Has anyone posted this new A8 pic yet? Pretty Sweet !!
03-14-2001, 04:46 PM
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This is actually an S8. The Article inside........
Audi is sending in a real light-weight to fight some seriously heavy hitters in the battle for the title of best car in the world. The prestige of the entire VW Group is at stake as an all-new, hi-tech, alloy A8 prepares to take on the next BMW 7-Series and revised Mercedes S-Class.
This exclusive picture of the car, codenamed D3, was created from photos of the final production model which were smuggled out of Audi's headquarters. They show exactly what the German car maker's rivals will face in 18 months when it hits the road.
The new look aims to attract a more conservative buyer than the ostentatious S-Class and 7-Series, but the styling will disappoint those expecting a big TT. As with the last model though, the latest A8 is expected to grow old gracefully, with an anticipated lifespan of 10 years. Meanwhile, under the evolutionary bodywork lies plenty of revolutionary technology.
The Audi will pioneer V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines plus active suspension, all housed in an aluminium shell no heavier than an A4's.
At its launch at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, however, the range will feature conventional petrol engines, starting with the all-new 220bhp 3.0-litre V6 initially seen in the latest A4. Replacing the current A8's 193bhp 2.8, it will be available with front-wheel drive plus a CVT Multitronic gearbox or a conventional auto mated to the quattro system. A 310bhp 4.2-litre V8 will be available exclusively with quattro.
The range-topper is to be fitted with the new W12 engine, recently unveiled in the current A8. Boasting 450bhp, the 6.0-litre unit ensures the fresh model retains the crown of most powerful saloon car in production. The engine is in essence two V6 units 'merged', making it incredibly compact for its size - and light. From summer 2003 to early 2004, Audi will gradually roll out its range of direct-injection petrol engines - called FSi - bringing greater economy to the sector without affecting refinement or performance. The line-up is eventually to include a 150bhp 2.5-litre V6, a 260bhp 3.5-litre V8 and a 310bhp 4.0-litre V8.
The S8 performance model is set to receive a 375bhp 5.0-litre V8, and there is even talk of turbocharging it to create a monster 500bhp RS8 later in its product cycle. Buyers looking to stretch out in the back must also wait as the long-wheelbase version won't arrive until the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. With arch-rivals all heading towards sophisticated air-suspension systems, Audi engineers have worked hard to make sure the A8 has superlative refinement and handling. Through conventional springs and electronically controlled dampers, the Audi constantly monitors road conditions and the driver's style to ensure optimum comfort.
The system can also alter ride height, sitting lower when cruising and higher when stationary to ease entry and exit from the car. Don't expect the A8 to be first with a steer or brake by wire system, though - the firm's engineers do not think they are sophisticated enough yet for customers.
Buyers will insist on the ultimate in safety though, so Audi is aiming to provide the A8 with the best occupant protection in the world with airbags to cushion feet, backs and heads in the front and rear. So while it may look innocent and barely tip the scales for the heavyweight class, the A8 is set to pack a knock-out punch when it enters the executive market
This exclusive picture of the car, codenamed D3, was created from photos of the final production model which were smuggled out of Audi's headquarters. They show exactly what the German car maker's rivals will face in 18 months when it hits the road.
The new look aims to attract a more conservative buyer than the ostentatious S-Class and 7-Series, but the styling will disappoint those expecting a big TT. As with the last model though, the latest A8 is expected to grow old gracefully, with an anticipated lifespan of 10 years. Meanwhile, under the evolutionary bodywork lies plenty of revolutionary technology.
The Audi will pioneer V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines plus active suspension, all housed in an aluminium shell no heavier than an A4's.
At its launch at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, however, the range will feature conventional petrol engines, starting with the all-new 220bhp 3.0-litre V6 initially seen in the latest A4. Replacing the current A8's 193bhp 2.8, it will be available with front-wheel drive plus a CVT Multitronic gearbox or a conventional auto mated to the quattro system. A 310bhp 4.2-litre V8 will be available exclusively with quattro.
The range-topper is to be fitted with the new W12 engine, recently unveiled in the current A8. Boasting 450bhp, the 6.0-litre unit ensures the fresh model retains the crown of most powerful saloon car in production. The engine is in essence two V6 units 'merged', making it incredibly compact for its size - and light. From summer 2003 to early 2004, Audi will gradually roll out its range of direct-injection petrol engines - called FSi - bringing greater economy to the sector without affecting refinement or performance. The line-up is eventually to include a 150bhp 2.5-litre V6, a 260bhp 3.5-litre V8 and a 310bhp 4.0-litre V8.
The S8 performance model is set to receive a 375bhp 5.0-litre V8, and there is even talk of turbocharging it to create a monster 500bhp RS8 later in its product cycle. Buyers looking to stretch out in the back must also wait as the long-wheelbase version won't arrive until the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. With arch-rivals all heading towards sophisticated air-suspension systems, Audi engineers have worked hard to make sure the A8 has superlative refinement and handling. Through conventional springs and electronically controlled dampers, the Audi constantly monitors road conditions and the driver's style to ensure optimum comfort.
The system can also alter ride height, sitting lower when cruising and higher when stationary to ease entry and exit from the car. Don't expect the A8 to be first with a steer or brake by wire system, though - the firm's engineers do not think they are sophisticated enough yet for customers.
Buyers will insist on the ultimate in safety though, so Audi is aiming to provide the A8 with the best occupant protection in the world with airbags to cushion feet, backs and heads in the front and rear. So while it may look innocent and barely tip the scales for the heavyweight class, the A8 is set to pack a knock-out punch when it enters the executive market
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