Audi A8: the write stuff

The 2010 Audi A8 has night-vision technology that can detect and single out pedestrians up to 300m away. Photo / Supplied

Audi describes the interior ambience of its new top-drawer A8 as a "wellness lounge for the senses" - a cosy summation of technology it claims breaks new ground in quality, occupant comfort and pleasure.

It launched the third-generation A8 at an art show in Miami this week, before taking the covers off it again across country at the Los Angeles motor show.

It will go on sale in Europe in the New Year and New Zealand next June. "Expect a small price increase," says Audi New Zealand general manager Dane Fisher.

Audi claims the car's stronger all-aluminium space frame and its class-leading 0.26 Cd drag co-efficient - down from 0.31 in the previous model - helps to make the A8 the quietest in class.

Among the new cabin features is a new-generation Multi Media Interface, repositioned for improved ergonomics and offering an optional touch pad that allows drivers to use a finger to "write" letters or symbols for the system to read.

A driver heading from Auckland to Hamilton's Victoria St, for want of a better example, would activate satellite-navigation on the MMI, write "H" for Hamilton on the screen, followed step-by-step by "V" and so on.

The "writing" process can also set up many of the driver-assist programmes, including cruise control, suspension settings and automatic headlights. Audi says the system even recognises Cyrillic, Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Korean characters.

The radar-controlled cruise control system can bring the car to a halt and then accelerate forward again within four seconds, unless the driver intervenes.

All models carry full LED headlights and tail-lights. Also aiding vision are reverse and side cameras, while audible warnings come from Audi's lane assist and side assist devices.

The carmaker will also introduce to the sat-nav system technology that uses three-dimensional satellite images from Google Earth. The system, says Audi, will also allow real-time connection to the internet, in effect turning the A8 into a WLAN hotspot on wheels.

The A8 also gets night vision technology that can detect and single out pedestrians up to 300 metres away. Heading for some markets are sensors that can read and display speed limit signs.

Front seats that "massage" occupants are on the options list, with a "comfort" mode that adjusts every which way - 22 in fact. Airline-style rear seats will later become available in the long-wheelbase models.

Audi says it has improved the efficiency of the automatic climate control system by 20 per cent. A four-zone climate control, seat heating and ventilation, bigger entertainment screens and electric blinds can also be ordered.

Upgraded audio systems include a 1400-watt 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen set-up. There is also an "orchestration of light" in an optional package. It uses two- and three-coloured LEDs to add highlights to the interior, "providing effective illumination and making the centre console seem to float." Colour schemes of ivory, polar and ruby can be selected on the MMI.

The A8 is about 30kg lighter than the outgoing car and sits on a modified version of the company's modular platform that also underpins the A4, A5, Q5 and A7, as well as the next-generation A6.

It is longer and wider than the present A8 but gets a lower "coupe-like roofline" and shorter front and rear overhangs.

The reworked platform, says Audi, allows it to improve weight distribution by moving the mass of the engine, gearbox and steering rack backwards from over the front axle.

A modified version of the latest A4's five-link front axle has been adopted, as well as a revised multi-link rear suspension system from the present A8. All models use a new air suspension system. Front-drive models will be available in some markets.

The quattro all-wheel drive system has been reworked for sharper handling.

The set-up runs a 60:40 rear-wheel bias under normal running, but can automatically send 60 per cent of drive to the front and 80 per cent to the rear if needs be.

Audi says fuel economy and exhaust emissions have improved 13 and 22 per cent across the V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engine range, thanks to direct fuel-injection.

The V6 and V8 units are mated to an all-new eight-speed sequential-shift automatic gearbox with shift-by-wire control, replacing today's six-speed automatic. An A8 hybrid model is expected to be unveiled next year.

The 273kW/445Nm 4.2-litre V8 petrol unit has a town-and-around fuel average of 9.5 litres/100km and a CO2 emissions rating of 219g/km. The 258kW/800Nm 4.2-litre V8 diesel unit achieves 7.6 litres/100km and 199g/km.

Two more diesels will join the international range next year: a 3-litre V6 diesel with stop-start technology delivering 184kW/550Nm and averaging 6.6 litres/100km and 174gr/km, and a special 150kW eco version averaging 6 litres/100km and 159gr/km.

Audi will launch the A8 in New Zealand with the 4.2-litre V8 diesel only.