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NEWS
Audi A8 revamped, S8 launched
Standard bearer for Audi passenger-car range gains performance variant and new headlight techAudi has unveiled its Australian-spec A8 and S8 models in a refreshed range aimed at doubling sales in the large luxury sedan segment of the market.
"This new Audi A8 is the result of the most comprehensive mid-cycle model improvement in its history," said Audi Australia's Managing Director, Andrew Doyle.
"The striking A8 exterior has been thoroughly redesigned to give it a more sporty presence on the road. Inside, it benefits from an unprecedented level of new technology, like the innovative Matrix LED headlights, and a remarkable increase in standard features that makes it an even more compelling proposition in the high-end luxury class."
"The Audi S8 offers a very rare combination of pioneering technology, interior excellence and understated performance that will appeal to highly successful business executives who are also passionate drivers," Doyle added.
Doyle and his product team at Audi Australia expect the company to sell around 100 units of the A8/S8 a year. That's around double the number sold in 2013, but broadly in line with the figure of 75 units sold during 2012 – long before the facelifted model was on the horizon.
The mid-life refresh for its range-topping sedan introduces improved performance from Euro 6-compliant diesel V6 and V8 variants. And new headlight technology betters the Benz LED headlight system with intelligent high-beam, Audi claims. For some buyers, however, it's the release of the 382kW S8 that is the big news. The twin-turbo petrol V8 sedan hasn't been sold in Australia since the end of the D3 series in 2010.
In Australia the range kicks off with the A8 3.0 TDI at $195,000. Like all A8 variants and the S8, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 drives through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to the standard 'quattro' final drive system, which keeps torque running constantly through all four wheels. Audi offers the same drivetrain combination – with output of 190kW and 580Nm – in a long-wheelbase version, the A8 L 3.0 TDI, priced at $206,900.
Fuel consumption figures for the V6 models are 5.9L/100km for the short-wheelbase model or 6.0L/100km for the A8 L. The short-wheelbase A8 V6 will crack six seconds for its 0-100km/h time (5.9), with the A8 L marginally slower at 6.1 seconds.
One of two V8 variants in the range, the A8 4.2 TDI develops 283kW and 850Nm for a combined-cycle test figure of 7.4L/100km. The 4.2 TDI variant can reach 100km/h from a standing start in 4.7 seconds and is priced at $249,900.
The S8 is the only petrol variant in the range, producing 382kW and 650Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds. Active Noise Cancellation and active engine mounts reduce unwanted NVH. Boasting cylinder-on-demand technology the car's fuel consumption is 9.6L/100km and the S8 is priced at $279,000.
Standard features across the range comprise: Lane Assist, Side Assist, Parking System/Park Assist with 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control/Stop&Go function, alarm, power-operated boot lid, folding electric mirrors linked to seat position memory, glass sunroof, metallic/pearl paint, power door closure, LED headlights with high-beam assist, Audi Drive Select, auto-dimming mirror, tyre-pressure monitoring, keyless entry and starting.
Additionally, all variants come equipped with four-zone climate control, leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, leather-trimmed 'Comfort' seats (heated/ventilated in front), woodgrain gear shifter, Audi Connect, BOSE 14-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, digital radio and satellite navigation.
The 3.0-litre A8 variants ride on 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive air suspension. Audi has specified 20-inch alloys for the 4.2 TDI model, which also gains the Matrix LED headlights (not to be confused with the standard LED headlights/High-beam assist system), digital TV reception, head-up display, massage function for front seats and quattro sport differential. For the S8, the alloys measure 21 inches in diameter. Other added standard features exclusive to the S8 include: sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, dynamic steering, electric sunblinds for rear doors/window and S line interior/exterior cosmetic features.
Safety features across the range consist of two-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front and rear seats, side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and electronic diff lock.
Pricing for A8 and S8:
A8 3.0 TDI - $195,000
A8 L 3.0 TDI - $206,900
A8 4.2 TDI - $249,900
S8 4.0 TFSI - $279,000
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Written byKen Gratton
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