Audi A8 Gets Refreshed with Blunter Design and Upgraded Engines

After weeks of teasing, AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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has finally revealed the refreshed A8Audi A8 Gen.3Germany, 2010 > present48 versions
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that it hopes will push the status quo of automotive technology and take on the all-new W222 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class 6Germany, 2014 > present39 versions
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. The upgraded A8 gets upgraded engines, new technology and the active matrix LED headlights, which Audi believes revolutionize automotive lighting.

For the refresh Audi has taken another pass at the front and rear of the car and added five new exterior colors. Dimensionally, the normal wheelbase A8 is unchanged from the pre-facelift model, but the long wheelbase gains 13cm in length and wheelbase.

In front, the A8 gets a new hood with ridges on either side, a new single frame grill that no longer extends to the bottom of the car and flatter headlights. It gives the front a much blunter appearance. All V8 models get full LED headlights and the active matrix LED lights are a further option.

The active matrix headlights split the LEDs into sections that can be operated independently. If another vehicle is coming, it turns off the lights shining directly at the oncoming car. It also uses navigation data to know when to turn the headlights, and it uses data from the night vision camera to scan for pedestrians.

At the back, the A8 has a new trunk layout with a lower load point. The LED taillights have also been reshaped to be flatter, and the lower bumper holds two rhomboid exhaust pipes, except on the S8. The only changes to the side of the car are new chrome strips and high gloss black window frames. The changes also give the rear a blunter appearance that gives the entire car a much more squared off stance from the pre-facelift model.

Audi has upgrades for nearly all of the engines in the A8’s lineup. The 3.0TFSI now has 306hp (310ps); the 4.0 TFSI has 429hp (435ps); the 3.0 TDI has 255hp (258ps); and the 4.2 TDI has 380hp (385ps). The 4.0 TFSI and 6.3 W12 now offer cylinder deactivation that turn off half of their cylinders under low load to improve fuel economy. Audi says that it has also reduced friction in all of its engines to improve fuel consumption and emissions.

All engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The standard car comes with adaptive dampers, but an adaptive air suspension is also an option. Carbon fiber ceramic brake discs are optional on V8 models and the A8L W12.

For the interior of the refreshed A8, Audi has added extra sound deadening and upgraded the car’s technology.  There are new coverings for the seats, trims and colors.

The refreshed A8 is the first Audi to get a new generation of the Pre Sense safety system and side assist. It adds active lane assist, which actively steers the wheel for drivers to keep them in their lane.  The parking assist has 360 degrees of cameras to steer the car automatically into a space. Audi has also added a heads up display, and the night vision camera has been upgraded to recognize larger animals.

The car has optional ventilated and massaging seats in the front and electrically adjustable rear seats. The A8L has an optional completely leather covered center console, relaxation seats with power footrests, four-zone automatic climate control and power closing cooler.

Other interior options include an Internet connection, which also adds online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news, Bang & Olufsen upgraded stereo and rear seat entertainment system with DVD player.

The refreshed A8 will go on sale in Germany in November for a base price of €74,500.