FiestaST
Honorary Master
Most styling details has been revealed in a sneak preview. Looks impressive & some great tech.
[video=youtube;8m8fGCeHx7I]
2017 Audi A8 all but revealed in latest preview
Next-generation range-topping saloon gets more driverless tech and lighter construction; we've also seen it undergoing performance testing on track in S8 guise
The next-generation Audi A8 has been part-revealed in a preview video, which also confirms the model's unveiling in the upcoming Spiderman movie. This takes place a few days before the car's debut at the Audi summit on 11 July.
Full front and rear styling shots are shown of the upcoming BMW 7 Series rival, which draws heavily from the design of Audi's Prologue concept of 2014, with a large central grille, geometric headlights and a light bar spanning the width of the car's rear. The large, intricate wheels also appear to be smaller, more production-friendly versions of the Prologue's 22in wheels.
Also like the Prologue concept, the A8 will receive electrified powertrains from the entry-level model up, Audi has confirmed.
Using a 48-volt electrical system, the A8 will be the first in the Audi in the brand's lineup to be available only as a hybrid, as Ingolstadt looks to electrify its entire lineup in the coming years. Entry-level cars will be mild hybrids, although it's likely that plug-in versions will appear higher up in the range, with greater electric-only driving potential.
A demonstration image of the car's powertrain confirms a V6 petrol engine will feature in the range, too, with electric power supplementing the internal combustion engine.
The 48-volt circuit incorporates two elements; a water-cooled alternator starter, and a lithium-ion battery pack in the luggage compartment of the car.
The new A8, which has been spied testing numerous times, will be revealed on July 11 at the Audi Summit in Barcelona.
Was recently spotted performance testing in S8 form at the Nürburgring, as well as on German public roads.
The flagship saloon is expected to arrive later this year and be underpinned by Audi’s MLB evo platform. It will offer a fully autonomous driverless mode, using Audi's piloted driver technology, which can completely control the car at speeds of up to 37mph; beating even the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to Level 3 - conditional automation - autonomy.
The car also uses autonomous systems to save fuel and increase smoothness when driving; the sensors, for example, can tell when traffic in front moves, and can start the engine early, even if the brakes are still applied, allowing for a smoother transition between standstill and following the flow of traffic.
Although this prototype has been heavily camouflaged, it's clear that much of its design is inspired by the Audi Prologue concept of 2014. Familiar features include slim headlights and tail-lights and an enlarged front grille. The similarities come as little surprise, given that the concept’s designer, Marc Lichte, is also the man heading up the design team behind this next A8.
Insiders expect the A8 to be powered by a familiar range of turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. The model is also expected to retain a W12 option, but new electric turbo technology will be introduced to reduce turbo lag. Market trends mean a plug-in hybrid unit is almost certainly due to be added to the line-up, with a fully electric option also plausible.
This suggestion is backed up by the fact that the MLB evo platform has been confirmed as alternative-powertrain compatible.
We now know that the new A8's body shell, minus running gear and equipment, weighs 51kg more than the outgoing model, at 282kg compared to 231kg. It's 24 percent stiffer, too, which should contribute to improved handling, steering and refinement. Rear seat knee room increases by 28mm and headroom by 14mm.
Other key technological features will include gesture controls, the latest organic LED headlight technology and a 48V electrical system, as seen on the SQ7.
Entry-level prices aren’t expected to change dramatically from those of the current model, which costs from £63,520, but range-topping models with their more complicated technology and drivetrains could cause the A8’s overall price window to widen.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2017-audi-a8-all-revealed-latest-preview
[video=youtube;8m8fGCeHx7I]
2017 Audi A8 all but revealed in latest preview
Next-generation range-topping saloon gets more driverless tech and lighter construction; we've also seen it undergoing performance testing on track in S8 guise
The next-generation Audi A8 has been part-revealed in a preview video, which also confirms the model's unveiling in the upcoming Spiderman movie. This takes place a few days before the car's debut at the Audi summit on 11 July.
Full front and rear styling shots are shown of the upcoming BMW 7 Series rival, which draws heavily from the design of Audi's Prologue concept of 2014, with a large central grille, geometric headlights and a light bar spanning the width of the car's rear. The large, intricate wheels also appear to be smaller, more production-friendly versions of the Prologue's 22in wheels.
Also like the Prologue concept, the A8 will receive electrified powertrains from the entry-level model up, Audi has confirmed.
Using a 48-volt electrical system, the A8 will be the first in the Audi in the brand's lineup to be available only as a hybrid, as Ingolstadt looks to electrify its entire lineup in the coming years. Entry-level cars will be mild hybrids, although it's likely that plug-in versions will appear higher up in the range, with greater electric-only driving potential.
A demonstration image of the car's powertrain confirms a V6 petrol engine will feature in the range, too, with electric power supplementing the internal combustion engine.
The 48-volt circuit incorporates two elements; a water-cooled alternator starter, and a lithium-ion battery pack in the luggage compartment of the car.
The new A8, which has been spied testing numerous times, will be revealed on July 11 at the Audi Summit in Barcelona.
Was recently spotted performance testing in S8 form at the Nürburgring, as well as on German public roads.
The flagship saloon is expected to arrive later this year and be underpinned by Audi’s MLB evo platform. It will offer a fully autonomous driverless mode, using Audi's piloted driver technology, which can completely control the car at speeds of up to 37mph; beating even the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to Level 3 - conditional automation - autonomy.
The car also uses autonomous systems to save fuel and increase smoothness when driving; the sensors, for example, can tell when traffic in front moves, and can start the engine early, even if the brakes are still applied, allowing for a smoother transition between standstill and following the flow of traffic.
Although this prototype has been heavily camouflaged, it's clear that much of its design is inspired by the Audi Prologue concept of 2014. Familiar features include slim headlights and tail-lights and an enlarged front grille. The similarities come as little surprise, given that the concept’s designer, Marc Lichte, is also the man heading up the design team behind this next A8.
Insiders expect the A8 to be powered by a familiar range of turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. The model is also expected to retain a W12 option, but new electric turbo technology will be introduced to reduce turbo lag. Market trends mean a plug-in hybrid unit is almost certainly due to be added to the line-up, with a fully electric option also plausible.
This suggestion is backed up by the fact that the MLB evo platform has been confirmed as alternative-powertrain compatible.
We now know that the new A8's body shell, minus running gear and equipment, weighs 51kg more than the outgoing model, at 282kg compared to 231kg. It's 24 percent stiffer, too, which should contribute to improved handling, steering and refinement. Rear seat knee room increases by 28mm and headroom by 14mm.
Other key technological features will include gesture controls, the latest organic LED headlight technology and a 48V electrical system, as seen on the SQ7.
Entry-level prices aren’t expected to change dramatically from those of the current model, which costs from £63,520, but range-topping models with their more complicated technology and drivetrains could cause the A8’s overall price window to widen.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2017-audi-a8-all-revealed-latest-preview
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