Mild Hybrid Technology Adopted for the First Time

The "A8" sits at the pinnacle of Audi's sedan lineup. Three main models will be introduced in Japan. The "55 TFSI quattro" is equipped with a 3-liter V6 direct-injection turbo engine, producing 340ps/500Nm. The price is 11.4 million yen.

The "60 TFSI quattro" and its long-wheelbase version, the "L 60 TFSI quattro," are powered by a 4-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo engine, producing 460ps/660Nm. Their prices are 15.1 million yen and 16.4 million yen, respectively. All models come standard with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi's latest quattro all-wheel-drive system.

A mild hybrid system is combined with these two engines for the first time. This technology, new to Audi, improves fuel efficiency using a 48V lithium-ion battery and a BAS (Belt Alternator Starter) connected to the crankshaft via a belt.

It features power generation through regenerative braking and an idling stop function below 22 km/h. Furthermore, when the throttle pedal is released between 55 and 160 km/h, the engine can be shut off for coasting. The BAS also generates a maximum torque of 60Nm, enabling smooth restarts from idle stop without any shock.

According to Hideaki Ishida, General Manager of Audi Japan's Marketing Division, this mild hybrid technology is planned for adoption in Audi's V6 engines and above in the future.

Equipped with the Latest Driver Assistance Systems

The A8 is equipped with a laser scanner in the front grille, a first for a production car. In addition, it utilizes five camera sensors, five millimeter-wave radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, totaling 23 sensors arranged to surround the vehicle in all directions. This laser scanner is infrared-based and can detect objects up to approximately 80 meters ahead with a field of view of about 145 degrees.

A key feature is the adoption of the central driver assistance controller (zFAS), which comprehensively analyzes the vast amount of information from these sensors to build a sophisticated environmental model. This enables natural control with minimal delay, akin to human senses. The laser scanner and the central driver assistance system are considered essential for the Level 3 autonomous driving technology expected to be introduced in the future.

Regarding the effectiveness of the laser scanner, using the adaptive drive assist, which operates from 0 to 250 km/h, as an example, it can react instantly to a car cutting in from the side during operation, providing remarkably smooth braking.

Connectivity Also Significantly Enhanced

Connectivity has also seen significant advancements. Firstly, the MMI touch response system features two touch panels: a large 10.1-inch screen on top and two 8.6-inch screens below. The upper screen handles infotainment functions like navigation and settings, while the lower screens are primarily for climate control and handwriting input. These operations utilize intuitive controls similar to smartphones, along with haptic feedback, providing a more tactile and assured user experience.

In addition to existing internet connectivity and in-car Wi-Fi, the connected features now include cloud-based destination search via voice command. It's also possible to have an operator send a destination to the car by connecting to a navigator. Furthermore, users can register their destinations on My Audi and send them to the car from their smartphones, enhancing destination search options.

Convenience is also improved, allowing users to check and operate door locks remotely via smartphone.

Balancing Agility and High-Speed Stability

The A8 has also undergone various improvements in its driving dynamics. An optional all-wheel steering (AWS) system is available. Below approximately 65 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels by up to 5 degrees, reducing the minimum turning radius by about 0.5 meters. Above 70 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels by up to 2 degrees, enhancing directional stability.

Adaptive air suspension with variable damping control is standard. The air suspension settings can be adjusted via Audi drive select, with modes such as comfort, auto, and dynamic.

Scheduled for introduction in 2019 and beyond is the AI active suspension. This system uses the aforementioned laser scanner and camera sensors to anticipate road surface irregularities and actively control suspension travel. Electric actuators generating up to 1,100Nm at each wheel, connected to control arms, are powered by the 48V battery to directly manipulate suspension travel. This actively controls roll and pitch, achieving a smooth, flat ride befitting a luxury sedan, as well as the agile handling of a sporty sedan.

It also features active safety functions. If the sensor system determines that a side collision is unavoidable, it raises one side of the body by 80mm, allowing the impact to be absorbed by the reinforced side sills, significantly reducing cabin deformation and occupant load.

Adoption of a New Singleframe Grille

Regarding the A8's design, Amar Fia, Audi AG's Exterior Designer, who visited Japan for this announcement, stated, "We felt it was necessary to take Audi's historical qualities and advance them further with this new model, aiming to express refinement, elegance, advanced technology, and sportiness." He added, "We wanted to achieve a majestic design and set a new standard in the luxury segment."

He highlighted the singleframe grille as a key feature, explaining, "This is Audi's identity, and with the A8, we have emphasized its width by altering its proportions to express power. This makes it clearly recognizable as Audi's new face even from 100 meters away."

Speaking about the car's proportions, he commented, "Seen from the front, it exudes confidence, and from the rear, the yacht-like tail design gives the impression that it's ready to surge forward. Furthermore, the smooth roofline, without compromising rear headroom, creates a coupe-like impression."

He further elaborated, "The blister over the wheel arches adds power and strength, and the deeply sculpted shoulder line significantly lowers the visual center of gravity, creating the impression of firmly gripping the road. We are confident that this design has further enhanced the A8's appeal and perfectly expresses the advanced functions it possesses." The blister over the wheel arches is inspired by the design DNA of the legendary Audi quattro and will be adopted as Audi's future design language.

