We at CCO would like to welcome you to a special Holiday Burst of News. It’s pretty much the same as any other Burst, except our hearts are filled with the unique form of adrenaline brought on by massive amounts of Thanksgiving food, Black Friday debt, and ChristmuHanuKwanzaa excitement/stress. So you’ll excuse us if we occasionally pause to scream our heads off.

Our first gift this holiday season, however, comes from the good folks at Lamborghini. According to company sources speaking to CarsUK.net, Lambo is summoning up their very own hypercar capable of competing with the Ferrari Enzo and the rest of the highest echelon of automotive performance. Rumor has it the car, which will be based off the Murcielago-replacing Jota, will be named Urus, after the enormous primordial ancestor of modern cattle. (That’s not a joke.)

They really could just cut and paste the Reventon body on the Jota chassis, and I don't think any of us would mind.

While the Jota’s suspected 700+ horsepower 6.0 liter V12 and carbon fiber/aluminum chassis mean it probably won’t be much of a slouch, the Urus should blow it away, thanks to intensive weight-reducing strategies and the introduction of an 800+ horsepower V12. Price hasn’t been announced, but if you’re hoping for less than half a million bucks, you’d be better off praying for JFK’s resurrection.

But while Lamborghini is trying to out-muscle Ferrari’s old hypercars, the folks in Maranello are working on something quite different. The company confirmed last month they are developing an electric-powered all-wheel-drive system for their future vehicles.

That’s right, folks. Not only will the Ferrari of Tomorrow have four-wheel-drive…it’ll be a hybrid.

The 458 probably won't get the hybrid system. We just wanted to look at it again.

Company insiders told AutoCar the system’s first use will be driving the front wheels of the company’s front-engined GTs, effectively giving each axle a separate powertrain – the electric motor up front, and a gasoline-powered V12 powering the rear. But the system is designed to improve handling and acceleration, not fuel economy – so we don’t have to worry about Ferrari drivers getting all smug or anything.

The system will probably first be used in the successor to the 612, which will probably be breaking cover sometime in the next year or two. Don’t expect to see any hybrid Ferraris on the streets until 2014 or so, which still sounds ridiculously futuristic whenever we think about it. When they do come, the hybrid system will probably add a hefty tithe to the Monroney – but if you can afford a four-seat Ferrari, you probably ain’t too worried about it.

Speaking of mansion-priced cars, Rolls-Royce is hoping to take the wraps off an electric version of its Phantom uber-sedan sometime in the next year or so, also according to AutoCar. The Powers That Be at Rolls want to have the car on the road by 2012, in time for the London Olympics – which, entirely coincidentally, happen to be sponsored by Rolls-Royce’s parent company, BMW!

While it appears stoic, the Phantom is silently judging you for being too poor to afford it.

Rolls employees claim they aren’t particularly concerned about the added mass of the lithium-ion batteries needed to hold the car’s juice, as the conventional Phantom already pushes three tons. And while you could certainly argue a 6,000 pound sedan decorated with twenty-seven cows’ worth of leather and more wood than a freshman class trip to the Playboy Mansion is hardly eco-friendly, don’t bother telling the electric Rolls’ owners – because while they can certainly hear you, they just don’t care.

If you’re in the market for a more modest luxury sedan, however, there’s no need to fret. BMW and Audi both have unveiled the newest members of their families in the last couple weeks – BMW brought out its new 5-series, while Audi rolled out the new A8.

First up: the 5, which continues BMW’s recent trend back towards more conventional styling. The “flame surfacing” of the Bangle years admittedly remains, but at least the front end no longer appears surprised and the rear no longer frustrated.

Here in the States, only two models will be available at launch – the 550i, powered by a 407-horsepower version of Bimmer’s blissful turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, and the 535i, which comes with the latest turbocharged, 306-horsepower version of the company’s equally sweet 3.0-liter inline six. The best-selling-yet-least-arousing 528i will arrive a couple months later; however, BMW makes up for it by boosting power to 258 horses and 228 lb-ft of torque – gains of 28 for both figures over the current models. ZF’s new eight-speed automatic comes standard on the 550i, and optional on the six-cylinder models.

After debating it over several rounds of drinks at the local bar, we here at CCO ultimately came down in favor of the new 5er’s looks. (Also, we unanimously agreed that “Livin’ On A Prayer” is, like, the greatest song in human history.) While it seems almost a tad forgettable from certain angles (at least in pictures), it certainly bears a strong resemblance to the 3- and 7-series – and given that that was presumably the idea, it’s safe to call this one a success.

However, we aren’t particularly fond of the look of Audi’s new A8.  From the front, the car seems oddly reminiscent of the current Hyundai Sonata, and the LED running lights – which lend the A4/A5 family a futuristic strength, like the glowing eyes of Iron Man – angle down in just the wrong place, giving the A8 a strange resemblance to Droopy Dog. Audi is trumpeting the new A8 as the front line of its new designed theme, dubbed “Vorsprung durch Technik;” while our German is a little rusty, we can only assume said phrase translates to, “Let’s just make the A4 bigger and go pound a beer.”

"I always come to mope in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, because I'm artsy."

Thankfully, though, the interior looks like all you’d expect and more from Audi’s most luxurious model. The design is beautiful, and while we’ve heard some mixed opinions on the Interwebs about the A8’s handlebar shifter, we rather like it. And considering that shifter connects to the same eight-speed automatic as in the 5-series – and that the transmission connects all four wheels to a 372-horsepower 4.2 liter V8 – the A8 ought to be a pretty sweet drive for such a large car.

Of course, if you’re not thrilled with the A8’s styling and are willing to sacrifice a bit of space for it, Audi will be more than willing to take a deposit on their upcoming A7 four-door-coupe. According to AutoCar, the long-rumored A6-based pseudo-coupe will be unveiled at the Moscow Auto Show in August 2010.

When the A7 hits the U.S. streets sometime in late 2010 or early 2011 to engage the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW X6 in a Teutonic battle of “Bizarro-world coupes,” expect it to come equipped with similar engines to the A6 – naturally aspirated and supercharged V-6s, and if Audi’s feeling generous and gas is still cheap, the 372-hp V8 from the A8. According to Audi design director Stefan Sielaff, there will even be an S7 – likely featuring a turbo/supercharged V8 – for those of you who like testing the patience of law enforcement.

This is Audi's Sportback Concept. Expect the A7 to look like this, except with more Orange Country trophy wives behind the wheel.

Rumor has it U.S. prices should start somewhere around $46,000, but since the A6 starts at $45,200, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the A7 on the painful side of $50K when it hits our shores. Mercedes and BMW both charge significantly more for their faux coupes than the sedans/SUVs they’re based on, so Audi will probably follow the same logic – even if AutoCar claims there will only be a “small price premium.”

But while Audi is chopping up the higher end of the luxury car market into ever-smaller slices, BMW wants to slot yet another model into its rapidly burgeoning M line. According to AutoCar (who seem to have more anonymous sources than Seymour Hersh), someone in BMW’s high-performance division claims creating a more affordable model to slot in under the M3 is a top priority.

Details are few and far between at this point, but since the car would be based on the next-gen 1-series, there’s plenty of time for info to leak out. However, we do know two things: the car will (hopefully) be priced in the mid-$40K range, and BMW may dust off the old M1 badge for it. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a 365+ horsepower version of the company’s turbo I6 under the hood…

Of course, if Audi and BMW are hard at work crafting fun new toys for us to play with, the good folks at Mercedes-Benz can’t be far behind. In this case, rumor has it the company is working on whipping up a smaller sports car based on the new SLS.

At least from this angle, we don't have to look at its ass.

According to PistonHeads, the new model would be designed to compete against the Porsche 911. The ‘Heads claim the follow-up to the SLS – can we call it the SaLT? – will use a V8 of somewhere between 5.8 and 6.2 liters, complete with cylinder cut-off. Given that AMG spent a shit-ton of cash developing its current 6.2 liter engine and said engine has proven suitable in everything from C-class compacts to R-class megawagons, it’s probably safe to assume the Salt will just use a revised version of that engine. Expect to see the finished product in about five years.

Finally, we have another piece of tragic supercar news to round out this update. After a year of service, the Italian State Police’s Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was totaled a couple weeks ago near the northern city of Cremona. Thankfully, neither of the officers inside were injured when the Lambo swerved to avoid a car and slammed into a group of parked vehicles.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(Photo courtesy autoblog.it)

Before the accident, the Gallardo was primarily used to provide rapid response to accidents and for high-speed organ transport – because while a helicopter might be faster, the doctors wouldn’t be able to say, “They’re driving your new heart here in a Lamborghini.” No word yet on whether Lamborghini will replace the vehicle, but here’s hoping they will. In fact, here’s hoping automakers here in the States decide to follow suit and donate some choice vehicles to our local police forces. How ’bout a couple Corvette ZR1s for the Michigan State Troopers?

