Exterior Emphasizing a Wider, Lower Stance

This new A8 was developed as an innovative luxury saloon, with its design theme pursued to be "the most sporty" among rivals in the same class.

The body dimensions are announced as 5137mm in length, 1949mm in width, and 1460mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2992mm. Compared to the current model, the length has increased by 75mm and the width by 55mm, while the height has decreased by 16mm. Audi explains this as a result of aiming for a "dynamic design," and indeed, among its many rivals, its silhouette emphasizes a wider and lower stance. Incidentally, the wheelbase has also been extended by 48mm.

Specific features include the adoption of full LED headlamps, which use low-power-consumption LEDs for the low and high beams, and position lamps.

Initially, the engine lineup will consist of one V8 gasoline and one diesel engine. The gasoline engine is a direct-injection 4.2-liter V8 "FSI." This unit produces a maximum output of 372ps and a maximum torque of 45.4kgm, enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h (electronically limited). Furthermore, the European combined fuel economy is 10.53km/l, with CO2 emissions improved to 219g/km.

European Launch from Early 2010

Meanwhile, the diesel engine is a direct-injection 4.2-liter V8 turbodiesel "TDI." It records a maximum output of 350ps and an astonishing maximum torque of 81.6kgm. With its maximum torque delivered between 1750-2750rpm, it achieves 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds, surpassing the gasoline V8 engine. Despite this performance, it achieves a European combined fuel economy of 13.16km/l and CO2 emissions of 199g/km.

The direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine "TDI," which will arrive slightly later, produces a maximum output of 250ps and a maximum torque of 56.1kgm. This model boasts a European combined fuel economy of 15.15km/l and CO2 emissions of 174g/km. A 204ps version of the V6 TDI is also available, achieving a European combined fuel economy of 16.67km/l and CO2 emissions of 159g/km.

All engines are paired with Audi's first 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the drive system is the 4WD "quattro."

The "ASF" (Audi Space Frame), an all-aluminum body structure inherited from the first-generation A8, has been further evolved, achieving approximately 40% weight reduction compared to a conventional steel body. Combined with the adaptive air suspension, it enhances both handling and ride comfort.

The interior's luxury feel is further enhanced by the extended wheelbase, which provides more rear-seat space. The overall finish surpasses that of its rivals.

Sales of the new A8 are scheduled to begin in Germany and other European countries from early 2010.