Low, Sporty, and Expressive Proportions

The Audi A7's design is its key strength. Fia stated, "With its low, sporty, and expressive proportions, it more faithfully reproduces the Audi prologue concept car unveiled in 2014." The quattro blisters are larger, and in line with Audi's design tradition, the roofline slopes dramatically.

In the side view, the window area occupies one-third of the upper section, and the body occupies the lower two-thirds. "This is the ideal proportion for us to create a dynamic beauty like an athlete. However, by combining it with a hatchback featuring a practical rear seat and a large opening, practicality is in no way compromised," he emphasized, highlighting the balance between design and usability.

The Audi prologue, a concept car developed concurrently with the A8 and A7, incorporates design motifs that will appear in future Audi models.

The singleframe grille, an icon of Audi, is lower and wider than that of the A8. Combined with the slim headlights, boldly outlined air inlets, and a low, extended bonnet, it expresses the sporty character of a Gran Turismo at first glance.

In the upper module of the headlights, twelve vertically arranged LED lights form the daytime running lights and position lights. Fia explained, "These twelve light segments, separated by narrow spaces and arranged vertically, evoke a connection to the digital world represented by zeros and ones, functioning as the A7's digital eyes."

An Atmosphere Like a Lounge of the Future

The rear end, like the previous generation, tapers like a yacht. The end of the long tailgate protrudes slightly in a lip shape; above 120 km/h, an integrated spoiler automatically extends to increase downforce. Additionally, the taillight modules on each side, each composed of thirteen vertical light segments, are connected by a horizontal light strip. When the doors are unlocked or locked, light animations are displayed by the headlights and taillights.

The interior was designed with an emphasis on four values: advanced technology, sportiness, intuitive operation, and refinement, creating a clean, minimalist atmosphere reminiscent of a lounge of the future. Horizontal lines and a slim instrument panel create a sense of spaciousness, while the center console, angled slightly towards the driver, emphasizes the sporty character of a Gran Turismo.

The 10.1-inch upper screen on the instrument panel is also angled slightly towards the driver. This display, featuring a black optical panel with a graphite gray aluminum decorative frame, completely integrates into the dashboard when powered off. The interface icons on the panel display appear as soon as the car's doors are opened and are designed concisely to match the interior design. A lower touch screen is also present, similar to the A8.

The A7 Also Equipped with a Mild Hybrid System

The A7 lineup includes the "55 TFSI quattro Debut package" and "55 TFSI quattro S line," both equipped with a 3-liter V6 gasoline engine, priced at 9.88 million yen and 10.66 million yen, respectively. Concurrently, two limited editions, the "55 TFSI quattro 1st edition" and "55 TFSI quattro S line 1st edition," will be released with a total of 250 units, priced at 10.58 million yen and 11.61 million yen, respectively, featuring extensive options such as an extended leather interior, Bang & Olufsen sound system, dynamic all-wheel steering, and damping control suspension.

The engines installed in this model, like the A8, are mild hybrid specifications powered by a 48V electrical system, reducing fuel consumption by 0.7 liters per 100 km.

Many of the features, including the user interface, connectivity, driver assistance systems, and AWS, are consistent with the new A8.

Philipp Noack, who took office as President of Audi Japan in September, introduced the A8 and A7, stating, "These are models that symbolize the Audi brand, embodying clean and refined design, the highest quality and craftsmanship, and excellent performance and comfort backed by advanced technology." He continued, "Audi, with its many years of experience, understands what customers expect from the Audi brand. Audi offers not only these distinctive products but also an experience of advancement and progressiveness through its products and services. In particular, the new A8 and A7 will offer customers an experience that makes them feel the future."

First Electric Vehicle to be Announced in September

These two models also respond to the changes facing modern society: urbanization, digitalization, and sustainability. Several years ago, Audi outlined its vision for 2025 to become a premium mobility provider through advanced technology. The foundation for realizing this vision lies in our premium vehicles, and the new A8 and A7, in particular, indicate the path we are taking towards achieving that vision.

Specifically regarding the A8, "it was developed to enable the world's first Level 3 conditional automated driving system. This car is equipped with a total of 23 sensors and cameras, including advanced sensors like the world's first laser scanner for a production car. While the Level 3 function, Traffic Jam Pilot, has not yet been introduced in any market due to international technical certifications and revisions to road traffic laws, the A8 released in Japan today offers a sophisticated Level 2 driver assistance system. For example, Audi drive assist continuously supports the driver in acceleration, deceleration, and lane keeping from standstill to high-speed driving, providing a greater sense of security and comfort."

Regarding electrification, "We will announce our first electric vehicle, the e-Tron, in September. Furthermore, we plan to introduce three more EV models within the next few years. Simultaneously, we will increase the level of electrification by incorporating mild hybrid technology into our internal combustion engine vehicles. These initiatives are necessary to reduce CO2 emissions and lessen the environmental impact of automobiles."