USA RECALL #10 - Audi is recalling 2007-2009 models of its flagship A8/S8 for possible sunroof detachment.

RECALL Subject : Sunroof Glass may Detach from Vehicle

Report Receipt Date: JUN 09, 2016 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V415000 

Component(s): VISIBILITY 

Potential Number of Units Affected: 536 

 

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

USA - Audi announces pricing and specification for the S* super saloon and the RS7 saloon.

• 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine produces 605 hp, maximum 553 lb-ft of torque
• Sportier interior and exterior design elements enhance performance-oriented appearance
• Both S8 plus and RS 7 performance to go on sale December 2015

Audi today is announcing pricing for the 2016 S8 plus and RS 7 performance models. With more powerful engines and enhanced design elements, the S8 plus and RS 7 performance offer elevated performance and sportiness, further reinforcing the brand’s position in the premium sport sedan segment.

S8 plus

Enhanced for maximum performance and driving enjoyment, the 2016 Audi S8 plus is the latest variant of the A8 flagship sedan to enter the Audi lineup. Featuring a 4.0 TFSI engine with an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission, the S8 plus produces an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque and 605 hp – an increase of 85 horsepower compared to the outgoing S8. With an additional 73 lb-ft of torque available through overboost, for a total 553 lb-ft, the S8 plus is one of the highest powered sport sedans in the premium segment.

The S8 plus accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, to a top track speed of 155 mph. The available Dynamic package increases the sedan’s top track speed to 190 mph. Core to the design of the S8 plus is the lightweight, aluminum body construction. Based on the lightweight ASF® construction, the sedan’s body weighs less than 510 lbs.

The legendary quattro® drivetrain comes standard along with a rear sport differential which further improves driving dynamics through active torque vectoring. Adaptive sport air suspension and dynamic steering expand the performance and luxury dynamics specifically for the S8 plus.  

The S8 plus exterior features the high level of craftsmanship and design detail for which the Audi brand is known. A standard rear lip spoiler is painted in the exterior body color and the mirror housings are silver, differentiating it from the A8. New 21” 5-double-arm S8 plus titanium wheels are also standard.

The optional Black optic exterior package includes carbon fiber mirror housings, a black Singleframe® grill and window surrounds, a carbon front blade and diffusor trim and darkened taillights.

 

The optional Dynamic package includes high performance ceramic brakes and a carbon rear lip spoiler. The package also includes a modified sport exhaust system that gives the S8 plus an even more aggressive, powerful sound, and an increased top speed limiter, which increases the sedan’s top speed to 190 mph.

RS 7 performance

The all-new RS 7 performance model offers more power than ever before. The 4.0 TFSI engine now produces 605 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Adding to this power is an overboost function, allowing the driver to temporarily increase power to an impressive 553 lb-ft of torque. The RS 7 performance model sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 190 mph.

The standard eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission has been designed to provide quick, smooth shifts. The driver can choose between automatic modes or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS sport leather steering wheel.

The RS 7 performance is differentiated from the standard RS 7 with carbon ceramic brakes and RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) along with new, striking details including a redesigned bumper with rear diffuser insert and sport exhaust black tailpipes, carbon mirror housings and the gloss black RS Singleframe grille. New RS 7 performance exclusive 21” cast aluminum wheels come standard.

The interior of the RS 7 performance comes standard with RS sports seats, with the option for black Valcona leather and Alcantara with blue contrast stitching and carbon twill blue inlays.

Timing and Pricing Details

Both the S8 plus and RS 7 performance will go on sale December 2015.

Model year 2016 S8 plus and 2016 RS 7 performance starting manufacturer suggested retail prices.

S8 plus	$114,900
RS 7 performance	$129,000

Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Audi celebrates 21 years of the A8 with an ultra luxury edition, but on 121 are coming to the UK.

