New Audi A8 launch on January 10

Audi is all set to launch its all new A8 executive saloon in India on January 10, 2011. The new A8 will take on the competition to the likes its other German rivals namely BMW 7-series and Mercedes S- class. The all new A8 offers dynamic excellence for those twirling the steering wheel and five-star appointments for those occupying the rear seats. 

To be offered only in an extended wheelbase model when it hits our shores this Diwali, the A8L will maximize Audi does best: lots of high-quality engineering, plus artful design inside and out. The exterior features classic black-tie family resemblance that adorns almost all Audi’s. The tail almost completely mimics the rear of the latest A4, and the corporate grille is in full effect like other current-generation Audi models. The new A8 is, once again, based on a virtually all-aluminum body/chassis structure, which combines high strength with relatively light weight (for its size).

Engine options will include a range of hi-performance petrol and diesel engine units. The diesel engines include either a 3.0 V6 Tdi with 240bhp that powers other Audi models like the A4 and A6 and Q5. The new A8 may also have an option of the 4.2 V8 Tdi diesel unit with 350bhp also seen in the Q7 SUV. The petrol V8 range includes the 4.2 DOHC V8 FSI and the range topping W12. The range-topping model, the W12 gains some additional chrome on its nose and unique exhaust finishers. 

All A8s will drive via with a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission which has paddles on the steering wheel and Quattro four-wheel drive as standard, and there’s a sport differential option which splits torque between the rear wheels. Audi has added a new safety system called pre-sense, which activates the hazard lights, closes the windows and sunroof and pre-tensions the seat belts if the brakes are fully applied. 

The A8 Long Wheelbase is five inches longer between the axles and overall length than the standard-wheelbase A8 which will not be available in India. Most of that extra dimension shows up in the rear-passenger compartment; there's an option group that includes reclining rear seats, massage, and foot rests. Other features include an Active cruise control with a low speed stop and go capability, blind spot monitoring, lane assistance and night vision, a power trunk lid, four-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, additional aluminum interior trim, ambient interior lighting, and full-LED headlamps as well as tail lamps. 

On the inside there’s an all-new interior. The gear selector is now an electronic shifter, with four positions; Audi says it’s shaped like the thrust lever on a powerboat. The MMI system has been moved from the centre console to the fascia, and now features a touchpad panel, which allows you to write letters or numbers on the screen to enter phone numbers or navigation destinations. We expect prices of the all new A8L to be somewhere around the outgoing A8 which is priced at Rs 72.45Lakh for the 3.0 Tdi model, ex showroom Delhi.