Audi today launched its latest rival for the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS in Miama, with new technological features headlined by a new finger-writing multimedia operating system.
In the traditional game of one-upmanship between the German luxury car makers, Audi has launched its third-generation flagship A8 limousine with a raft of new technology and more fuel efficient engines.
The new Audi A8 will go on sale in Australia next year with bigger dimensions than its key rivals, including its 5137mm length, 1949mm width and 2992mm wheelbase.
Despite the torsional stiffness of the A8’s high-tech alumimium ‘space frame’ structure increasing by 25 per cent and the inclusion of more equipment, the A8 is 30 kilos lighter than the model it replaces.
The A8 also breaks new ground with its aerodynamics, with a 0.26 co-efficient of drag of that is impressively slippery for a sedan.
The new Audi A8 will most likely be launched locally with the two new 4.2-litre V8 engines – a petrol unit with 273kW, 445Nm and fuel consumption of 9.5 litres per 100km, and a diesel version with figures of 258kW, 800Nm and 7.6L/100km.
Audi has equipped the latest A8 with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, while all models will again be all-wheel-drive only.
Standard on the 4.2 TDI and optional on other models is a sport differential which dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels.
New lighting technology includes all-weather headlights integrated into the xenon/LED front lamp units, which dispense with the need for foglights.
Optional night vision and adaptive lights can improve lighting in the dark, while a continuous headlight range control system (similar to that used on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class) uses a camera to detect the lights of oncoming vehicles to automatically reduce the intensity of high beams.
A further breakthrough is the networking of the headlight control unit with the optional satellite-navigation plus system. After analysing the road ahead, the navigation system relays the data to the headlight computer.
For instance, if the car was on the on-ramp to the freeway, it would activate the bolder, extended highway lighting. Before entering an intersection, the system activates the cornering light, which provides broader illumination for the driver.
The new A8 is also equipped with Audi’s new Pre-sense system that is available in a range of assistance levels, and have the ability to help prevent a crash or help protect occupants if an accident is unavoidable.
If Pre-sense detects maximum braking or skidding, for example, the Audi A8, depending on the situation, can activate hazard warning lights, close windows and the sunroof, and increase the tension of the front seatbelts.
Advanced versions of Pre-sense can also monitor traffic ahead and automatically brake the Audi A8 if an imminent collision is detected.
A range of audio systems come from respected names such as Bose and Bang and Olufsen, with the latter boasting 19 speakers, two amplifiers and an output in excess of 1400 watts.
A dual tuner for digital radio is optional, as are a digital TV tuner and a DVD changer.
Night vision, adaptive cruise control and advanced driver assistance systems will be optional on Australian A8s.
The current second-generation A8 (and sporty S8) sold around 470 units in Australia, well behind the BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals.
source: smh