Los Angeles, 08 Desember 2009 - Sedan premium keluaran pabrikan otomotif asal Jerman Audi A8, saat ini nampang di ajang pameran mobil Los Angeles (Los Angeles Auto Show) 2009 yang berlangsung 4 – 13 Desember. Sebelumnya, mobil ini diperkenalkan ke publik pada 1 Desember di Miami, Florida, Amerika Serikat. Rencananya, Audi akan memasarkan pada musim semi (April – Mei) 2010 mendatang.

Kepala Eksekutif pabrikan Audi di Amerika, Johan de Nysschen seperti dikutip motor authority menyebut, pihaknya mematok target penjualan Audi A8 ini 10 ribu unit per tahun untuk pasar Amerika. “Audi A8, merupakan produk unggulan kami,” tutur Nysschen.

Sedan ini akan diluncurkan dalam dua jenis mesin yaitu mesin bensin dan diesel. Pertama mesin bensin 4.200 cc V8 Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) direct injected. Mesin sebesar itu mampu menyemburkan tenaga hingga 366 daya kuda dan torsi maksimal 445Newton meter (Nm). Kecepatan 0 – 100 kilometer (km) per jam bisa dicapai hanya dalam hitungan 5,7 detik.

Jenis kedua adalah mesin diesel 4.200 cc V8 Turbo Diesel Injection (TDI). Mesin ini mampu menghasilkan tenaga hingga 346 daya kuda dan torsi maksimal 800 Nm. Kendati tenaga yang dihasilkan dibawah mesin bensin, namun kecepatan 0 – 100 kilometer per jam dapat dicapai dalam tempo 5,5 detik.

Sumber Audi itu menambahkan, kendati tenaga yang dihasilkan besar tapi itu tak berarti mobil ini boros bahan bakar. Pasalnya, sebut sang sumber, FSI non turbo pada mesin bensin mampu menempuh jarak 10,5 km untuk tiap liternya.

“Jadi paduan antara teknologi mesin dan penggunaan bahan alloy itu memberi kontribusi yang signifikan terhadap tingkat konsumsi bahan bakar,” tandas sumber Audi.

Sedangkan pada mesin diesel, perangkat turbodiesel menjadikan mesin itu mampu menempuh jarak 13 km untuk tiap liternya. Disebut pula, tingkat penghematan itu mencapai 13 persen dibanding generasi sebelumnya untuk mesin bensin. Sementara untuk mesin diesel, penghematan yang dicapai oleh mesin generasi baru itu mencapai 19 persen.

Namun sayang, hingga kini belum ada keterangan resmi dari Audi berapa mobil itu bakal dibanderol. Sumber Audi seperti dikutip motor authority memberi isyarat mobil ini akan dibanderol mulai $75,375 atau sekitar Rp 670.400.000.

Sumber foto 01 | Foto 02 | Foto 03 | Foto 04 | Foto 05 | Foto 06

The Town of Óbidos is on the far west side of Portugal, yesterday we went there to check on some different architecture. The whole town is inside the castle walls and that gives a very unique atmosphere to the place. You can reach Obidos taking the A8 from Lisbon and with all the direction signs there’s no way you can make a wrong turn.

It’s really a cool town and a place to check if you’re planning on coming to Portugal.

Check out the pics we made.

This was once a place where the Portuguese Kings spent their holidays or just went to seek shelter during war or conflicts.

Keep shooting.

Cheers,

Bruno.

I am stuck somewhere between an A8 and the 7 Series. I love em both, but I know it is one or the other. What to do?

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand’s Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States – although the alternative fuel powertrains aren’t likely to happen right away. While you’re waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We’re working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.

Check out more at Autoblog.

More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new Audi A8 has just been launched in Miami.

The new car has a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 bhp) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The new A8 is bigger than its predecessor and at 5137mm long, 1949mm wide and 1460mm tall, it’s longer and wider than a Mercedes S-class or a BMW 7-series but lower than both. The car built from aluminium, using new alloys has cut the weight by 6.5kg.

New Audi A8 Special Features

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

2011 Audi A8 vs 2010 Audi A8

Luxury Cars

www.autorivals.net

The all-new fourth generation 2011 Audi A8 luxury sedan has unveiled in Miami. The new A8 acquired a new design, an improved line of engines, a new technologies such as night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians and Audi pre sense safety system, an updated MMI operating system with hand writing recognition touch pad, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights.

Leaving the evolutionary styling of the outside and interior departure, the new 2011 A8 continues to make using of a lightweight aluminum body. The common wheelbase A8 (a LWB will trail at a later meeting) trial 5,137 mm (16.85 ft) in segment, 1,949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1,460 mm (4.79 ft) in height, with a 2,992 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase.

Read more (details + photos + video)!!

Audi says that the new model weighs about the same as the tide A8, even while it’s superior (3 in. Longer, 2 in. Wider) and has more usual utensils. Besides the low burden, the aluminum opening edge (ASF) body of the A8 has other advantages with the company announcing that the static torsional toughness has augmented by 25 percent compared with the predecessor.

When the 2011 A8 arrives in European showrooms in early 2010, it will be open with a span of two engines, a 4.2 FSI and a 4.2 TDI. The 4.2-liter V8 petrol makes 372HP and 445 Nm (328 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm, accelerating the A8 from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.7 seconds, and onto an electronically governed top pace of 250km/h (155mph).

Audi says that in the EU cycle, the petrol story proceeds a shared 9.5 lt/100 km (24.76 US mpg, which represents a bargain of 1.4 liters or 13 percent compared over its predecessor, despite a right growth of 22-horsepower.

The 4.2-liter V8 TDI diesel produces 350HP and a whopping 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque already unfilled at speeds between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The V8 diesel accelerates the A8 from leftovers to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 5.5 seconds.

Even though this new engine delivers 24HP and 150Nm of torque more than before, common consumption has dropped by 1.8 liters/100 km or 19 percent to 7.6 liters/100 km (31 US mpg), corresponding with CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (320 g/mile).

The two V8 engines will be united by two six-cylinder diesels soon after the advertise launch. The first 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel makes 250HP and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) propelling the A8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.6 seconds while consuming on mean 6.6 liters of fuel per 100 km (36 US mpg).

The following variant of the 3.0-liter V6 TDI produces 204HP and will be untaken only as a front sweep propel classical. It is said to benefit an average fuel consumption of 6.0 lt/100 km (39 US mpg), corresponding with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km (256 g/mile).

All engine versions will be equipped with a new, electronically controlled 8-alacrity tiptronic usage and quattro lasting all-circle urge (minus the primitive 3.0 TDI shape). As a selection, Audi will proffer a dynamic sport differential, which will be mean on the 4.2 TDI quattro.

In the U.S., the 2011 Audi A8 will go on deal in belated 2010 and will be existing at launch exclusively with the 372HP 4.2-liter V8 FSI petrol.

Moving onto the interior, let’s just say that, lacking the A4-esque instrument panel, owners of the modern generation A8 will feel right at home. In actuality, we bet that most will have a hard time potent the two interiors distant. Nonetheless, the Germans do declare that the berth has been spread improved in terms of trait of workmanship as well as materials.

Techno gizmos contain a revised MMI multimedia edge, seats with voluntary ventilation and kneading functions, a new Audi pre perceive wellbeing logic for avoiding accidents, adaptive air-suspension, a next generation nav approach, night prophecy helper with pedestrian marking and an adaptive cruise control with stop & go feature.

For those of you holding your breath for the new Audi A8, please open your nasal passages and inhale. The car has been launched in Miami at the design festival and from what has been seen so far, it is quite impressive.

Audi have always been known to extensively use aluminum in the A8 to maintain lower weight figures than its competitors. The new version is no different. As for power, the main engine choice will be the 4.2 V8 packing 366 bhp and 328 lb-ft of torque, accelerating its owner from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The standard transmission mating the engine to the Quattro system will be the ZF 8-speed automatic.

Speaking of the automatic, check out the beautiful shifter mimicking throttle levers used in yachts. As always, Audi  sets the bar for interior design as BMW and Mercedes have been off the mark as of late. Want to know what’s really cool? Audi have decided that some drivers may not want to bother with the onboard computer’s mouse and switches, so they have come up with an innovative scribble pad next to the shifter which you can write what you want using a stylus and the system will recognize it.

Can’t wait to see what the sport version, the S8, will look like.

Great looking, refined.  Everything an Audi should be.  Click through to AutoBlog to read the rest, and the press release.