A8 Edition 21 announced with exclusive limited production run and opulent specification

• Available to order now, Audi A8 Edition 21 pricing starts from £72,525 OTR
• First customer deliveries expected in November 2015
• Just 121 cars will be built for UK customers
• Audi exclusive interior highlights reserved specifically for the Edition 21

A little over two decades have passed since the groundbreaking Audi A8 was first introduced, and Audi UK is celebrating the enduring appeal of its luxury saloon with a bespoke model – the Edition 21. 

Incorporating a choice blend of the latest developments in design, technology and luxury from the recently revised A8 range, many of which are fitted as standard exclusively to this version, the A8 Edition 21 will be available in standard and Long Wheelbase formats priced at £72,525 OTR and £76,490 OTR. 

A limited run of just 121 cars is now available to order, and customers can expect first deliveries to begin in November.

A tailored selection of interior and exterior styling enhancements sets this special model apart, starting with the recently introduced Sport styling package.

Creating a look that references the flagship S8 model, it comprises redesigned front and rear bumpers as well as pronounced side sills, and is normally reserved for standard wheelbase A8 models. 

Adaptive Audi Matrix LED headlights – which debuted as an option for the new generation A8 and were the first ever fully digital LED headlights on a series production car – are also fitted as standard in conjunction with LED rear lights and dynamic indicators fore and aft.

Also unique to this model are 20-inch double spoke alloy wheels with a titanium-look finish that complement the four exterior colour options, which include the Daytona grey pearl effect shade that is only normally available for the 520 PS S8.  Privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards is also standard.

Sumptuous surroundings

Building on the already extensive SE Executive specification which was recently further enhanced for A8 models, the Edition 21 creates an even more rarefied atmosphere through a special interior design package from the Audi exclusive selection. 

Uniquely fitted as standard to this version, the package is available in two striking colour combinations; cognac brown with black contrasting stitching or black leather with red contrasting stitching. 

Comfort front sports seats with memory function, 22-way adjustability and integrated pneumatic lumbar and side bolster support are fitted as standard. 

A black cloth headlining and three-spoke multi-function steering wheel complete the interior enhancements. Illuminated door sill plates bearing the ‘Edition 21’ emblem add another degree of exclusivity.

In terms of infotainment and assistance systems, all Edition 21 models also gain access to the Audi connect portfolio of telephone and internet-based services to complement their HDD-based satellite navigation, plus a BOSE surround sound system in addition to the standard items fitted to SE Executive models. 

These include the Audi parking system advanced with reversing camera, a power-operated boot lid with hands-free opening and powered door closure.

Propelling the A8 Edition 21 is an EU6-compliant 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine which produces 262PS and 580Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. 

Power is channelled to the road via an 8-speed tiptronic transmission linked to quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and acceleration to 62 mph takes a mere 5.9 seconds. For long-wheelbase models, this increases slightly to 6.1 seconds, and both are capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. 

Combined fuel consumption and emissions stand at up to 47.9mpg and CO₂ emissions of 155 g/km in the standard wheelbase, rising to 159g/km and 47.1mpg for long wheelbase models.

Over 20 years of trailblazing technology

The Audi A8 has consistently been at the forefront of the brand’s technological progression since its introduction, and was the platform for the revolutionary Audi Space Frame, making it the world’s first series production car with a unitary aluminium body. The same principle is employed to this day. 

Thanks to its ASF architecture and an intelligent blend of aluminium and high-strength steel, the latest Audi A8 body weighs just 231 kilograms. The same body made entirely from steel would be around 40 per cent heavier.

Another highlight in the A8’s 21-year lineage was the 6.0-litre W12 model of 2001, which at the time was the world’s most powerful production saloon and the first ever saloon to feature a 12-cylinder engine in combination with all-wheel drive. 

A new 6.3-litre version of this engine featuring Cylinder-on-Demand technology continues to deliver 500PS with sublime refinement in the current A8 range.

More recently, the all-LED Matrix headlights fitted to every A8 Edition 21 and Sport model are the latest in a long line of trailblazing lighting innovations introduced in the A8. 

They include adaptive ‘swivelling’ xenon lamps, which debuted in the 2003 model, LED daytime running lights in 2004 and headlights capable of reacting to data received by the navigation system, which arrived in 2010.

