The world Debut of the All-New A8 gets shown to the world on the 11th July, cant wait.

Forthcoming Audi luxury saloon to feature advanced new camera-linked adaptive suspension for exceptional ride and handling composure

• Global first: Raising the body during a side impact improves passive safety
• Fully active suspension for maximum comfort and dynamism
• 48-volt main electrical system powers electromechanical suspension system
• Dynamic all-wheel steering resolves the conflict of aims between agility and stability
• The new Audi A8 makes its world debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona on July 11
• Turning circle smaller than an A4 thanks to the option of all-wheel steering

Befitting of the premium brand’s flagship luxury saloon, the all-new Audi A8 makes its world debut at the first ever Audi Summit on July 11 with a host of innovative new technologies that will again elevate it to the pinnacle of Vorsprung durch Technik.

One of the myriad new features available for the most advanced Audi model ever launched will be active suspension, which through the use of advanced camera technology linked to individual electric motors for each wheel can adapt incredibly precisely to changes in the road surface and provide a more finely differentiated balance than ever before between a cosseting ride for the driven and a rewarding experience for the driver. 

This flexibility is made possible thanks to the new active suspension based on the 48-volt electrical system, which is used for the first time as the main electrical system.

The all-new active suspension on the Audi A8 is a fully active, electromechanical suspension system, which drives each wheel individually and adapts to the prevailing road conditions. The electric motor at each wheel is powered by the 48-volt main electrical system. Additional components include gears, a rotary tube together with internal titanium torsion bar and a lever which exerts up to 1,100 Nm (811.3 lb-ft) on the suspension via a coupling rod.

Predictive and preventative

Thanks to the front camera, the luxury saloon detects bumps in the road early on and predictively adjusts the active suspension. Even before the car reaches a bump in the road, the preview function developed by Audi transmits the right amount of travel to the actuators and actively controls the suspension.

In this way the suspension reacts precisely at the right time, virtually completely eliminating any vibrations and jolts. This complex process takes just a few milliseconds, with the camera generating information about the road surface condition 18 times a second.

The electronic chassis platform (ECP) processes the road surface information and precisely controls all suspension components almost in real time. In conjunction with the air suspension fine-tuned for the A8, the innovative suspension concept delivers an entirely new driving experience in this way. Irrespective of the high level of comfort, the new luxury saloon sits close to the road even with a dynamic driving style.

The active suspension specifically influences and minimises rolling movements when cornering, and pitching movements when braking or accelerating, for instance. The customer can drive dynamically while keeping the vehicle under control or work undisturbed in the rear.

The innovative combination of dynamic and rear axle steering resolves the conflict of aims between agility and stability in the shape of dynamic all-wheel steering: The steering characteristics are direct while ensuring a high level of handling stability; the steering feel encompasses a wide spread from comfortable through to intense feedback. The turning circle of the A8 is smaller than that of an A4.

In conjunction with the Audi pre sense 360˚ safety system, the active suspension on the new Audi A8 takes passive safety to a new level. The system uses the sensors networked in the central driver assistance controller (zFAS) to detect risks of a collision around the car. In the event of an imminent side impact at more than 15mph the suspension actuators raise the body on the exposed side by up to 80 mm within half a second. As a result, the collision is directed to the even stronger areas of the luxury saloon, such as side sills and floor structure. Hence the load on the occupants is reduced by up to 50 percent compared with a side impact where the body is not raised.

USA - Audi announces the 2018 Model year upgrades to a number of it's models.http://giosautocare.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audi%20a3%20wagon%20for%202018%20update%20reviews.jpg

• Full model line improvements for 2018 Model Year vehicles builds on 76 straight months of record sales
• Sportier interior and exterior design packages offer more personalized options
• Advanced driver assistance systems including Audi side assist, now standard on more models

Audi announced its lineup for the 2018 Model Year, including full-line pricing, numerous vehicle packaging enhancements and added standard features.

The lineup changes continues Audi’s growth strategy, with a focus on producing top-quality vehicles with offerings in the right segments, and significant enhancements in technology, design and driver-assistance systems. 

In the 2018 model year vehicles, more features become standard across the lineup, and sportier interior and exterior design packages offer more options for customers.

Highlights of the 2018 Model Year line-up changes are as follows:

2018 A3 Model Line

The 2018 A3 model line continues on its path of offering a strong entry to the Audi premium lineup, now with more standard technologies and driver assistance systems. 

New for this year, the Audi music interface with two USB ports for data and charging are now standard on all models and trims, as are heated front seats. 