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States – although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.

via 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 — Autoblog.

We’re at the tail end of ‘09 and already Audi has planted the seeds of excitement for 2011 with the reveal of the new Audi A8. While not all of us can take trips to Miami for the big reveal, we still have some details and pics for your enjoyment here.

The 4th Generation of the A8 looks to continue the trend of sophistication and engineering that Audi has come to be known by, judging by the looks of the aluminum body built with the Audi Space Frame architecture, that maintains modern strength and safety demands while still being light for the sake of sporty agility and fuel efficiency. Official numbers on this are scarce as of yet, but the 2011 A8 is expected to weigh as much as the current gen model (3,682 lbs), despite being a few inches wider and longer.

Under the hood is a 4.2 FSI V8 that produces 372 hp, a 22 hp increase as well as 328 ft-lbs of torque. Fuel efficiency has been increased by 15% due to thermal management and kinetic energy recuperation systems. This promises a 0-62 time of 5.7 secionds and is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The transmission is an 8 speed tiptronic shift-by-wire setup with a dynamic shift program (DSP) that handles it all in cruise and sport mode. an interesting note is that the DSP communicates with Audi’s MMI navigation system, and if route data is supplied, it will incorporate this data as you speed along, intended to avoid unnecessary gear changes.

AWD is of course standard as the A8 sports Audi’s current quattro AWD system that features the 40/60 torque split with rear wheel bias. The sport differential is an option as well if you plan to truly give the A8 the business, as well as dynamic steering. This all sits on an adaptive air suspension with adaptive damping to give the optimum ride comfort and smoothness depending on the situation.

On the inside is the quality styling we expect from Audi, with an emphasis on giving the interior a more spacious feeling than its predecessor. The latest MMI navigation and console will be incorporated, which displeased me in the R8, but came to appreciate with more current incarnations. A prevailing design element is the “wrap-around” curve that forms “an elegant belt line as on a yacht” and that the instrument panel is “neat and tidy” and “shaped like a gentle wave,” descriptions which I can conjure James May in my mind saying aloud and then following with “I don’t know what all that means, but I quite like it.” In any case, the interior is to be just as stylish and comfortable as current models, if not better.

Expect pricing details to effervesce nearer to the fall of 2010 when they will begin to appear in dealers in the U.S., but have in mind that it will be one of its factors in competing with cars like the Mercedes-benz S Class and Jaguar XJ. As always, of the utmost importance is the experience behind the wheel, and if Audi’s latest offerings are anything to go by, the 2011 Audi A8 should be one hack of a ride.

-Alex K-

Surprisingly one of the most visited posts on this blog was a rendered preview of the upcoming Audi A8, but not until today has the car been revealed. It looks pretty similar, but the real car looks more realistic along the lines of keeping the it classy yet aggressive. The top-line sedan has set its targets at 7-Series, S-Class, and LS and I right now I would have to say I agree with Audi calling it the “sportiest sedan in the luxury class.” Enough of the talking, check out the new V8 powered 2011 Audi A8 that will hit dealerships next year.

Click for more pics and info

PRESS RELEASE

The new Audi A8 – the sportiest sedan in the luxury class

Adapted for the USA

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.”

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.

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.

The new tiptronic: eight speeds for more comfort and efficiency

The standard new transmission also plays a large role in increasing efficiency – the extremely convenient 8-speed tiptronic finely graduates its eight gears while achieving a large overall spread. Its control system is purely electronic, operated with an elegant selector level and rocker switches at the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinct sporty and rear-end character. On request, the sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels.

The new A8 also documents its standing as the sportiest luxury sedan on the market in the chassis sector. The distribution of the axle loads is balanced, and all wheel control arms are aluminum. The adaptive air suspension together with adaptive damping is always on board, forming part of the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, also standard. The optional dynamic steering is a supplementary component.

In the field of multimedia Audi also offers many attractive modules. They include an optional sound system from Bang & Olufsen, with an output of over 1,400 watts and 19 speakers, and include state-of-the-art online services. The new Audi A8 has gained in dynamics, convenience, prestige and intelligence, setting new standards in all sectors.

At a glance
The new Audi A8

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.

Design

Audi design is always fascinating in its complex intelligence. The outer skin of the new A8 conveys homogeneity, as if modeled from a full volume. A coupé-like roof line lets the silhouette flow; sculptured surfaces conveying calmness and prestige contrast with sharp lines. The new A8 underscores the leading position maintained by Audi in the field of automotive design. Representing the cutting edge in many innovative technologies, the A8 indicates this role through new and progressive design elements.

5137 mm (16.85 ft) in length, with a 2992 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase, 1949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1460 mm (4.79 ft) in height – the new luxury sedan is generously proportioned. The Audi A8 significantly exceeds in length and width both its predecessor and its competitors. Its height, however, remains below that of its immediate rivals in Germany – the proportions follow the dynamic line.

The A8 displays its single-frame radiator grille like a proud coat of arms. Framed by a chrome edge, the grille presents a new design – sculptured, three- dimensional and rich in details. With angular upper corners, it is neatly integrated in the front section, while the prominent, horizontal chrome braces emphasize the vehicle width.

The Audi A8 looks out on the world through newly designed headlights – with xenon plus units and the innovative full LED headlights, a technology Audi was the first to introduce worldwide in the R8 high-performance sports car. The adaptive light system augments the xenon plus units – it controls the swiveling modules so that they always provide the perfect lighting for intersections, the city, country roads and highways. The new all-weather light integrated into the headlights replaces the fog lights. Their traditional location in the air intakes is now occupied by the radar sensors of the optional adaptive cruise control with stop & go function.

A technological breakthrough from Audi is the networking of the headlight control unit with the optional MMI navigation plus. The navigation system analyzes the route ahead and relays the data to the light computer to activate highway lighting with its extended range while still on the ramp to the highway, for example. Before entering an intersection, the system activates the cornering light, which provides wider-angle illumination and thus enhances safety.

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.

Body

Big, strong, safe and yet amazingly lightweight – the aluminum body once again sets new standards. Its low weight is a key factor for the outstanding driving dynamics, exemplary efficiency and very good comfort of the new A8. Audi, the lightweight design pioneer of the automotive industry, again demonstrates its leadership role.

Fifteen years ago the four rings brand introduced the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) into production – with the first A8 generation. ASF has proven its merit outstandingly; and now Audi is again using it in a much more advanced form. In its basic design the ASF body brings a latticed framework to mind. Its skeleton comprises extruded sections and pressure diecast parts of aluminum. The aluminum panels – such as the roof panels and the side panels – are joined by friction connections.

Depending on their tasks, the components of the ASF body fully differ in shape and cross-sectional area. For example, the A-pillar nodes of the new A8 – one of 25 castings in the body – interconnect the longitudinal member, the sill, the omega cross-member, the windshield crossmember, the roof frame and the suspension strut mount. The lateral roof frame, on the other hand, is formed by a single extruded section; its cross-section changes flexibly from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

Audi has substantially increased the strength of the higher-strength body components in the new A8, thereby significantly reducing both material thickness and weight.

One of the keys for this is a novel composite material for the aluminum panels. The use of this new, high-strength aluminum alloy alone enabled a weight saving of 6.5 kilograms (14.33 lb).

High stiffness, low vibrations

Besides the low weight, the ASF body of the A8 has many other strengths. The static torsional stiffness has increased by 25 percent compared with the predecessor, already a leader in the field; it forms the basis for the precise, dynamic handling. In terms of lightweight quality – the relationship between weight, torsional stiffness and size – the body achieved an improvement of 20 percent. The ASF principle ensures comfortably low levels of vibrations and impressive quietness on board for that typical Audi feeling.

The new A8 glides calmly, sleekly and quietly through the wind. The 4.2 FSI version has a drag coefficient of only 0.26, with the frontal area measuring 2.41 m2 (25.94 square ft). Low lift coefficients at the front and rear axles ensure confident stability at highway speeds. The luxury sedan also once again leads its class in wind noise comfort.

Audi regards the development of a new vehicle as a holistic mission. The overall energy balance sheet covering the entire vehicle life reveals the new A8 achieves better results than its predecessor with respect to all important environmental criteria, including CO2 emissions. The crucial factor is the phase of use, where in particular the new, highly efficient engines play a positive role. Aluminum is also superior to steel as a body material with respect to CO2 thanks to its excellent recycling properties.

Interior

The interior of the new Audi A8 is a wellness lounge for the senses. With its elegant styling and quality of workmanship on the craftsman level, the interior is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the four rings brand. In the cut it is much wider, more airy and spacious than its predecessor. Its salient element is the “wrap- around” – a circumferential curve forming an elegant beltline as on a yacht. The large curve integrates the sleek and low instrument panel. Its neat & tidy front is shaped like a gentle wave.