The New face of Luxury from Audi, we give you the new A8 Flagship Saloon.

More equipment for SE Executive, new Sport trim and emission improvements

• New Sport specification for A8 models includes striking exterior package and long list of standard technology
• 3.0 TDI quattro power increases to 262PS, yet emissions fall by 6g/km to 149g/km on SE and SE Executive models
• 2016 Model Year Audi A8 now available to order
• New look Sport versions available from June

New heights of luxury and new lows in CO₂ output have just been achieved in the Audi A8 range, which in addition to further improved TDI engines and a raft of equipment upgrades also gains a striking new Sport specification with a look that references the flagship S8. 

The first versions of the updated 2016 Model Year A8 range can be ordered from today priced from £59,585 OTR, and the new Sport models from June. UK deliveries will start in the summer.

Offered in standard or Long Wheelbase formats, the latest range features a rationalised choice of engines. Long Wheelbase versions will continue to be available with the highly efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain and with the quintessential Audi luxury saloon power source – the 6.3-litre, twelve-cylinder, 500PS W12. 

Another formidable petrol engine – the 4.0-litre TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand technology – will also remain at the heart of the 520PS S8, which is available exclusively with the standard wheelbase. 

A pair of TDI units powers standard wheelbase versions, and both are also available in conjunction with the Long Wheelbase body. The 3.0-litre V6 TDI benefits from a slight power increase from 258PS to 262PS and a further reduction in CO₂ output from an already impressively low 155g/km to 149g/km (in conjunction with 18-inch wheel), equating to a combined economy figure of 49.6mpg. 

The 4.2-litre V8 TDI retains its prodigious 385PS and 850Nm of torque, enabling it to propel the predominantly aluminium-bodied saloon to 62mph in a mere 4.7 seconds (standard wheelbase) without ruling out the potential for up to 39.2mpg. CO₂ output in this version also falls from 194g/km to 189g/km.

New Sport specification

The two TDI engines can be complemented by three levels of specification – SE, SE Executive and a new Sport option, which is reserved for standard wheelbase versions and replaces the Sport Executive trim in the outgoing range. 

Sport models are now more distinctly marked out visually by a new dynamic exterior package featuring front and rear treatments reminiscent of the flagship S8, combined with pronounced ‘S’ style side skirts and 19-inch alloy wheels in a seven-parallel spoke design.   

Not surprisingly all three specification levels are lavish, and include features such as Valcona leather upholstery, double glazing and a 180-watt audio system, combined with advanced technology including all-LED headlights, HDD satellite navigation and the fingertip-sensitive MMI Touch infotainment control system.

Over and above the SE equipment, SE Executive versions add features such as the Audi parking system advanced with reversing camera, the advanced key for convenient locking, unlocking and starting without direct key intervention and  powered, hands-free bootlid operation. 

New additions at this level for the 2016 Model Year include powered door closure, comfort front seats with 22-way powered adjustment and memory function and privacy glass for the rear windows.

In addition to a purposeful new look, the exterior specification of the new Sport models also includes new 19-inch seven parallel spoke alloy wheels and state-of-the-art MatrixBeam LED headlights, which use banks of LEDs that can be individually shut off to avoid dazzling oncoming and leading traffic while retaining full beam illumination. 

Inside, a 600-watt Bose sound system upgrade and Mobile Phone Preparation – High with Audi connect bringing in-car internet-based services and establishing a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot add to the potential for information and entertainment.

Long Wheelbase TDI, Long Wheelbase W12 and S8 models feature their own bespoke and even more all-encompassing equipment lists.

With its lightweight construction, quattro all-wheel-drive and standard four-mode adaptive air suspension the A8 has always been one of the most agile and controllable luxury saloons. 

A8 4.2 TDI models capitalise on these assets even more fully with the help of an additional sport differential enabling torque transfer between the rear wheels for greater adjustability, and driveability in all A8 models can be further enhanced by options such as a firmer sport version of the air suspension and a dynamic steering system.

