For Audi, the Frankfurt Motor Show was not only about performance cars, but also about fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Next to the three S models released, the company’s stand also included the luxury A8 hybrid sedan. The new hybrid sedan will go on sale in 2012 and combines a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor for a total output of 245 HP and an impressive fuel economy of 36.75 US mpg.
The new Audi A8 Hybrid is one of the few large hybrids on the market, but unlike its biggest competitor - the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - the A8 features a much more elegant design. And thanks to its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body made entirely of aluminum, the A8 will also be lighter.
The Audi A8 Hybrid will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.
Hit the jump to read more about the Audi A8 Hybrid.
Full story
Audi has announced the addition of the new A8 L W12 model to the current A8 line-up. The new model is powered by a brand new engine that replaces the 4.2-liter V8. Along with the new engine, the A8 L W12 comes with enhanced interior options and standard Audi connect online car services. It is priced at $133,500.
Pushing the 4.2L V8 out of the way is the new 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 500 HP and a peak torque of 463 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in a time of 4.4 seconds.
The Audi A8 L W12 will be equipped with the highest level of
luxury available in the luxury segment, all standard for the vehicle. These features include 22-way comfort seats in Valcona leather seating surfaces with ventilation and massage functions for all four seats, an Alcantara headliner, 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, a panorama sunroof, rear seat entertainment, and Audi connect with Google Earth.
A lot of people might not feel the need to own a luxury car that effectively has the skeleton of a high-grade military car, but for those few that depend on these cars to help protect them from outside threats, then we present to you Audi’s new high-powered, armored-to-the-hilt, luxury car, the 2011 A8 L Security.
At first glance, the A8 L Security looks exactly like the standard A8, but nothing about this car can be described as ’standard’. It’s got enough safety and security features to make anyone think it’s a fortress on wheels. According to Audi, the A8 L Security complies with the strictest standards of ballistic protection, capable of withstanding some pretty hellacious explosions.
Naturally speaking, Audi takes great lengths to ensure that the building of this car remains as low-key and secretive as possible. The armored car is built in Audi’s plant in Neckarsulm, Germany which is so private that even cell phones are prohibited inside to ensure that all of Audi’s trade secrets remain in-house.
Details on the Audi A8 L Security after the jump.
Full story
The luxury sedan segment is cluttered with numerous offerings spanning many different countries. Germany is the pack leader with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and the Audi A8, while Japan counters with the Lexus LS460. Jaguar delivers with the new XJ, which is combination of elegant lines and old world grace, while American company, Cadillac, offers up the Stone Age DTS.
Each and every one of these machines has a purpose that is executed with precision and, for the most part, excellence. The new BMW 7-Series is fairly good at being a technology laden sports sedan, while the Lexus LS is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Yet, after a week in the new 2011 Audi A8, it has become clear that there is a new benchmark for the luxury sedan.
For years it was left behind by its German competitors, but now, the new world has caught up with the old world and for once, Mercedes-Benz and BMW will need to do some serious catching up in order to compete with this new A8. The “third” German car company has just taken the lead.
More details on the Audi A8 after the jump. Full story
The Geneva Motor Show is now in the rear-view mirror, which means that the spotlight has now turned to the New York Auto Show this coming April, and if there’s one thing that we can all look forward to in New York, it’s that it will be the site of the 2011 World Car of the Year awards.
All in all, 39 vehicles were included in the initial entry list comprising of new cars from all over the world. From these 39 cars, the list was whittled down to ten finalists with the top three contenders from these 10 cars receiving the final nominations for the 2011 World Car of the Year title.
The cars that are subject for nomination are selected and voted on by an international jury panel consisting of 66 automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each member of the panel has been appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the merits of their experience, credibility, and influence within the auto industry in their respective countries and, to an extent, in the region.
Eligibility for the World Car award is important in determining which cars can be nominated for the awards. This year, all candidates for the awards must become available for sale on at least two continents from January 1, 2010 to May 30, 2011.
Apart from the World Car of the Year title, other awards that will be announced at the New York Auto Show include the World Performance Car of the Year, the World Green Car of the Year, and the World Car Design of the Year.
Check out all the nominated cars for each of the categories after the jump.
Full story