The Audi brand’s clear and intuitive operating philosophy reaches new heights in the A8. The large, round instruments are clearly delineated. The driver information system (DIS), which serves as a fully fledged information and control center, has a new layout. Its center display has increased to a 7-inch diagonal, showing all functions according to an easily understandable concept. It is operated at the equally improved multifunction steering wheel.

The center tunnel: perfect control console

The center tunnel in the new A8 is wide and evenly inclined. As an ergonomically ideal control console, it contains the control panel for the automatic air conditioning and the terminal of the MMI control and multimedia system, now in a new version. It forms a clearly organized touch & feel arrangement of three zones, one of which is reserved for audio. Operation is totally stress-free: The driver’s wrist on the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic, asymmetrically located on the center tunnel, leaving the hand at ease to touch and turn switches.

In standby mode, the monitor of the MMI system is recessed in the instrument panel. Switched on, it moves upwards in an elegant curve, nicely setting the scene for the system start. The large monitor with its 8-inch diagonal is extremely flat. Its display area is divided into three information zones, while the menu control system follows a further improved and intuitive logic. All topics are presented in elegant, three-dimensional graphics.

The A8 also sets the bar at a new height in the quality of workmanship, another big domain of Audi. The combination of highest-quality materials and their precise implementation make the interior a sensuous experience. The large controls and buttons are optionally available with aluminum surfaces and click easily and precisely like clockwork. Many switches gleam in high-gloss black, and all frequently used parts are covered by a new kind of top coat making them extremely scratch-resistant.

The large decorative inlays each consist of two parts – a highly elegant solution. The bottom elements come in standard highly polished black, the top ones in walnut brown, while the whole is accentuated by fine chrome strips. Brushed aluminum and fine woods are optionally available from Audi. All components feature uncompromisingly precise workmanship and minimal gaps.

Audi offers five basic colors for the interior, and three shades for the roof lining. The selection of coverings ranges to natural leather, which is especially soft and breathable. Passionate individualists can choose from two Audi design selections in special colors that integrate many luxurious equipment features. Audi also offers several leather packages, an Alcantara package and the extended aluminum look in the interior.

Highly emotional: the orchestration of light

At dark another high-end feature comes into play – the new ambient light. White LEDs add a few subtle highlights to the interior. The ambient light package is an emotional overall orchestration, providing effective illumination and making the center console seem to float. Many LEDs here are two-colored or three-colored – the color schemes of ivory, polar and ruby can be selected at the MMI. In other words, the same LEDs can change between two and three colors.

The many sophisticated solutions in the new A8 include the start-stop button, which allows the driver to start the engine while leaving the key in his or her pocket.

The automatic air conditioning system regulates the interior climate in two zones, and optionally in four. Three climate styles are available – gentle, medium and strong – which also change the type of air flow. For winter a fourth variant is available that heats the footwell more intensively.

The standard front seats feature 12-way electric adjustment. The comfort seats offer even more luxury with their 22-way adjustability, also incorporating the sides of the seats. Audi also offers optional seats with a sporty look and top-stitched diamond patterns. Three-staged ventilation is offered in addition to the heating. Another luxury extra is the pneumatic massage, in which twin air chambers pulsate in the backrest – the driver and front passenger can regulate them in five programs, with the intensity graduated in three stages.

As a large, luxurious touring sedan the A8 also treats its rear passengers on a first-class level. On request, Audi even provides the rear bench with versatile electric adjustment of the outside seats; a memory feature is on board as is adjustability of the front passenger seat from the rear. Seat heating, electric blinds and the four-zone automatic air conditioning together with a separate rear control panel round off the package. Ventilation and a massage function are also available.

The new A8 provides 510 liters of large luggage space, cut very wide. Four golf bags can be fitted crosswise; smaller objects are accommodated in the side compartments. After unlocking, the gate automatically swings up. The standard (in the U.S.) luggage compartment includes a net, two hooks for bags, an umbrella holder and a 12 V outlet. Load-through capability with ski bag and an electric tailgate are also available.

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.

Drivetrain

The new Audi A8 offers the utmost superiority also in power transmission. A new, electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic system and quattro permanent all- wheel drive from the production line. On request, Audi also installs the dynamic sport differential.

The 8-speed tiptronic is a totally newly developed automatic transmission. Its great strength lies in the high overall gear ratio of 7.0:1 between the shortest and longest gear ratio, reducing the fuel consumption by about six percent. Starting off, the A8 accelerates dynamically, rolling along highways with low, consumption-reducing revs. All gear changes are nearly unnoticeably soft and smooth, very fast and highly flexible.

The 8-speed tiptronic achieves a high level of efficiency. One of the factors behind this is the highly efficient pump for supplying oil, another the heating of the oil by the coolant following a cold start, for lowering frictional loss.

The dynamic shift program (DSP) that controls the transmission features the automatic operating modes D and S. A pioneering innovation from Audi is its networking with the detailed route data supplied by the optional MMI navigation plus system. By means of this data the DSP incorporates upcoming curves in its gearshift strategy – it avoids unnecessary gear changes on narrow roads, for example.

The new selector lever on the center tunnel is for selecting driving modes – shaped like the thrust lever on a yacht, it forms a highlight in the elegant interior of the sedan. The ergonomically perfected lever communicates with the transmission electronically. Gear changes are triggered by a brief tap of the lever, after which it automatically returns to its center position. You can also change gears using the rocker switches on the steering wheel.

The installation position of the new tiptronic follows a special layout – as in many models from Audi: The differential lies in front of the torque converter. The front axle is then moved forwards – the advantages are a long wheelbase, a short front overhang and a finely balanced weight distribution.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system equally contributes to the new A8’s leading position. Its mechanical center differential manages normal automotive operation: 60 percent to the differential of the rear axle and 40 percent to the front – a sporty characteristic. Should slip occur at a wheel, the differential sends the large part of the torque to the axle with the better traction.

Customers with a particularly sporty driving style may decide on the optional sport differential with its continuously variable distribution of the drive forces between the rear wheels. With the sport differential the A8 drives as if on the proverbial rails.

The sport differential’s controller is connected to the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. The driver can switch between the system’s three characteristics – auto, comfort and dynamic – at any time.

Chassis

The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in the luxury class. Its chassis combines uncompromising precision with great dynamism, superior stability and excellent comfort. Audi drive select is standard, with optional dynamic steering. The large sedan impresses with its sprightly agility. The A8 steers into the corners spontaneously and willingly, driving through them almost neutrally and finding a strong grip on the road at their exit thanks to quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The subframe for the engine and the front axle forms the backbone of the front suspension. The front axle is constructed from five control arms per wheel; its aluminum forged parts provide low unsprung mass and ultra-precise wheel guidance.

All A8 variants roll with the standard speed-dependent servotronic. The steering gear is positioned low and well up front at the subframe; the steering impulse is introduced directly into the wheels through the track rods, with a very spontaneous response. With a sporty and direct gear ratio of 16.1 : 1, the steering conveys a precise and finely differentiated feedback from the road in any situation. Its controlled vane-type pump operates with high efficiency.

The layout of the rear axle follows the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle, which combines compact design with superior driving and comfort qualities. Four steel tubes form the highly rigid axle subframe. The two hollow-cast trapezoidal links, the wheel carriers, the overhead transverse links and the track rods are made of aluminum. Audi’s engineers have thoroughly overhauled the suspension. The struts are supported directly by the wheel carrier, so that the dampers respond with even greater sensitivity.

Audi drive select lends fascinating variety to the experience of driving in the new A8 – from highly comfortable, gentle rolling to sporty and exciting cornering. It integrates the adaptive air suspension, the engine, the 8-speed tiptronic and the servotronic. With the MMI the driver can change the characteristics of these systems between the comfort, auto and dynamic modes. Moreover, the driver can compose a fourth operating mode corresponding to his or her personal ideal – the “individual” mode.

Always the right tuning: adaptive air suspension

The adaptive air suspension combines air suspension with controlled damping. The struts are newly developed; an enlarged air capacity now allows a soft characteristic even without an auxiliary accumulator. The bellows and auxiliary air springs sensitively respond even to a slight unevenness in the road surface. The shock absorbers operate with high flexibility – their control unit constantly analyzes the conditions and varies its mode of operation within thousandths of a second.

The adaptive air suspension is a versatile technology. Depending on the speed and the mode specified by Audi drive select, it lowers the body by up to 25 mm, to increase stability and reduce drag and thereby improve fuel consumption. One other operating mode is also available – the “lift” mode slightly raises the body.