Redesigned 2015 AUDI A8 makes debut at NAIAS

• Audi A8 and S8 models redesigned for more sportiness, performance and luxury.
• More powerful 4.0T engine increases from 420 to 435 horsepower
• New front fascia and rear design including newly designed lights give Audi A8 model line an even more dynamic stance

The Audi A8 sedan receives an even more dynamic look for the 2015 model year. New LED headlamp design and powerful creases in the hood as well as newly designed grille, bumper, and splitter combine to give the A8 model line fascia a wider stance and a more dynamic presence. The rear of the A8 and S8 receive a new tail lamp and a new tailpipe design that further support the sportier exterior. The S8 also receives an available sport exhaust that allows passengers to audibly experience its powerful drive train.

“The Audi A8 sedan represents the pinnacle of Audi progressive luxury,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Our flagship model was chosen by more customers every year since its introduction and the new 2015 A8 model line will continue to build upon that success.”

The new 2015 Audi A8 and S8 will arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2014. Highlights include:

Design and Body
For 2015, the Audi A8 and S8 receive new front and rear designs that give all of the models a wider, more dynamic stance. The ASF® aluminum construction of the A8/S8 continues to provide exceptional rigidity and performance characteristics.
• Dynamic new front fascia including standard new LED headlights, hood,
Audi Singleframe® grille, bumper and splitter design combine for greater presence on the road
• New tail lamp and trapezoidal tailpipe design (oval quad tailpipes on S8)
• New selection of 20” wheels and five new exterior colors

Technology and Driver Assistance System Features
Audi continues to offer industry leading technology that improves the driving experience for drivers and passengers alike including Audi Side assist and Audi pre sense® plus. The Audi MMI® navigation plus system that includes Google Earth mapping, Google Voice local search functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices continues to be a benchmark for the segment. New driver assistance systems for the 2015 A8 model line are:

• Active lane assist helps keep the A8 between the lane markings through active steering adjustments should the vehicle drift across the lane markings
• Secondary collision assist automatically applies the brakes following a collision to help avoid possible secondary collisions
• Night vision assistant already offers pedestrian detection. Now animal detection is able to highlight larger animals such as deer and help provide a warning to the driver if the animal is in danger of entering the path of travel
• Head-up display for ease of viewing vehicle speed, navigation, automatic cruise control, Active lane assist and Night vision warning information projected onto windscreen
• Audi park assist (late availability) which will help steer the car into a parking space

Improved Performance
All of the A8 model line engines offer excellent efficiency and performance.

The A8 TDI in particular continues to offer a great alternative for those wanting impressive efficiency without compromise, while the S8 impresses with its 520 horsepower. The A8 3.0 TFSI continues to be the entry into the A8 model range and the W12 represents the pinnacle of luxury. The new electromechanical power steering provides greater comfort and agility, while improving fuel efficiency. Changes to the 2015 engine offering include:

• A8 4.0T V8 increases horsepower from 420hp to 435hp
• W12 6.3 liter engine now with Cylinder On Demand technology

Higher Level of Luxury
Luxury equipment such as available 22-way front and rear comfort seats with 5 different massage functions as well as heating and ventilation capabilities are just some of the elements that make the A8 interior the benchmark in the segment. New optimized elements that add to its luxury feel include:

• Significant acoustic measures for a quieter cabin and driving comfort
• Optimized trunk packaging for improved space and usability

The Audi S8 – Design and Body
The updated Audi S8 becomes even sportier with its new exterior design that further complements its exceptional performance characteristics.

