June 30, 2010. Copyright 2010, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Audi’s new A8 flagship points the way for new technology
By Neil Winton

LONDON, June 30, Graphic News: Audi appears to have hit the jackpot with its new A8, with the German manufacturer having to increase production to meet higher than expected demand for the company’s new flagship sedan.

The A8 pioneers new technologies enhancing safety and driving performance, many of which will eventually trickle down to mainstream motors.

The satellite navigation system talks to the engine management computer so that if you accelerate towards a tight corner, the computer won’t allow a higher gear on the eight-speed automatic to be engaged. This smooths out the driving experience.

When you approach a junction at night, the lights will automatically spread to illuminate a broader area to identify traffic which might appear from both sides of a crossroads. That might save lives.

As you accelerate to cruising speed on a highway, the lights will focus much further ahead. In town after dark, an infrared, thermal imaging camera will identify people up to 400 metres ahead. People and animals are highlighted in yellow if they stick to the sidewalk, but became red and trigger a buzzer if they step into the road. If you select sports mode for the transmission, the seat belts tighten. The sunroof incorporates solar panels which augment the battery. Regenerative braking captures energy wasted as the car free-wheels, and transfers it to the battery. If the computer senses an imminent crash, it shuts the windows and sunroof and tightens the seatbelts. If it’s a false alarm, previous settings are restored.

All A8s have four-wheel drive, giving it a unique selling point compared with the competition including the Jaguar XJ, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S class and Lexus LS. In common with the Jaguar, the A8 is built mainly in aluminium.

The range is led by a 4.2 litre V8 petrol motor which produces 367hp, propelling this massive beast from rest to 60mph in about five and a half seconds. You could also choose a 4.2 litre V8 diesel, a 3.0 litre V6 diesel and a 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine. Expect a hybrid next year and a W-12 model too.

On the sweeping bends and highways around Le Castellet, north of the Mediterranean port city of Marseilles, the A8 felt potent but sure-footed. The steering is direct and precise. The air suspension with electronic shock absorption control eliminates any roll. Double-glazing muffles most extraneous noises, although Audi has made sure that the fabulous roar made by the V8 under hard acceleration is discreetly audible. The brakes were surprisingly slow to bite, unlike many German cars.

Inside, simple luxury is the watchword, with beautiful leather and wood. The heated electric seats massage your back. The stitching on the leather upholstery is Rolls Royce-like.

The new A8 is a little bit longer and wider and not quite so high as the old one but looks very similar, with a few extra creases and design touches. Audi says its customers don’t like to show off their wealth, so the restrained, understated, traditional styling continues.

As for which new high tech advance will appear in your average mass market car, expect to see regenerative braking becoming ubiquitous soon.
/ENDS

Audi A8 4.2 FSI

Engine: 4.2 litre V8 petrol
Power: 367 hp@ 6,800
Torque: 445 Nm-328.22 lbs ft @ 3,500
Drive: all wheels
Gearbox: 8-speed tiptronic
Acceleration: 0-62mph-100km/h 5.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155mph-250km/h
Fuel consumption: claimed combined – 39.2 mpg-7.2 l/100km
C02: 219g/km 
Emissions class: EU5
Suspension: 5-link air/trapezoidal link air
Service intervals: up to 19,000 miles/2 years
Warranty: 3 years-60,000 miles
Length: 5,137mm
Width: 1,949mm
Height: 1,460mm
Wheel-base: 2,992mm
Weight: 1,835kg
Boot capacity: 510 litres 
Competition: Mercedes S class, BMW 7 series, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera   
Price: from £66,450-€77,900 after tax. On sale from June