Audi drive select also has other components in store – the sport differential and dynamic steering, which varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent. At low vehicle speeds – during maneuvering, for example – the steering system operates very directly; the power assistance is also high. As the speed increases, directness and power assistance continuously recede – on highways the A8 glides over the asphalt with stoic calmness.

The dynamic steering cooperates closely with the ESP stabilization system. If necessary, it slightly countersteers in the handling limits when cornering – practically unnoticed by the driver, it reduces understeer and oversteer in most situations.

The new A8 has a powerful brake system on board that is consistently designed for maximum heat dissipation and low weight. All four discs are internally ventilated; up front, stainless steel pins connect the friction rings to the aluminum brake caps. This concept from the sports car sector, new in the luxury class, saves up to 3.75 kg (8.27 lb) of weight per wheel. The ESP stabilization system can be switched off and offers a sport mode.

The range of wheels underscores the strong character of the new Audi A8. The sizes range from 17 to 21 inches. The tires have been optimized with respect to comfort, aerodynamics and rolling resistance.

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.

Assistance systems

The new A8 also demonstrates Audi’s concentrated innovative power in its assistance systems, offering a wide, newly echeloned range of high-tech systems. Compared with the competition, they are considerably more efficient and intelligent, thanks to their pioneering new networking.

The radar-aided automatic proximity control system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, has undergone intensive development. Its two radar sensors are now located in the front end of the A8 in the air inlets.

The system regulates the speed and the proximity to the preceding vehicle in the range of 0 to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). In stop-and-go traffic it decelerates the new A8 to a standstill. In short stops the sedan automatically resumes moving when the preceding vehicle drives off; after a longer stop the driver must tap the accelerator or the cruise control lever.

Informed by the new navigation system, the ACC stop & go function always knows where the A8 is located. It retrieves data from up to 27 control units and operates closely together with the other driver assistance systems, such as the rear radar of the Audi side assist. Thanks to this high level of information the system can detect complex scenarios and make anticipatory decisions in support of the driver.

On the highway, if the car ahead puts on its right turn signal and slows down because its driver wants to exit, the ACC stop & go function recognizes this fact thanks to the camera image and because it can read the exit from the route data supplied by the navigation system. A conventional system would now brake analogously to the car ahead; in many cases the A8 continues on almost without change.

Audi side assist: safety when changing lanes

At speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) and above, Audi side assist operates with two radar sensors in the rear that observe events occurring behind the car. Should another vehicle be moving in the critical area, the yellow LED indicator in the housing of the outside mirror first lights up. If the driver nevertheless activates the turn signal to change lanes, the indicator becomes brighter and begins to blink quickly – a signal that can hardly be overlooked.

At speeds above roughly 65 km/h (40.39 mph), Audi lane assist intervenes when the driver is about to leave the lane inadvertently. A camera above the interior mirror observes the road. Software processes the images, analyzing the lane markings and the course of the sedan. Should it drive onto a line without signaling, Audi lane assist induces a vibration in the steering wheel. The image data is also used by the ACC stop & go function and the continuous headlight range control.

A totally new assistance system also profits from the camera – the speed limit indicator, to follow in mid-2010. It detects speed limit signs along the side of the road and presents them as graphics in the instrument cluster display.

Also debuting in the Audi A8 is the night vision assistant. The heart of this system is a thermal imaging camera sitting behind the four rings at the front of the car. A computer transforms the information from the camera into images and displays them on the display located between the instruments.

The so-called remote infrared technology used by Audi looks ahead by up to 300 meters (984 ft), depending on the driven speed. Because the system reacts to the heat emitted by objects, people and animals are generally displayed conspicuously bright, while the cool road remains dark. The image processing software specifically seeks human contours – yellow markings in the display highlight detected people. If the person’s movements lead the control unit to assume a hazard, the person is marked red and a warning gong sounds.

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.

The pinnacle of hi-fi listening pleasure: the Advanced Sound System

At the top of the line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. It is impressive for its sparkling brilliance, detailed resolution and broad, finely differentiated frequency range. With their digital output stages, two amplifiers with an output of over 1,400 watts operate 19 aluminum-encased speakers through 19 channels. The two acoustic lenses in the cockpit are recessed and extend when the system is started.

The new Audi A8 also offers rear seat entertainment. The backrests of the driver and front passenger seats contain two flat displays with 10.2-inch diagonals. Their inclination is adjustable, and they can separately display different content. The sound passes through headphones. The rear seat entertainment system has its own DVD drive, a 20 GB hard disk, two memory card slots and an AMI interface; it has also has full access to all other infotainment systems on board. A control panel in the rear center armrest serves the operation of the system – another instance of first-class convenience.

Equipment and trim

The A8 is Audi’s new technological spearhead – and its equipment underscores this standing. A broad range of high-end features are already standard on this luxury sedan.

In the case of the engines, there is the recuperation system. As for power transmissions, the new flagship shines with its electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the sport differential.

In the running gear sector the A8 secures an exceptional standing with Audi drive select; the system integrates the adaptive air suspension together with active shock absorber control. The xenon plus headlights, the Audi pre sense basic system and the anti-theft alarm system serve security. The adaptive restraint system and a tire pressure monitoring system reinforce the sense of safety on board.

When it comes to convenience, the new A8 impresses with its electrical fold-in exterior mirrors, the versatile and electrically adjustable front seats, the two-zone automatic air conditioning system, the electrical adjustment of the steering
column with easy exit function, the ambient lighting, the electro-mechanical parking brake and the start-stop button.

The MMI operating system and the driver information system with the multifunction steering wheel underscore the Audi brand’s leadership role in ergonomics.

The new A8 also moves to the head of its class when it comes to optional extras. In the case of the running gear the dynamic steering deserves special mention. The wheels are up to 21 inches in size, with a sporty tuning of the adaptive air suspension available from Audi on request. The xenon plus headlights are perfectly supplemented by the continuous headlight range control and the adaptive light system, and the innovative full LED headlights give the luxury sedan an especially impressive look.

In matters of safety, advanced levels of the new Audi pre sense technology are optionally available: Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense rear and Audi pre sense plus, integrated in the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and in Audi side assist. The night vision assist with its marking of detected pedestrians, Audi lane assist, the parking assistance systems and the speed limit display, which is to follow a bit later, also serve the driver’s safety and convenience.

Practical everyday features include the luggage compartment package and the load-through hatch with ski bag, supplemented by the electric tailgate. For the doors there is electric power-assisted closing, for the side windows noise- insulating glass.

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.

Hollywood star Lucy Liu will be hosting the presentation of the new Audi A8 at Design Miami (Dec. 1 – 5) according to a new Audi press release. You can watch the event live on Audi tv @ tv.audi.com starting around 6:35 PM EST on Nov. 30.

Meanwhile, you can check out the new Audi A8 teaser video here.

Ainda ontem (19) a Audi anunciou que a nova geração do A8 seria apresentada oficialmente no próximo dia 30. O renovado sedã estaria com lançamento marcado para Miami, EUA. No entanto, uma imagem revelada hoje (20) pela revista alemã AutoBild revela antecipadamente o estilo do modelo. Será mesmo o A8?

A citada publicação germânica é bastante conhecida por seus chutes no escuro, com abuso de photoshop e pouquíssimas fontes para confirmar o estilo projetado. No entanto, também é verdade que as empresas costumam liberar materiais gráficos e informações à imprensa antes do lançamento de um veículo.

E agora, será verdade mesmo esta imagem?

GALERIA

2010 Lexus LS vs 2010 Audi A8

Luxury Cars

www.autorivals.net

Mais uma vez, a nova geração do Audi A8 foi flagrada em testes no exterior. Desta vez, o modelo foi fotografado em estradas do sul do estado americano da Califórnia por um leitor do AutoBlog. O sedã, amplamente camuflado, deverá ser lançado no ano que vem.

O estilo empregado no sedã remete aos últimos veículos da marca. A lanterna, principalmente, traz à mente a imagem do esportivo R8. Suas dimensões lembram o cupê, ainda que não aparente ser a mesma peça. Há quem diga também se tratar de um modelo mais esportivo, o que viria a ser o A7, devido à queda acentuada do teto ao porta-malas.

GALERIA

A Audi prepara o lançamento de seu próximo A8, o top de luxo da marca. O carro que aqui no Brasil rivaliza com Mercedes-Benz Classe S e BMW Série 7, no exterior ainda é visto como estando em um degrau abaixo.

Pelas imagens que circulam na internet é possível ver que o painel receberá um enorme computador de bordo, neste caso pode ser chamada de central de comando. Ainda não foi desta vez que a Audi chegou no painel totalmente digital da Mercedes, mas está quase lá.