• New interior design selection: Vermont brown leather interior paired with Carbon twill copper inlays combine the sporty character of the S8 with stunning elegance and craftsmanship
• Updated front fascia design with larger air intakes in the lower bumper and reduced use of chrome accents give a sportier look. New sport exhaust with wider oval quad tailpipes, rear diffusor and side sills in addition to the front and rear tail lamp changes round out the dynamic design of the Audi S8

Latest A8 hits the salesroom starting at £58k

Flagship Audi featuring a host of technological advances and engine upgrades becomes available for UK ordering

• New generation A8 range now available to order priced from £58,800 OTR – first UK deliveries in January 2014
• Even more power, greater fuel efficiency for the majority of models – all now comply with EU6 emissions regulations
• Increased use of cylinder on demand technology
• Unique new MatrixBeam LED headlights improve safety

Confirmation of UK pricing this week has paved the way for even more elegant, more technologically sophisticated and more fuel efficient new generation Audi A8 models to plot a course for the UK. Available to order now starting at £58,800, and due to arrive here in January, the latest Audi luxury flagship range combines revisions to its weight-optimised, predominantly aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) body with a raft of technological advances including new MatrixBeam LED headlights and an upgraded line-up of EU6-compliant engines.  

Subtle resculpting of the bonnet, the single frame grille, the bumper and the lower edge of the headlight units has sharpened the frontal view of the new generation A8. At the rear, the design of the LED tail lamps has been revised and the bumper in all models bar the S8 now incorporates two rhomboid tail pipes. New chrome elements, new high gloss black window surrounds and five new colours also mark out the updated car.

The visual appeal, visibility and active safety of the new generation A8 can also now be enhanced by new headlights employing MatrixBeam Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology which sets new benchmarks.

The high-beam function in these unique headlights uses 25 individual LEDs per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. This enables the headlight system to react extremely precisely to other vehicles while always brightly illuminating the road. When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the Audi MatrixBeam LED headlights mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes. Very bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system with MMI Touch to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation, and can recognise and act on route data, such as corners and road classifications.

New dynamic indicators boost safety

Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering lights, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic indicator lights, the latter comprising blocks of LEDs arranged in a strip which are sequentially illuminated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards, in the desired turning direction. This ‘sweeping function’ makes it even clearer to surrounding road users that the A8 is about to turn.

The even sleeker new standard and long wheelbase bodies house a choice of seven petrol and TDI engines linked to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, all of which now comply with forthcoming EU6 emissions regulations, and the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is boosted from 290PS to 310PS, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 420PS to 435PS and now incorporates fuel-sparing Cylinder on Demand technology, the highly efficient 3.0 TDI increases from 250PS to 258PS and the 4.2 TDI gains 35PS, taking it to 385PS. Its already mighty torque output is also increased by 50Nm to a prodigious 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft).

Thanks to significant modifications to components such as the injection and exhaust gas recirculation systems and the turbocharger, and the integration of an active exhaust gas aftertreatment system using AdBlue exhaust treatment solution, both TDI engines are now classified as ‘clean diesels’.

Cylinder on demand now also for W12

The luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-litre, 500PS petrol engine continues to occupy the top rung in the A8 line-up. It boasts best-in-class combined fuel consumption of  24.1 mpg, corresponding to 270 grams CO2 per kilometre, thanks in part to a newly adopted version of the cylinder-on-demand system developed especially for this model. At low loads, it deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders.

The 520PS S8 fulfils a different brief as the ultimate Audi sports saloon. Its 4.0 TFSI engine blasts it from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, yet cylinder on demand technology also permits up to 29.4 mpg, corresponding to 225 grams CO2 per kilometre.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that is now also employed in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, ensures excellent acoustic comfort by using precise antiphase noise to combat intrusive noise in the cabin while cylinders are deactivated. Active engine mounts also dampen vibration.

At the other end of the spectrum, the overtly efficiency-focused A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to produce a system output of 245PS and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62 mph with a range of roughly 1.9 miles. Available in standard and long-wheelbase body styles, the A8 hybrid returns up to 44.8mpg and as little as 144 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The saloon owes its sporting character as much to its sophisticated chassis as to its responsive engines and its lightweight shell. The Audi drive select system, which adjusts the operating characteristics of various controls and functions, is standard. It also influences the standard adaptive air suspension, which is available with sport settings on request. The power steering uses an efficient electromechanical drive, and can be enhanced by a dynamic steering option which varies boost as a function of the speed driven. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models and the A8 L W12 quattro. These can also now be combined with new high-tech 20-inch alloy wheels with high-strength polymer spokes.

