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Adrian Paton2010 Audi A8 Revealed
December 2nd 2009 18:00
The all-new 2010 Audi A8 has been unveiled as the sportiest sedan in the luxury class at its Miami Design week launch. Set to go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series in the high-end luxury segment, the Audi A8 is built on an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure.
The new flagship of the Audi range boasts powerful and highly efficient engines, an improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, revolutionary full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman's level of workmanship.
Powered by a 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine developing 273 kW and 445 Nm torque at 3,500 rpm, the A8 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, and reaches an electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h. Boasting direct fuel injection technology and a recuperation system, the A8 uses 15 percent less fuel and also converts kinetic energy into electric power during deceleration.
The engine is mated to 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.
Boasting an array of safety and innovative features, the full LED headlights setup in the A8 is one of the stand-out features. Aside from giving the big sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness, 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 colour 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 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 new luxury sedan will arrive at Australian dealerships in early 2011.
[Source: Audi]
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