A8 is one of the quietest cars in the world – an important element for relaxed comfort on long journeys in the saloon.

Comfort and safety with assistance systems

The Audi A8 supports the driver with state-of-the-art assistance systems. These provide comfort and convenience on long journeys, helping to keep the driver fit and alert – and are therefore decisively important for safety, too. Audi side assist utilises intelligent radar technology. The system is specially designed for lane-changing manoeuvres, alerting the driver to hazardous situations: if another vehicle moves into the critical zone, yellow LEDs in the housing of the exterior mirror light up permanently. If, despite the warning, the driver of the A8 sets the indicator lever to change lanes, the LEDs become brighter and flash rapidly for about one second. It is virtually impossible to overlook this impulse because the human eye is highly sensitive to changes in contrast in the peripheral field of vision.

Audi lane assist alerts the driver if he/she inadvertently moves out of the lane. A small camera, located on the windscreen above the rear-view mirror, monitors the road in front of the vehicle; a high-performance computer identifies the lane markings. If the driver drifts on to one of these lines without indicating, Audi lane assist signalises this accordingly by causing the steering wheel to vibrate.

Progressive design language, with specific refinements

The clear and progressive design language of the Audi A8 is characterised by its timeless quality. New touches were added to the exterior, for instance, but only in specific yet effective areas – from the single-frame grille to new exterior mirrors with integrated indicator and new wheel designs through to new-look LED taillights. New paint finishes complete the range as do high-quality aluminium applications, new colours and inlays for the interior.

Continuing on the road to success

Hence the Audi A8 is clearly on the road to success. With over 100,000 vehicles sold so far the current-generation model including both top-of-the-range versions, the Audi A8 W12 and Audi S8, has already surpassed the sales total of its predecessor.

Year for year, it continues to achieve sales growth in an overall stagnating market segment. The reason: while the A8 constantly attracts customers of other brands with its clear personality, the product loyalty and repurchase rate among A8 drivers is at the same time higher than average.

When it comes to the trade press and its readers, the A8 also has much to celebrate. It regularly picks up awards as the best car in the luxury class – from "auto, motor und sport" in Germany, for example, from "Auto Express" in the UK or "AutoWeek" in the US.

Source: http://www.automotoportal.com/article/audi-a8-the-new-driving-experience