In the lavishly trimmed and very comprehensively equipped interior, customers can choose from a new range of upholstery and inlays in new colour schemes. Additions include the woods Fine grain poplar brown-silver and Fine grain ash brown-gold natural as well as the leather Unicum, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable.

Enhanced specification for UK models

In the UK, the A8 is offered with a choice of three specification levels – SE, SE Executive and Sport Executive – all of which not surprisingly already include the many luxuries expected at this level. SE models have now been further enhanced by 18-inch alloy wheels in a new design, electromechanical power steering and all-LED headlights with a high-beam assist function. The lighting and steering upgrades carry over into the SE Executive variants, while the top ranking Sport Executive models gain the new MatrixBeam LED headlights and Mobile Phone Preparation – High with Audi connect. This feature brings internet-based services such as Google Earth, Google Street View and online traffic information to the car, and also establishes a wi-fi hotspot for connection of multiple handheld devices to the internet.

Particularly indulgent interior options include a Bang & Olufsen audio system, front seats with ventilation and massage settings, relaxation seats with powered footrests, electrically adjustable, individual rear seats, a continuous, leather-covered centre console (exclusively for A8 L models) and power-assisted door closure. The Audi exclusive personalisation range offers additional options for particularly discerning customers.

On a more practical footing, the options list also includes an advanced new ‘Technology wheel’, which through silicone foam bonding of a forged alloy for the inner section and injection moulded, impact-resistant plastic for the outer cladding, reduces the weight of each wheel by around 25 per cent, or approximately 4.4kg to boost agility and efficiency still further.

The portfolio of advanced optional assistance systems has also expanded to include Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking, and the head-up display, which projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windscreen. The night vision assistant can now also recognise larger animals in addition to pedestrians.

The new generation Audi A8 – UK OTR Pricing

Flagship Audi is further refined by a raft of technological advances and engine upgrades

• International debut at Frankfurt Motor Show (September 12-22)
• Even more power and greater fuel efficiency across entire model line-up
• Increased use of cylinder on demand technology
• Unique new MatrixBeam LED headlights improve safety
• UK arrival scheduled for January 2014

Unadulterated luxury is delivered with even more élan and even greater efficiency in the new generation Audi A8, which makes its debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest flagship combines revisions to its weight-optimised, predominantly aluminium body with a raft of technological advances including new MatrixBeam LED headlights and an upgraded line-up of EU6-compliant engines.

Built around the lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame, the almost entirely aluminium body of the new generation A8 has been finessed by subtle resculpting of the bonnet, the single frame grille, the front bumper and the lower edge of the headlight units. At the rear, the design of the LED tail lamps has been revised and the bumper in all models bar the S8 now incorporates two rhomboid tail pipes. New chrome elements, new high gloss black window surrounds and five new colours also mark out the updated car.

The visual appeal, visibility and active safety of the new generation A8 can also now be enhanced by new optional headlights employing MatrixBeam Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology which sets new benchmarks.

The high-beam function in these unique headlights uses 25 individual LEDs per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. This enables the headlight system to react extremely precisely to other vehicles while always brightly illuminating the road. When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the Audi MatrixBeam LED headlights mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes. Very bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system with MMI Touch to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation, and can recognise and act on route data, such as corners and road classifications.

New dynamic indicators boost safety

Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering lights, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic indicator lights. These indicators with a progressively expanding strip of light have the potential to significantly enhance traffic safety by making the fact that the vehicle is turning even clearer to other road users, even at long distances and in poor visibility.

Each of the indicator sections in the enhanced headlights contains 18 LEDs arranged in a strip that is subdivided into seven blocks. Each tail light indicator section contains 24 LEDs in eight blocks. When activated, the blocks are sequentially illuminated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards in the desired turning direction. After 150 milliseconds, all segments are bright; for another 250 milliseconds they illuminate with full intensity. After very briefly extinguishing completely, they then repeat the sequence.

The length (5.14 metres), wheelbase (2.99 metres), width (1.95 metres) and height (1.46 metres) of the new generation A8 remain unchanged, and this also applies to the A8 L models with their additional 13 centimetres of wheelbase and body length added in the interest of rear passenger space.