A fabricante alemã apostou em uma grande tela de cristal líquido no meio dos mostradores analógicos de velocidade e  de rotações do motor (ou conta-giros).

Ali deve funcionar um segundo centro de funções multimídias do carro. Porém, o principal ainda continua posicionado na parte de cima do console central.

A imagem de cima mostra a tela de cristal líquida em ação. Repare na qualidade da imagem e na sofisticação do que é mostrado. Já a imagem de baixo mostra que a Audi ainda não abandonou a vocação de espalhar dezenas de botões de controle. Os da imagem especificamente mostram os controles do ar-condicionado, sistema de navegação, teclas do telefone, rádio, entre outros.

O carro está previsto para ser lançado em março de 2010. Provavelmente no Salão de Genebra.

…e, di fatto, mette nella merda gli automobilisti.. …

°°°

Sull’A4 Milano-Brescia il traffico è stato sbloccato nel tratto tra Agrate ed il bivio con l’A8 Milano-Varese in direzione ovest, dove questa mattina, intorno alle 7.00 è avvenuto un incidente nel quale un mezzo pesante ha perso il carico costituito da letame.

Lo riferisce Autostrade per l’Italia spiegando che al momento si transita su una sola corsia e ci sono 10 km di coda. Costanti aggiornamenti sulle condizioni di viabilità vengono diramati da Isoradio 103.3 Fm ed attraverso i pannelli a messaggio variabile. Per ulteriori informazioni Autostrade consiglia di chiamare il call center Autostrade al numero 840-04.21.21.

Fonte: www.cittaoggiweb.it

Além do flagra do AutoBlog, novas informações foram publicadas sobre a próxima geração do Audi A8. Quem revela os detalhes é a publicação francesa L’Automobile. A revista afirma que o sedã seguirá a tendência de downsizing de motores, mas vai manter o W12 em oferta.

De acordo com a publicação, o A8 terá motores de quatro cilindros a gasolina e a diesel. O primeiro seria o 2.0 TFSI reprogramado, gerando mais que os 211 cv de atualmente. O outro poderia ser um TDI de 200 cv. Já o W12 seguirá em oferta. Aliás, ele crescerá até 6,5 litros, entregando mais de 500 cv. Para fazer a conexão entre os mais potentes e os menos, haverá um V8 turbinado de 400 cv. Para economizar, tanto este quanto o W12 devem adotar a tecnologia de desligamento dos cilindros.

Pelo que se sabe, o A8 chega às revendas europeis no fim de 2010. Sua apresentação deve acontecer no Salão de Paris, em setembro do próximo ano.

GALERIA

Het leven op woensdag zit vreemd in elkaar, ik moet het u niet vertellen. Toen ik deze middag boven de A8 een gekalligrafeerde V trekganzen zag voorbijvliegen moest ik denken aan onze septische put. Ik heb er de technische dienst van de stad van verwittigd dat die dringend moet geruimd worden, omdat er vreemde geluiden uit de wc-pot opstijgen. Een verband leggen met Halloween lijkt mij iets te vergezocht. Ik zie echter wel een link met de kerkelijke feestdag die ons volgend weekend toch weer even zal doen stilstaan bij de zondeval, het berouw en de vergiffenis op de weg naar heiligheid. Stilstaan was weliswaar niet echt mogelijk aangezien er alleen maar een pechstrook beschikbaar was. Alleen hardleerse agnostici en atheïsten met criminele neigingen zullen beweren dat zonde een vorm van pech is. Hoe dan ook, de technische dienst was zich blijkbaar ook bewust van het mogelijke risico voor de volksgezondheid want ze sturen meteen, morgen al, een ploeg. Pas toen een gans, die een beetje achterop was geraakt, terug aansloot bij het rechterbeen van haar letter, werd de volledige symboliek van de situatie mij klaar.
Als een biechtvader bevoegd is om ons te bevrijden van de afvalstoffen van onze ziel, dan ben ik wellicht de laatste om in te zien dat ’t Ruimerke, Aquajet Vlerick, Inovec en al die andere ontstoppingsdiensten daar de fysieke pendant van zijn. Ze laten de afvalstoffen van ons onvolmaakte lichaam verdwijnen. En dat voor een schamele penitentie van 80 euro voor een put van drieduizend liter. Kleinere zondaars komen er al vanaf met de helft.
Het zijn allemaal bedenkingen waar zo een vogel niet door geplaagd wordt. Of hij moest helemaal vooraan vliegen, waar de twee benen bij elkaar komen. In het kruis, als het ware.
Het werd nog een moeilijke dag.

Incidente al km 14,2 sull’A8 Milano-Varese, nel tratto tra Legnano ed Origgio ovest in direzione del capoluogo lombardo, nel quale sono rimasti coinvolti un mezzo pesante ed una moto. Nello scontro il motociclista è deceduto.

Sul luogo dell’incidente sono intervenute le pattuglie della Polizia Stradale, i soccorsi meccanici e sanitari, oltre al personale della Direzione secondo Tronco di Milano. Al momento si transita sulla sola corsia di sorpasso e si registrano code di 3 km in direzione Milano.

Fonte: http://ilgiorno.ilsole24ore.com

Deze middag wandelde op de pechstrook van de A8 in Ath een man met een wel erg handtamme fazant. De snelwegwandelaar hield het pluimbeest bij de poten. De kop slingerde als een geïntoxiceerde Luc Beaucourt over het beton.  Je moest geen kenner zijn om te zien dat het dier naar de eeuwige … eh jachtvelden vertrokken was. Vermoedelijk na een onzachte aanrijding met de bestelwagen die een paar honderd meter verder met de knipperlichten stond te flikkeren. Een tweeloop op wielen. Ontwijken was geen optie meer. Bovendien ging de fazant danig in de fout want er was in de wijde omtrek geen zebrapad te bespeuren. (Wellicht zijn zebra’s bang van fazanten.) De chauffeur voelde na de aanrijding zijn jachtinstinct de kop opsteken, ging alsnog op de rem staan, parkeerde en wandelde naar zijn trofee. Vanavond zullen er geen boterhammetjes verschijnen op de houten keukentafel van schrijnwerkerij Vermeulen.

Toch maar mooi weer een opsteker voor de actiegroep tegen het voederen van uitgezette fazanten!

Продолжение. Начало здесь

A6

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Небесталанный конкурент BMW 5.
Результаты тестов: Неплохо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Большая машина, которой нужен большой двигатель. Покупай вариант 3.0 TDI SE и не ошибешься.
Позиция в рейтинге : 52

CAR

О модели: Недавно пережившая фейслифтинг А6 все еще остается отличным автомобилем. Качество интерьера, сборки и двигателей просто высший класс.
Наш выбор: 3.0Т Quattro или 3.0Т Quattro Avant
Секрет фирмы: В качестве коробки предлагают ручник, автомат и CVT. Так вот, CVT лучше не брать.
Вердикт: Нравится
Конкуренты: Mercedes E-class
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Линейку немного подновили и теперь можно заказать V6 с суперчарджером и даже купить RS6. Только не думай, что ты получишь действительно спортивную машину. Фиг тебе!
Позиция в рейтинге : 83
Наш выбор: 3.0 TDI
Не обманывайся насчет: обновлением. Машина все равно выглядит так же, как и до него.
Конкуренты:BMW 5, Merc Е-Class, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS

WHATCAR

За: Красивый, просторный и качественный седан со спортивным характером. Интерьер салона великолепно отделан, а комфорту уделялось особое внимание. Двигатели достаточно экономичны.
Против : Хотя и несильно, но Audi отличается от BMW 5 в худщую сторону в смысле цены, стоимости владения и качества езды.
Вердикт: Качественный седан с отличным салоном. Комфорт просто великолепен, а двигатели мягкие, мощные и экономичные. Жалко только что эта машина не умеетездить так же хорошо, как BMW.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Средне
Наш выбор: 2.0 TDI 170 SE

POFIGIST

На седане я никогда не ездил, поэтому сказать ничего не могу.

A6 Avant

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Стильный и практичный универсал
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке

CAR

О модели: См А6
Наш выбор: См А6
Секрет фирмы: См А6
Вердикт: См А6
Конкуренты: См А6
Результаты тестов : См А6
Одним словом: См А6

TOPGEAR

О модели: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Не обманывайся насчет: Нет мнения
Конкуренты:Нет мнения

WHATCAR

За: см A6
Против : см A6
Вердикт: Качественный универсал с отличным салоном. Комфорт просто великолепен, а двигатели мягкие, мощные и экономичные.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Средне
Наш выбор: 2.0 TDI 170 SE

POFIGIST

У меня была А6 предыдущего поколения и я был очень доволен ей. Ездить на ней было просто великолепно, но вот расход топлива был просто страшный. И еще одна неприятная особенность (только в Европе) – на узких улицах старых городов с этой машиной очень тяжело, особенно когда надо каким-то образом вписаться в 90-градусный поворот, а места уйти немного в сторону (по-автобусному) нету.

