Audi will launch the 2011 A8 in India this Diwali. The German automaker plans to take the fight to the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the new A8. The Indian version will be offered in a long wheelbase version only and is expected to be priced around Rs. 75 lakhs for the 3.0 V6 TDi (240bhp) variant. The new A8 will also be available with a 4.2 V8 TDi oil burner producing 350bhp of power, 4.2 DOHC V8 FSI and the top of the line W12.
The Audi A8 significantly exceeds in length and width both its predecessor and its competitors. Its height, however, remains below that of its immediate rivals in Germany – the proportions follow the dynamic line.
The interior is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the four rings brand. In the cut it is much wider, more airy and spacious than its predecessor. Its salient element is the “wrap- around” – a circumferential curve forming an elegant beltline as on a yacht. The large curve integrates the sleek and low instrument panel. The large, round instruments are clearly delineated. The driver information system (DIS), which serves as a fully fledged information and control center, has a new layout. Its center display has increased to a 7-inch diagonal, showing all functions according to an easily understandable concept. It is operated at the equally improved multifunction steering wheel.
In the case of the engines, there is the recuperation system. As for power transmissions, the new flagship shines with its electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the sport differential. In the running gear sector the Audi A8 secures an exceptional standing with Audi drive select; the system integrates the adaptive air suspension together with active shock absorber control. The xenon plus headlights, the Audi pre sense basic system and the anti-theft alarm system serve security. The adaptive restraint system and a tire pressure monitoring system reinforce the sense of safety on board.
The new Audi A8 impresses with its electrical fold-in exterior mirrors, the versatile and electrically adjustable front seats, the two-zone automatic air conditioning system, the electrical adjustment of the steering column with easy exit function, the ambient lighting, the electro-mechanical parking brake and the start-stop button. The MMI operating system and the driver information system with the multifunction steering wheel underscore the Audi brand’s leadership role in ergonomics.
The new A8 also moves to the head of its class when it comes to optional extras. In the case of the running gear the dynamic steering deserves special mention. The wheels are up to 21 inches in size, with a sporty tuning of the adaptive air suspension available from Audi on request. The xenon plus headlights are perfectly supplemented by the continuous headlight range control and the adaptive light system, and the innovative full LED headlights give the luxury sedan an especially impressive look.
In matters of safety, advanced levels of the new Audi pre sense technology are optionally available: Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense rear and Audi pre sense plus, integrated in the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and in Audi side assist. The night vision assist with its marking of detected pedestrians, Audi lane assist, the parking assistance systems and the speed limit display, which is to follow a bit later, also serve the driver’s safety and convenience.
The new Audi A8 also occupies a leading position in navigation and infotainment systems. The top version, MMI navigation plus, reads the course of the route in advance. The MMI touch also serves operation – another solution from Audi that sets new standards. Three sound systems, including the top-notch system from Bang & Olufsen, are truly music to the ears, while a fully integrated rear seat entertainment system is available for the rear. The new Audi A8 also has intelligent technologies on board for utilising internet services.
