Longer Audi A8 with all-new engine available to order from July 2010

The latest incarnation of the Audi A8 luxury saloon will be available to order late July 2010 (ships December 2010). With a reworked engine (3 litre, 4.2 litre and 6.3 litre options), an extra 13 cm added to the wheelbase and the body length (all at the rear), and features like heated seats, climate control and electric rear and side window blinds, the emphasis is on passenger comfort and engine power and efficiency.

To keep the weight down, Audi have reserved steel for the safety bars and pillars only. Elsewhere, aluminium has been used, meaning weight-savings of near to 60% compared to an all-steel body.

The largest 6.3 litre engine – extensively modified and exclusive to this new model – is not only compact and light, but offers increased power and torque (500PS and 625 Nm), 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. However it will also do 23mpg – an improvement of 12% on the previous version.

Further efficiency savings have been generated in a number of ways: reducing friction in the chain between engine and wheels; recovering energy via the braking system; a new eight-speed automatic transmission; and a differential that allows substantial torque to be sent to the front (up to 60%) or rear (up to 80%) as required. An option is also available where this can be split further between the rear left and right wheels. Differential, throttle, steering and transmission shift response can all be fine-tuned from the driver’s seat at the touch of a button.

None of this comes at the expense of a smooth ride, thanks to the adaptive shock absorbers and suspension. Furthermore, the extra length means even more comfort for passengers in the back. Wider doors, heated seats and separate climate control for each seat are standard. The 6.3 litre version adds power assisted door closure and fully adjustable individual rear seats.

The cabin combines pure luxury and technical innovation, as you’d expect from a flagship saloon. The navigation system features character-recognition software and a spoken feedback system that allows the driver to use their finger to write a destination (or even phone number) on a touch panel and have it read back to them for confirmation. It also scans the road ahead and feeds data back to the transmission, cruise control and headlights, identifies pedestrians using thermal imaging and gives audio-visual warnings if it considers a situation dangerous. Advanced options will even brake the car automatically if a collision is anticipated.

Guest Post by Victoria Stubbs, Vindis Group. Vindis have four Audi dealerships and also sell quality approved used Audi cars.

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