A6 Allroad

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Комфортный универсал с увеличенным клиренсом.
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : 22

CAR

О модели: Подними подвеску своей А6 Avant, прилепи пару пластиковых обвесов и – вуаля! У тебя есть новая A6 Allroad.
Наш выбор: 3.0 TDI
Секрет фирмы: Только 3.0 TDI получил ручную коробку передач.
Вердикт: Круто, но Q5 сможет сыгнать подрывного элемента в семействе Ауди.
Конкуренты: Volvo XC70
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Не обманывайся насчет: Нет мнения
Конкуренты:Нет мнения

WHATCAR

За: Хорошо выглядящая полноприводная версия А6 Avant предлагает огромное количество места для багажа и пассажиров. Клиренс у модели серьезно увеличили для лучшей проходимости.Собрана машина просто отлично.
Против : Полный привод в этой модели “заточен” на обычные асфальтированные трассы. Автомобиль более дорогой, чем обычный вариант, который не менее вместителен чем эта машина.
Вердикт: Отличное качество сборки и более высокая посадка водителя дает последнему полное ощущение, что он за рулем большого дорогого внедорожника. Однако, в отличие от внедорожника, машина не настолько большая и тяжелая, чтобы оставаться практичной в городе. Покупай дизельный вариант.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Средне
Наш выбор: 2.7 TDI Quattro

POFIGIST

Вот честно скажу – не понимаю смысла существования этой машины.

A8

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Качественная и приятная машина, особенно с дизельным двигателем.
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Вариант 3.0 TDI Quattro довольно комфортен, содержание его обходится относительно недорого, а ездит с ним машина довольно живо. Автомобиль хорошо держит цену на “вторичке”.
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке

CAR

О модели: Что будет если взять одну из самых незаметных больших немецких машин и вымазать ей морду “хромовой” помадой? Ответ перед вами. Интерьер салона просто классный, кстати.
Наш выбор: 4.2 FSI SE
Секрет фирмы: Самая легкая машина бизнес-класса.
Вердикт: Либо требуй большую скидку, либо подожди новой модели – она скоро выйдет.
Конкуренты: Mercedes S-class
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Классно. Мы тащимся. Именно таким должен быть бизнес-седан – большим и неприметным. Выбирай дизельные двигатели, они просто превосходные, мощные и быстрые. Обязательно откажись от крупноразмерных колес, они портят все впечатление от езды.
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: 4.2 TDI
Не обманывайся насчет: 6.0 W12 – эта версия не настолько быстрая!
Конкуренты:BMW 7, Jaguar V8 XJ, Lexus LS, Merc S-Class, небольшая яхта, вертолет среднего класса?

WHATCAR

За: Элегантный и комфортабельный автомобиль класса люкс. Двигатели довольно сильные, а качество отделки салона выше всяких похвал. Места для пассажиров более чем достаточно, особенно если ты купишь длиннобазную версию.
Против : Простой и невызывающий дизайн интерьера машины может показаться кому-то слишком скучным. Стоимость владения достаточно высока, а Mercedes S-Class держит цену на “вторичке” лучше.
Вердикт: С точки зрения качества, комфорта и стиля, А8 равных немного. Жаль только, что это не отражается в стоимости машины на “вторичке”.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: 2.8 V6 FSI SE

POFIGIST

А8 мне очень нравится. Хотя бы тем, что не выпячивает свою цену и не обвешана побрякушками как дорогие внедорожники. Если бы у меня была нужда в машине такого класса, я бы взял либо А8 либо VW Phaeton.

Q5

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Приятный, но невыдающийся автомобиль
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Твой Q5 должен быть с дизельным движком. Самая лучшая динамика у 3.0 TDI, но у варианта 2.0л экономия топлива намного лучше.
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке

CAR

О модели: Шасси от А4, но кузов, в отличие от А4 Allroad, полностью новый. При конструировании Q5, индженеры ориентировались на Land Rover Freelander, но у них получился конкурент для BMW X3.
Наш выбор: 2.0 TDI SE
Секрет фирмы: Навигация стоит 1910 фунтов. Блин.
Вердикт: Ford Kuga ездит лучше.
Конкуренты: Volvo XC60
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Еще один пример создания нишевых автомобилей от мастера этого жанра. Если тебе нужен небольшой паркетный внедорожник класса премиум, который выглядит, как Q7 (а что, есть кто-то, кому это надо?), можешь смело доставать чековую книжку. Если нет, то наплюй.
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: Как у тебя со счетом в банке? А? Понятно, бери дизель.
Не обманывайся насчет: утверждений маркетологов. Это не “спортивный” и “поражающий воображение” автомобиль.
Конкуренты:Э… давайте посмотрим… BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Lexus RX250, Land Rover Freelander…

WHATCAR

За: Первый блин от Audi в сегменте паркетных внедорожников получился вполне пристойным. Машина комфортабельна и обладает вместительным багажником.
Против : Всякие мелкие проблемы, вроде того, что семиступенчатая коробка, которой оснащаются бензиновые (и самые большие дизельные) варианты, страдает легкой ленцой. Основная проблема – чрезмерно жесткая подвеска.
Вердикт: Похоже, что Ауди добилась своего, когда выпустила эту машину в свет. Если бы только коробка DSG вела себя получше, особенно при старте со светофора…
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Хорошо
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: 2.0 TDI SE

POFIGIST

Довольно неплохой паркетник на базе А4/A5. Интересно будет посмотреть – как эта штука будет ездить с гибридным приводом.

Q7

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Брутальный внедорожник. Весит много и это чувствуется при вождении
Результаты тестов: Удовлетворительно

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Чтобы выглядеть более-менее спортивно, бери 3.0 TDI S-Line. Если позволяет бюджет, то бери 6.0 V12 TDI для отличной динамики.
Позиция в рейтинге : Нет в списке

CAR

О модели: Несмотря на то, что Audi опоздала на рынок люксовых внедорожников, фирма все равно решила посостязаться в этом классе и выпустила на дорогу этого бегемота. Главное, когда едешь на этой машине, это помнить о том, что дорога может сузиться и ты застрянешь.
Наш выбор: Q7 3.0 TDI SE
Секрет фирмы: За право установить в эту машину движок V12 придется заплатить аж 44 тысячи фунтов, в дополнение к базовой цене.
Вердикт: Крутая тачка ваще в натуре блин. Тока для реальных пацанов, поэл?
Конкуренты: BMW X6
Результаты тестов : Плохо
Одним словом: Плохо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Настоящий бегемот. Разве что ты никогда в жизни не встретишь настоящего бегемота с шестилитровым двигателем V12 в пасти. И это единственное

отличие, кстати. С другой стороны, эту машину можно заказать с суперэкологичным двигателем с очисткой выхлопов посредством мочевины.
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: 3.0 TDI
Не обманывайся насчет: рекламы Audi о спортивных внедорожниках. Такая штука не существует.
Конкуренты:Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery

WHATCAR

За: Audi предлагает тебе брутально выглядящую машину, хороший выбор двигателей к ним, а также достаточно спортивное поведение на дороге (для внедорожника).
Против : Огромные размеры Q7 доставят тебе такие же огромные неприятности при парковке оного. Места на третьем диване сзади мало, а содержание и покупка этой машины обходятся в копеечку.
Вердикт: Q7 впечатляет в одном и разочаровывает в другом. Хотя, если ты можешь себе позволить купить и содержать его, то выбор будет вполне неплохим.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Средне
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: 3.0 TDI V6

POFIGIST

В сад. Абсолютно не имеющий никакого смысла автомобиль. Как внедорожник от так себе, как городской паркетник еще хуже. Его просто не воткнуть ни на одну парковку в городе.

