Seven years in the making, the new generational shift for the 2011 Audi A8 brings to the table a completely redefined model to redefine the standards of luxury.
The third generation of the A8 model line, the 2011 model represents a new icon as the flagship of the Audi label. With an exterior design intended to embody a sporty progressiveness that still follows the evolution of the A8, the 2011 model boasts muscular wheel arches to entice driving enthusiasts while sleek running lines flow smoothly to the trunk to offer a look of refinement. The A8 features Audi’s now iconic full-LED front headlamps with both high and low beam function. LED lighting extends through the daytime running lights, cornering lights, turn signals, and taillights. The frame of the new A8 uses the manufacturer’s revolutionary Audi Space Frame (ASF), a high-strength aluminum design. The 2011 model ASF offers 25 percent more static torsional rigidity while carrying less weight thanks to new welding technologies. All told, the featherweight frame weighs in at 40 percent less than comparable steel structures and equals the weight of previous models despite a growth of three inches in length and two inches in width.
Inside, the new A8 is the perfect example of a luxury-performance sedan. The interior is highlighted with only the finest materials including deep wood inlays, aluminum accents, leather, and plastics, all of which intersect at the juncture between the door and dashboard known as the “Koenigsfuge” or “King’s Joint.” The pristine design elements create a free flowing environment around all passengers. The interior design is enhanced with driver-selectable LED lighting themes – available in polar, ivory, and ruby – while a pair of skylights adds natural light during the daytime.
For the driver, the Audi A8 offers complete control with countless options available right at the fingertips. Drive options include those tuned for sport performance and driver comfort, ranging between Dynamic, Comfort, Auto and Individual, while the yacht-inspired gearshift operates as an ergonomic hand rest while operating the Multi-Media Interface (MMI). Audi’s engineers sought to occupy as little space as possible with the MMI and other design elements to create harmony in the overall theme of the interior. As such, the MMI features a foldaway touch screen. The innovative touch screen was modeled after current smart-phone touch screens and can recognize handwriting for text entries – ideal when entering directions into the system’s navigation. Additionally operators can use a pointer for map functions, a number pad for radio controls, and a scrolling list for song tracks. Equipped with a factory-installed WLAN hotspot, the Audi A8 offers full access to Google Maps as well as wireless internet access for all passengers.
The all-new 2011 A8 uses Audi’s 4.2 FSI V8 engine set with improvements in both horsepower (372hp) and torque (328 lb-ft). The power refinement results in an improved 0-60mph time, estimated at 5.7 seconds. For those seeking even more performance, the A8 also comes available in the A8L. Equipped with a W12, the A8L pushes out 500hp and 460 lb-ft torque and hits the 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. Even with all this added power the new A8L offers 12 percent higher efficiency than the previous model.
The a* features an 8-speed automatic transmission – the first of its kind in the A8 line – to achieve 17 percent better fuel economy. The driver controls the shifting via the center gearshift or standard wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Splitting torque 40:60 front to rear, the transmission powers the Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, making the A8 the only luxury performance vehicle on the market with standard AWD. The transmission’s optional Sports differential produces variable torque distribution to the rear axel, improving understeer, driving agility, and traction.
Of course, with all the power granted to the new A8 Audi’s engineers were faced with a higher need for safety. But, thanks to the new ASF’s light but rigid frame, the Audi A8 channels collision impact down and away from driver and passengers. The A8 is also equipped with Audi pre sense and adaptive cruise control, offering preventive occupant protection systems including reversible belt tensioners to hold passengers in place, automatically closing windows and skylights, and adaptive air shock absorbers to improve braking performance. And, to improve driving conditions at night, the 2011 A8 comes with an optional night vision display on the seven inch driver information panel that bridges the main gauges in the dashboard to offer pedestrian-detection systems that provide warning for pedestrians crossing the vehicle’s path.
The 2011 Audi A8 comes with MSRP $78,050 while the A8L is tagged at $84,000.