A3 models at the Premium Plus trim are now standard equipped with Audi side assist and offer the Bang & Olufsen Sound System as part of the Technology package, which also includes MMI® Navigation plus and the Audi Virtual Cockpit. 

A new S sport package for the S3 combines red brake calipers and Audi magnetic ride into one offering, further underscoring the sporty character of the performance sedan. Also new for 2018, the A3 Sportback e-tron now offers an available 18-inch, multispoke design wheel with all-season tires as part of the Sport package.

2018 Audi A4 Model Line

As one of the brand’s bestselling models, the A4 model line continues to represent the best in every detail with more standard driver assistance systems and new design packages for the 2018 model year. 

The newly available Black optic plus package includes exterior design components such as 18-inch 10-Y-spoke gloss black wheels with all-season tires, red brake calipers, high-gloss black side sill blades, rear lip spoiler and exterior mirror housings in high gloss black. 

Also with the Black optic plus package, the interior receives a three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel with S badging, piano black inlays, a leatherette covered center console and door armrests, and contrast red stitching throughout the interior.

Added standard features on the Premium trim include heated front seats and S line exterior design elements. Audi side assist and Audi Pre Sense rear are now standard on the Premium Plus trim. 

On the Prestige Trim, driver assistance systems including Audi active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, traffic sign recognition and high beam assistant are now standard, in addition to standard dual-pane acoustic glass for front side windows and leatherette covered center console and door armrests.

2018 A4 allroad

The A4 allroad, which offers the versatility of a wagon with an Audi level of luxury and refinement, now includes more standard driver assistance systems and technologies for 2018. 

Audi side assist and pre sense rear are now standard on Premium Plus and Audi active lane assist with adaptive cruise control and stop & go, high beam assistant and traffic sign recognition are all now standard on the Prestige trim. 

Ventilated front sport seats are now available as part of the warm weather package on the Premium Plus trim.

2018 A6 Model Line

The A6 models receive enhanced standard equipment for the 2018 Model Year. In addition to the 2.0T FWD and 2.0T quattro® variants, new this year, the A6 is now offered with a 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine and quattro® all-wheel drive that delivers 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. 

MMI® Navigation plus and Audi advanced key are now standard equipment on the Premium trim level. Premium plus vehicles now include standard LED headlights and full LED interior lighting and Prestige trims now include top view camera as standard.

Newly available for 2018 on Premium Plus and Prestige trim, the Competition package includes black exterior mirror housings, red brake calipers and 20-inch, 5-double-spoke Titanium matte wheels with summer tires, sport suspension and a quattro sport differential. 

Interior enhancements as part of the Competition package include brushed aluminum inlays, S sport seats with diamond stitching, three-spoke flat bottom multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a black cloth headliner.

2018 Audi A7 Model Line

Similar to the A6 model line, the A7 models offer more standard equipment than ever before. The A7 with 3.0T V6 engine now delivers more horsepower and torque in addition to offering standard full LED ambient interior lighting on Premium Plus trims and standard corner view camera on Prestige trims. 

The newly available Competition package for A7 models includes black optic exterior elements, S-line bumpers, red brake calipers, sport suspension and a quattro sport differential in addition to sporty interior elements such as brushed aluminum inlays, flat bottom steering wheel and S sport seats with contrast stitching. 

For the 2018 model year, the S7 receives additional wheel and tire options including standard 20-inch, five-parallel spoke S-design wheels with summer tires, and available 21-inch 10-V-spoke Audi Sport wheels also with summer tires. 

The RS 7 receives standard 21-inch, five-spoke-blade-design wheels with summer tires in addition to added standard sport exhaust with black finishers.

2018 Audi A8

For the 2018 model year, the esteemed A8 continues its tradition of benchmark luxury offerings with enhanced packages. 

The A8 L equipped with the 3.0T six-cylinder engine now offers an available Executive package which includes 20-inch, five-spoke-Blade-design wheels with all-season tires and driver assistance systems such as Audi active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, head-up display, Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear. 

The Executive package also includes front seat ventilation with massage function, rear heated seats, a heated four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a panoramic sunroof.

In addition to the 3.0T’s Executive package, 4.0T variants offer the available Executive plus package, adding rear seat comfort features including power lumbar support for rear outboard seats, separate power rear seats and rear seat ventilation with massage function.

Adding an even sportier character to the A8 model line, the Black optic packages are available in both 20-inch and 21-inch wheel sizes, and add black accents to the standard Sport style exterior package of the A8.

2018 Audi Q3 Model Line

For 2018, the compact Audi Q3 crossover now features standard S line exterior design elements including an S line front bumper, doors sills and badging, as well as heated front seats. 