ТТ

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: Ездит и управляется лучше, чем предыдущая модель.
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Забудь о V6. Он тяжелый и много жрет. Лучше возьми отличный вариант 2.0 TFSI.
Позиция в рейтинге : Нет в списке

CAR

О модели: То, что в машине есть хороший двигатель, отлично настроенное шасси, она классно собрана – это одно. А то, что машина должна поднимать настроение и радовать – это совсем другое. Так вот, в ТТ фирма умудрилась совместить и то и другое. Если бы еще немного больше драйва и мы бы поставили ТТ оценку “отлично”.
Наш выбор: 2.0T
Секрет фирмы: Теперь можно заказать и дизельный двигатель.
Вердикт: Практически без недостатков.
Конкуренты: Alfa Brera
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: То, что, в свое время, определило направление дизайна в конце 90-х стало еще лучше. Да-да, мы говорим об обновленном Audi TT! И, что немаловажно, она ездит лучше, чем ее предшественница. Эта машина будет считаться крутой, пока их не начнут покупать агенты по продаже недвижимости, а также гламурные блондинки, выпросившие эту машину у “папиков”.
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: 2.0Т с ручной коробкой
Не обманывайся насчет: черного кожаного салона. Он будет выглядеть намного лучше в красном.
Конкуренты:Nissan 370Z, BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman

WHATCAR

За: Приятное и надежное купе. Хорошие динамические характеристики, приятные внешний и внутренний дизайны и качественная сборка, делают эту машину незабываемой.
Против : В этом классе все выбирают ТТ, так что таких как ты на дороге будет уйма. Заднеприводные конкуренты лучше ездят, а задние сидения непригодны ни для чего, кроме пары пакетов и супермаркета.
Вердикт: Обновленная модель потеряла немного в чистоте линий, но зато приобрела массу положительных черт. Широкая модельная гамма привела к тому, что в ней найдется машина на любой вкус.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Отлично
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Хорошо
Наш выбор: 2.0 TFSI 200 S-Line

POFIGIST

Предыдущая модель мне очень нравилась, но места в ней для меня маловато. Но красивая штука. Основная проблема с ТТ заключается в том, что на них пересаживаются представители всяческих неприятных профессий, вроде риэлторов. А с ними ассоциироваться не особо хочется.

ТТ Roadster

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: См ТТ.
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : Нет в списке

CAR

О модели: Тевтонский кузов, современные технологии и все такое. Перед вами уже не просто переделанный Гольф. Жесткий, приятный в вождении, быстрый и двухместный автомобиль. Новый двигатель 1.8 – лучший из всей гаммы.
Наш выбор: 1.8
Секрет фирмы: У 4-цилиндрового TDI тяги больше, чем у V6.
Вердикт: Тевтонский гений
Конкуренты: Mercedes SLK
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Не обманывайся насчет: Нет мнения
Конкуренты:Нет мнения

WHATCAR

За: Приятный и надежный родстер. Хорошие динамические характеристики, приятные внешний и внутренний дизайны и качественная сборка, делают эту машину незабываемой.
Против : Задняя видимость практически нулевая с поднятой крышей, а багажника, можно сказать, и нет вовсе. Конкуренты ездят лучше.
Вердикт: см ТТ.
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Отлично
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Средне
Наш выбор: 2.0 TFSI 200

POFIGIST

См ТТ.

ТТ RS

AUTOCAR

Наше мнение: См ТТ.
Результаты тестов: Хорошо

AUTOEXPRESS

Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : Нет в списке

CAR

О модели: Audi вернулась к пятицилиндровым движкам, чтобы создать идеологического наследника легендарного Quattro из восьмидесятых годов прошлого века. Автомобиль получился дорогим, но 335 лошадей и расход топлива всего в 9.5л\100км могут стать решающим фактором при покупке.
Наш выбор: RS
Секрет фирмы: S-Tronic нельзя поставить даже опционально, а адаптивные амортизаторы стоят дополнительных денег.
Вердикт: Quattro вернулся, ура, товарищи!
Конкуренты: Porsche Cayman, BMW Z4
Результаты тестов : Хорошо
Одним словом: Хорошо

TOPGEAR

О модели: Нет мнения
Позиция в рейтинге : нет в списке
Наш выбор: Нет мнения
Не обманывайся насчет: Нет мнения
Конкуренты:Нет мнения

WHATCAR

За: Нет мнения
Против : Нет мнения
Вердикт: Нет мнения
Рейтинг для лучшей модификации: Нет мнения
Рейтинг модели по версии читателей журнала: Нет мнения
Наш выбор: Нет мнения

POFIGIST

Нет мнения

Продолжение следует. По материалам AutoCar, AutoExpress, Car, TopGear è WhatCar. Фотки утянуты с WhatCar

Dạo này bắt đầu tự đi xe máy đi học. Con đường đi đến trường đông, ồn ào và bụi khủng khiếp.

Tôi ghét cái không khí ngột ngạt này, những bụi bặm này. Hà Nội mà tôi yêu đâu có ồn ào như này.

Nhớ lại…..

Hà Nội trong kí ức và tuổi thơ của tôi êm đềm, yên lặng lắm.

Hàng sáng, khi chỉ khoảng 5 h sáng, những con phố yên ả, không có tiếng xe cộ, bầu trời trong xanh lạ lùng. Cho đến tận lúc 7,8h sáng, khi vào giờ tan tầm thì những con phố tôi hay đi học vẫn nhẹ nhàng vắng lặng.

Bầu trời lúc nào cũng cao và xanh… không khí thì im lặng… đường phố thì vắng vẻ, thỉnh thoảng mới có vài chiếc xe máy nhẹ nhàng lướt qua.

Đặc biệt là vào mùa thu, khi những cái lạnh heo may đến, con đường tôi đi lúc nào cũng có lá trải dài. Tôi cứ đi bộ dọc những con phố ấy, nhìn lá vàng rơi như mưa bụi. Cái cảm giác khi đó mới thật tuyệt vời biết bao. Hà Nội yên bình mà tôi yêu.

Nhớ những sáng nhẹ tôi đạp xe qua các con phố, vòng quanh bờ hồ, hoặc trèo lên một quán cà phê nhìn toàn cảnh hà nội đang im lìm trong giấc ngủ, thật là bình lặng.

Còn bây giờ, dù tôi có cố ra đường từ 6h sáng thì vẫn là những con đường đông đúc, bụi bặm. Tiếng còi inh ỏi cho đến những dòng người chen chúc…. tất cả.

Không biết từ lúc nào mà thành phố vốn đẹp thanh bình này lại trở nên ngột ngạt đến vậy.

Tôi muốn về lại căn nhà cũ của mình.

Tôi muốn trở về thời cấp 3 của mình

Mùa đông thì lù xù trong chiếc áo khoác, phóng xe vội vã đến trường, cả bọn cùng nhau ngồi ăn xôi, uống sữa, thấy lạnh thì ôm nhau cho lòng bớt hiu quạnh, rồi cùng hát vang những bài hát ngớ ngẩn. Vào giờ học thì ngồi chơi quan tòa chỉ điểm hoặc ném giấy. Rồi tất cả cùng chúi đầu chép bài tập, tim đập rộn khi đến giờ kiểm tra bài cũ.

Mùa thu lãng mạn thì dậy thật sớm, đi bộ trên con đường Ngô Quyền quen thuộc, nhẹ bước dưới những vòm cây đầy bụi nắng, tận hưởng cảm giác một ngày mới bắt đầu thật bình yên. Rồi cùng ra nhà thờ Hàm Long ngồi thật lâu, nghe tiếng chuông từ nhà thờ vang vọng để hơn một lần ước thời gian ơi làm ơn ngừng lại.

Nhớ suca, miến trộn, kem xôi, nem chua rán,…. nhớ thật nhiều

Nhớ màu nắng nhạt, nhớ cầu thang ọp ẹp, nhớ những giờ học

Nhớ những lúc bùng học ra sân trường Dược ngồi

Nhớ những buổi liên hoan dưới ánh nến dịu dàng

Nhớ những giờ phút nấn ná buôn chuyện để rồi tối muộn vội vã phóng xe về nhà để mặc lại những cái nhìn ngẩn ngơ

Nhớ ô cửa sổ mộng mơ

Nhớ một thời bị bắt nạt

và nhớ mọi người, A8 ơi.

Giá như mà thời gian quay trở lại

dù chỉ 1 chút thôi

để lại cảm thấy hạnh phúc.

If you’re looking to sell your Audi then you’ve definitely come to the right place! We’re one of the UK’s leading buyers of used Audis and have thousands of delighted clients as a result.

At Audi Buyer we are particularly keen to purchase cars that are less than six years old and are in great condition, normally with less than 60,000 miles on the clock. We appreciate that there are always exceptions to every rule, especially those ‘classics’ out there that we all love and admire.

Selling your car to us is easy – you can either call us on 0845 226 7340 or visit our webste at www.audicarbuyer.co.uk  and submit your details directly to us. We’ll call you back with a bid for your vehicle and subject to acceptance, we can arrange collection and immediate payment.

Our service is straightforward and simple and as part of the Classic Marques (Harrogate) Ltd group, you can be assured of not only our integrity, but also our financial security.

So whether you’re looking to sell your Audi TT, A3, A4, A5, A6 or A8, we’re ready to buy it. Whether your car is petrol or diesel, coupe or cabriolet, manual or automatic, we’re ready to buy it!

We look forward to hearing from you!