Before the next generation A8 will make its official debut, Audi is making a final attempt to improve the current A8 with new style packages.
The new comfort plus style package adds to the A8 new exterior color: Night Blue, pearl effect, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels of 12-spoke design, comfort seats in Valcona leather; the full-leather trim for the center console, doors and dashboard is in silk beige Fine Nappa leather. The equipment package also includes heating for the front and rear seats, and front seats with seat ventilation and massage function.
The sport plus style package adds new Panther Black, crystal effect paint, “adaptive light” with LED daytime running lights, sports seats in goa beige Valcona leather and heating for the front seats. The center console, doors and lower dashboard are trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather.
Press release after the jump.
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Before Audi turns a big sedan into a coupe with the A7, its going to have one last crack at making a large sedan into a large sedan with an updated A8. Just like previous renderings and rumors, the new A8 should get a sleeker and more aggressive design inspired by the A7/Sportback concept. Just like smaller models, Audi’s next flagship will utilize the MLP platform, which will allow for the engine to be mounted further back and more weight directed toward the center of the car.
As far as the engine lineup goes, the middle of the road should stay the same with at variety of V6 and V8 engines in both gas and diesel forms offered over the international line. What is unclear just now is that if Audi continues to go for smaller engines with turbocharging, a four cylinder engine may become the base powerplant. Rumors suggest 230 hp version of the 2.0-liter TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Group’s parts bin may become the lowest rung on the A8 ladder. For the same reason a four-banger may make an appearance in the large sedan, it may also jeopardize the top of the line W12 engine or possibly the Lamborghini-inspired 5.2-liter V10 in the next R8.
Any engine shake ups should not have a huge effect on the U.S. market, where we currently have only V8 engines or higher, and will likely never see a diesel version of the big sedan. The official debut of the next A8 will be made in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the sales will begin in 2010.
For a world that is supposed to be shifting to cars that are smaller, weaker and cheaper, we’re happy to see plenty of new big sports sedans. Mercedes is refreshing the S-Class, the next Jaguar XJ is expected soon, and now we are getting more information of Audi’s next flagship A8. According to Automobilwoche, Audi has confirmed the next generation A8 for 2010. An Audi spokesman told the German magazine: "Our new flagship will come next year."
We don’t have all the technical details on the vehicle yet, but since Audi’s motto is “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology), we expect something interesting for Audi’s flagship sedan. We at least know that one piece of technology that will stay on the A8 should be the light aluminum space frame chassis.
Powering the large sedan worldwide will likely be a choice of gas and diesel engines. The U.S. will likely not see the oil burners, so the top of the line will probably continue to be the 450 hp 6.0-liter W12 engine. When the S8 shows up later, it should carry the Lamborghini-inspired 5.2-liter V10 engine that will likely make more than its current 450 hp but no more than the 525 hp in the R8 V10 that uses the same engine.
There has been no confirmation on when the refreshed A8 will be revealed, but if it’s supposed to be on the streets in 2010, we may get the first peek as soon as the Frankfurt show in September.
The Audi A8 is not a traditional tuner car; however the French company Hofele feels otherwise. Just released at the Geneva Motor Show is their body kit for the luxury limousine. The Audi has been tastefully modified from every angle, from the vents in the fenders to the new taillights and the wider fenders and 21 inch wheels help give the vehicle a more powerful stance.
Full list of accessories after the jump.
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Now that Audi has a new generation of the A8 on the way, it should be cheaper to pick up an older one. That also leaves cash available to buy a tuning kit for the old version. This may be the reason why RDX Racedesign released its new body kit for the Audi A8 called the D2.
The new kit includes a new front grille, front bumper fitted with LED daytime running lights, new "Turbo-Style” side sills and a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust cutters. In order to complete the body kit a new set of 20 inch alloy wheels were added. Price of the kit: $2856.