A new Convenience package, available on the Premium trim, includes Audi advanced key, power tailgate, aluminum satellite inlays and an auto dimming interior mirror with compass. 

The Premium plus trim now includes standard Audi side assist and full-LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic rear turn signals. 

The available Sport plus package for Premium Plus now also includes a three-spoke flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles in addition to a Black optic exterior kit, black roof rails and 19-inch, 10-spoke titanium design wheels with all-season tires.

2018 Audi Q7 Model Line

The updated Audi Q7 continues to set a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment offering segment-leading dynamics, driver assistance systems and advanced connectivity. For the 2018 model year, Audi advanced key now comes standard across all trims. 

Premium Plus models now include standard 3D BOSE Surround Sound system, and on 3.0T Prestige models, power door closers are now standard for increased functionality.

2018 Audi TT and TTS

The 2018 TT and TTS feature updated packages offering customers more refreshed design and technology options. Parking sensors are now standard equipment on the TT Coupe and Roadster. The available technology package now includes a 12 speaker, 680 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System to deliver an impressive musical experience. 

Also new for the 2018 model year is an available S line competition package which includes high gloss exterior accents, brushed aluminum door sills and inlays, red brake calipers, S line sport suspension, leather/Alcantara-trimmed S sport seats with S line embossing and a flat-bottom multifunction S line steering wheel.

The 2018 TTS Coupe now offers an exclusive interior package that includes fine Nappa leather-trimmed S embossed front seats with contrast diamond stitching and extended leather trim and controls in three color options – Calendula Yellow, Crimson Red and Cloudy Gray.

2018 Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder

The R8, which shares approximately 50 percent of the same parts, including the V10 engine, with the R8 LMS racecar, now also features new design options in addition to more standard features. 

New for 2018, all R8 models will come standard equipped with Audi smartphone interface for compatible devices. A newly available Black optic package includes 20-inch, 10-spoke-Y design forged wheels in high gloss Anthracite finish with summer tires, gloss black exhaust tips, Mythos black side blades (V10 models only) and Titanium Black exterior trim. 

Full LED headlights with Audi laser light are available on V10 models and are standard equipment on the V10 plus.

Additional interior enhancements for the 2018 model year include standard Anthracite high-gloss inlays on V10 models and standard Carbon sigma high-gloss inlays on V10 plus models. 

Audi Sport badging on the front grille replaces the quattro badge on all R8 models, and Audi Sport puddle lights (visible when driver or passenger door is open) are now standard on all R8 models.

Additional Model Changes

The Audi A5 and Audi Q5 families are all-new for the 2018 model year. 

Model Year 2018 Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices *Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.*

Model	Engine	Transmission	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige	Single Trim
A3 Cabriolet	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$38,350	$41,600	$46,800
A3 Cabriolet	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$41,050	$44,300	$49,500
A3 Sedan	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$31,950	$35,200	$40,700
A3 Sedan	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$34,950	$38,200	$43,700
S3 Sedan	2.0T	quattro S tronic		$43,650	$48,950
A3 Sportback e-tron	1.4T	FWD S tronic	$39,500	$42,600	$48,100
A4 allroad	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$44,500	$47,200	$53,000
A4 sedan	2.0T	ultra FWD S tronic	$36,000	$39,200	$45,500
A4 Sedan	2.0T	quattro S tronic	$40,500	$43,700	$50,000
A4 Sedan	2.0T	quattro manual	$40,500	$43,700	$50,000
S4 Sedan	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic		$51,400	$55,800
A6 Sedan	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$49,700	$51,900
A6 Sedan	2.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$51,900	$54,100
A6 Sedan	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$56,500	$58,700	$61,400
S6 Sedan	4.0T	quattro S tronic		$71,900	$74,400
A7 Sedan	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic		$69,700	$72,400
S7 Sedan	4.0T	quattro S tronic		$81,200	$83,150
RS 7	4.0T	quattro Tiptronic			$113,900
RS 7 Performance	4.0T	quattro Tiptronic			$130,700
Q3	2.0T	FWD S tronic	$32,900	$35,800
Q3	2.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$35,000	$37,900
Q7	2.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$49,900	$53,900
Q7	3.0T	quattro Tiptronic	$56,400	$60,400	$65,400
R8 Coupe	V10	quattro S tronic				$164,900
R8 Coupe	V10 Plus	quattro S tronic				$194,400
R8 Spyder	V10	quattro S tronic				$177,100
TT Coupe	2.0T	quattro S tronic				$43,950
TTS Coupe	2.0T	quattro S tronic				$52,950

*Destination and delivery charge is not included in MSRPs listed. Destination charges on 2018 MY vehicles are as follows:

R8 model line $1,250

All other models $975

USA - Infiniti announces pricing and Specification for the flagship QX80 SUV Model.

