The all-new Audi A8 is around the corner and it's gearing up for its first official appearance in next month at the Audi Summit (11 July 2017) to be held in Barcelona, Spain, before making its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Built on Audi’s MLB Evo Platform, the new A8 is expected to borrow styling cues from the Audi Prologue Concept and it will be lighter than the current model. A wide range of top-tech from Audi will makeits way into the new A8 including autonomous features such as an updated version of Traffic Jam Assist, which will operate at speeds up to 60 kph without any required input from the driver in congested traffic situations. Audi’s second-generation Virtual Cockpit is also expected to appear in the new A8 for the first time.
Watch the video below for a sneak peak of how Audi A8's Traffic Jam Pilot works!
The new Audi A8 will be equipped with a48-volt electrical system with each wheel coupled with an electric motor that will help reduce fuel consumption. The A8 will also feature a fully active electromechanicalsuspension system. The front camera will detect bumps in the road surface and the suspension will adjust itself almost instantaneously to sufficiently iron out the bumps. Audi says that the system is able to nullify vibrations and jolts, resulting in a supremely comfortable ride. Body roll and pitching movements during cornering are also reduced and all-wheel steering will help the A8 achieve maximum agility and stability.
Take a look at what you can expect from Audi's Active suspension system in the teaser video below.
The Audi A8 will also be able to park autonomously and the video below also highlights some of the A8's interior features including a new steering wheel, Audi's Virtual Cockpit and high-quality interior finishes. As for the exterior, the A8 will feature a sleek headlight design, much like that of the Audi Prologue concept. An integrated rear spoiler and striking taillights give the rear-end a unique look.
Watch how the A8 is able to park itself using Audi's remote parking pilot in the video below.
The engine lineup is yet to be confirmed but reports suggest that a range of petrol and diesel engines are likely with a plug-in hybrid model to follow after. Petrol engines may include a 4.0-litre V8 with 343 kW as well as a 6.3-litre W12 engine with 421 kW. On the diesel front, we may see a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 203 kW, 4.0-litre V8 TDI with 304 kW and a 5.0-litre V10 TDI offering 373 kW.
The new A8 will rival the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is due for a facelift soon. The new Audi A8 will likely go on sale at the end of 2017 and willreach South Africa in 2018. Official details will be revealed in weeks to come and we will keep you updated as they become available.
*Pictured is the Audi Prologue Concept
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