The even sleeker new standard and long wheelbase bodies house a choice of seven petrol and TDI engines, the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is boosted from 290PS to 310PS, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 420PS to 435PS, the highly efficient 3.0 TDI clean diesel increases from 250PS to 258PS and the 4.2 TDI clean diesel gains 35PS, taking it to 385PS. Its already mighty torque output is also increased by 50Nm to a prodigious 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft).

Paired with quattro all-wheel drive, the 4.0 TFSI now powers the A8 from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, but under partial load the Audi cylinder on demand (COD) system deactivates four of its eight cylinders to give priority to fuel economy. The most efficient diesel engine is the 3.0 TDI, which returns up to 47.9 mpg, corresponding to 155 grams of CO2 per kilometre. All engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard, helped by friction-reducing measures which reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent.

Cylinder on demand now also for W12

The luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro occupies the top rung in the A8 line-up. The short and lightweight engine with its W layout displaces 6.3 litres and produces 500PS. It also boasts best-in-class combined fuel consumption of  24.1 mpg, corresponding to 270 grams CO2 per kilometre, thanks in part to a newly adopted version of the cylinder-on-demand system developed especially for this model. At low loads, it deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders.

The 520PS S8 fulfils a different brief as the ultimate Audi sports saloon. Its 4.0 TFSI engine blasts it from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, yet cylinder on demand technology also renders it capable of up to 28 mpg, corresponding to 235 grams CO2 per kilometre.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that is also employed in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, ensures excellent acoustic comfort by using precise antiphase noise to combat intrusive noise in the cabin while cylinders are deactivated. Active engine mounts also dampen vibration.

At the other end of the spectrum, the overtly efficiency-focused A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to produce a system output of 245PS and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62 mph with a range of roughly 1.9 miles. The A8 hybrid returns up to 44.8mpg and emits 147 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The new A8 is equipped as standard with a fast and smooth-shifting, eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission which transmits power to all four wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system in all six, eight and twelve-cylinder versions. A sport differential acting on the rear axle is fitted as standard to the A8 4.2 TDI quattro and the S8 and optional for all other versions bar the hybrids – it distributes power between the rear wheels as required for even greater handling adjustability.

The saloon owes its sporting character as much to its sophisticated chassis as to its responsive engines and its lightweight shell. The Audi drive select system, which adjusts the operating characteristics of various controls and functions, is standard. It also influences the standard adaptive air suspension, which is available with sport settings on request. The power steering uses an efficient electromechanical drive, and can be enhanced by a dynamic steering option which varies boost as a function of the speed driven. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models and the A8 L W12 quattro. These can also now be combined with new high-tech 20-inch alloy wheels with high-strength polymer spokes.

Hand-built character: The interior of the Audi A8

In the lavishly trimmed and very comprehensively equipped interior, customers can choose from a new range of upholstery and inlays in new colour schemes. Additions include the woods Fine grain poplar brown-silver and Fine grain ash brown-gold natural as well as the leather Unikat, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable.

Particularly indulgent interior options include front seats with ventilation and massage settings, relaxation seats with powered footrests, electrically adjustable, individual rear seats, a continuous, leather-covered centre console (exclusively for A8 L models) and power-assisted door closure. The Audi exclusive personalisation range offers additional individualisation options for particularly discerning customers.

Advanced assistance systems

Improvements have also been made to the optional assistance systems. Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, is new to the A8, as is the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking, and the head-up display, which projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windscreen. The night vision assistant can now also recognise larger animals in addition to pedestrians.

On the infotainment front, Audi connect is available as a supplement to MMI navigation plus. It uses an integrated UMTS module to connect the new A8 to the Internet. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely via a WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers the tailored online services from Audi connect, such as online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news, to the car. The audio highlights are the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the Rear Seat Entertainment system which includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player.

The new Audi A8 is expected to reach its first UK customers in January 2014. Full pricing and UK specification information will be announced in due course.