• QX80 Signature Edition offers unique content, including leather-appointed, high-contrast Saddle Tan interior, chrome outside rearview mirror caps and unique dark-finish 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• It also includes a suite of advance driver assistance features, including INFINITI world's first technologies Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Backup Collision Intervention
• Pricing for the QX80 Signature Edition starts at $67,335 for the 2WDmodel and $70,435 with All-Mode® 4WD

INFINITI has announced pricing for the new 2017 QX80 Signature Edition, which offers a blend of popular equipment and unique design features. Returning for its second year, the QX80 Signature Edition has a MSRP of $67,335 for the 2WD model and $70,435 for the 4WD. The special content packaging reflects a $2,500 savings versus the cost of those items if purchased separately.

The Signature Edition includes a leather appointed, high-contrast Saddle Tan interior, which is exclusive to this special model. Additionally, it has chrome outside rearview mirror caps, clear High Mounted Stop Light, and unique, dark-finish 22-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/50R22 all-season performance tires.

The QX80 Signature Edition also offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance features including: Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention. 

"The QX80 continues to set records, with deliveries up more than 30 percent this year through April," said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. "With the Signature Edition's exclusive content and distinctive appearance, we expect QX80 traffic in our showrooms to remain strong throughout the spring and summer."

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices1 (MSRP) for the 2017 INFINITI QX80 Signature Edition are:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
QX80 Signature	5.6-liter V8/ 2WD	$67,335 USD
QX80 Signature 4WD	5.6-liter V8/ 4WD	$70,435 USD

Destination and Handling $995

The QX80 Signature Edition is available as a seven- or eight-passenger vehicle and is offered in 2WD and 4WD versions, both of which are equipped with an advanced 400-horsepower 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine featuring Direct Injection Gasoline and VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology. QX80 4WD models feature INFINITI All-Mode 4WD® with computer-controlled transfer case and three settings (Auto, 4H and 4L).

The QX80 Signature Edition is offered in four colors – Hermosa Blue, Graphic Shadow, Black Obsidian and Majestic White.

Audi to add two new Q models the Q4 and flagship Q8 Crossover SUV.

• Production of the Audi Q8 crossover SUV to start in Bratislava in 2018
• Audi Q4 compact utility vehicle from Győr as of 2019
• Board of Management Member for Production Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl: “Increased competitiveness in the SUV segment” 

Audi is to expand its portfolio with two new Q models and has announced where they will be built: Production of the Audi Q8 will start in Bratislava (Slovakia) in 2018 and the first Audi Q4 will drive off the assembly line in Győr (Hungary) in 2019.

“We will integrate two completely new Q‑models into the existing production network and will thus increase our competitiveness in an extremely important segment,” stated Audi’s Board of Management Member for Production and Logistics, Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl.

With the Audi Q8, the brand will open up a new segment for its top-end models. The premium SUV in a coupe style combines great spaciousness with emotive design and offers the latest technologies in assistance and infotainment systems. 

Audi will produce the model in Bratislava as of 2018. The Audi Q7 has already been produced at the Slovakian plant since 2005. Meanwhile, the second generation of the large SUV is in production there, as an S version and as the Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid.

In 2019, production of the Audi Q4 will start at Audi Hungaria in Győr. With this model, the brand is entering the segment of compact utility vehicles (CUVs). Featuring a typical coupe-style silhouette, the Audi Q4 will be positioned between the Audi Q3 and Q5. And as of 2018, Audi Hungaria will also be responsible for production of the Audi Q3 compact SUV, which until then will continue to be produced in Martorell, Spain.

The Next Gen Audi A8 will have an Intelligent mix of four materials including, Aluminium and CFRP.

• Luxury saloon lives up to its reputation as an innovation driver in lightweight design
• Comfortable entry and improved view thanks to roller hemming
• Extraordinary torsional rigidity delivers gains in driving dynamics and acoustics
• Intelligent mix of four materials: aluminium, steel, magnesium and CFRP
• Know-how based on more than one million series cars with Audi Space Frames

Audi is writing a new chapter in its lightweight design success story. For the next generation of the Audi A8, an intelligent mix of four materials is being used for the first time in the weight-bearing body structure – more materials than in any of the brand’s previous production models. 

The luxury saloon is thus once again rightfully claiming its role as an innovation driver in automotive lightweight design: Its low weight and impressive rigidity offer greater performance, efficiency and safety.

The lightweight design experts at Audi long ago abandoned the fixation on using a single material in lightweight design. With a mix of aluminium, steel, magnesium and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) they are establishing a new stage in multi-material construction in the Audi Space Frame (ASF) for the next generation of the Audi A8 – in keeping with the principle “the right material in the right place and in the right amount.”

Audi consistently applies new material technologies and designs that directly benefit the customer – and not only in terms of weight. The upcoming flagship’s torsional rigidity – the critical parameter for precise handling and pleasing acoustics – surpasses the excellent values of its predecessor by a factor of about one quarter.

Innovative production process – the carbon rear panel in the new Audi A8

In terms of its overall dimensions, an ultra-high-strength, torsionally rigid rear panel made of CFRP is the largest component in the occupant cell of the new Audi A8, and it contributes 33 percent to the torsional rigidity of the total vehicle. To optimally absorb longitudinal and transverse loads as well as shearing force, between six and 19 fibre layers are placed one on top of the other, ensuring a load-optimised layout. 

These individual fibre layers consist of tapes 50 millimetres wide and can be placed individually in a finished layered package, with any desired fibre angle and minimal trimming of the fibres. The innovative direct-fibre layering process specially developed for this purpose makes it possible to entirely dispense with the normally needed intermediary step of manufacturing entire sheets. 

Using another newly developed process, the layered package is wetted with epoxide resin and sets within minutes.

A high-strength combination of hot-formed steel components make up the occupant cell, which comprises the lower section of the front bulkhead, the side sills, the B-pillars and the front section of the roof line. Some of these sheet metal blanks are produced in varying thicknesses using tailoring technologies – meaning they are customised – and others also undergo partial heat treatment. 

That reduces weight and increases the strength, especially in areas of the vehicle that are particularly critical for safety.

The aluminium components make up 58 percent of the new Audi A8 body, the largest share in the mix of materials. Cast nodes, extruded profiles and sheets are the elements characteristic of the ASF design. And here too the competition of materials has been driving progress. 

New heat-treated, ultra-high-strength cast alloys attain a tensile strength of over 230 MPa (megapascals). The corresponding yield strength in the tensile test is over 180 MPa, and for the profile alloys it is higher than 280, i.e. 320 MPa – significantly higher values than seen previously.

Rounding out the intelligent mix of materials is the magnesium strut brace. A comparison with the predecessor model shows that it contributes a 28-percent weight savings. Aluminium bolts secure the connection to the strut tower domes, making them a guarantor of the body’s high torsional rigidity.

In the event of a frontal collision, the forces generated are distributed to three impact buffers in the front end.

Benefits for customers and the environment – the new body shop for the Audi A8

In addition to the complete redevelopment of the Audi Space Frame for the next generation A8, the production halls at the Neckarsulm location were specially built for the upcoming flagship. A total of 14,400 metric tonnes of steel were needed just for construction of the new, 41-metre-high body shop, twice as much steel as was used for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The highly complex yet energy-efficient production operation uses 14 different joining processes, including roller hemming at the front and rear door cutouts. This mechanical, “cold” technology is used to join the aluminium side wall frame to the hot-formed, ultra-strong steel sheets at the B-pillar, roof line and sills. The engineers thus realised improvements of up to 36 millimetres at the door cutouts compared to the predecessor model. That in turn makes getting in and out of the car even more comfortable and widens the driver’s field of vision around the A-pillar, an area that is key to safe driving.

As for the “warm” joining processes, Audi stands alone among the premium automakers by virtue of its development of remote laser welding for use with aluminium. Exact positioning of the laser beam in relation to the welding edge considerably reduces the risk of hot cracking during the production process. The new process makes it possible to precisely control the penetration depth of the laser by means of the heat input. In this way, process control can immediately determine the gap width between parts being joined, and this can effectively be closed using regulating controls. The laser beam’s high feed rate and low energy use reduce the CO₂ emissions of this production step by about one fourth.

This new process also results in a 95 percent savings on recurring costs in series production because it eliminates the need for costly process controls required with conventional laser welding. The remote laser welding technology perfectly symbolises the entire production of the new Audi A8.

In 1994 it was the first generation of this luxury saloon, with its aluminium unitary body, that made the Audi Space Frame an established presence in the automotive world. Since then the company has built more than one million production cars in accordance with this design principle, and it has been continually building upon its know-how in the use of materials and joining techniques.