MIAMI — Audi has pulled the wraps off the 2011 A8 sedan, a year ahead of the fourth-generation car's U.S. launch. Audi is only showing the standard-wheelbase edition; the long-wheelbase A8 will be revealed next year.
Audi said the A8 NWB (for normal wheelbase) is being positioned as "more of a driver's car, with sportiness and driving dynamics in focus," while the A8 LWB "will balance prestige, sportiness and comfort."
The 2011 A8 NWB is nearly 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that is nearly 2 inches longer.
Audi elected to show only the initial A8 NWB V8, although it said "other models will follow to create a full A8 model line, including performance, prestige and alternative-fuel variants."
The A8 NWB V8 is powered by a 4.2-liter FSI V8 that makes 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Audi says the car will sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.7 seconds and is expected to deliver 15 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. All-wheel drive is standard, and a sport differential is optional.
The new model features driver-selectable settings for suspension, steering, throttle, transmission and cornering lights. Among the available driver-assistance technologies are adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, night vision with infrared thermal imaging and pedestrian detection, lane- and side-assist technology and automatic emergency braking.
The 2011 A8 also has a standard Bose surround-sound audio system, as well as an optional Bang & Olufsen advanced system with 1,400 watts and 19 speakers.
Inside Line says: Prices won't be announced until next fall, just before the car goes on sale. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
zatmeen says:
07:43 PM, 12/01/2009
I've been impatiently waiting for this moment for over a year. I have a beautiful and well-equipped 2008 A8L and the initial appearance of this new model doesn't inspire me to race to the dealer and put down a deposit. That's what I was hoping for. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer to see it in person and drive it. I'm sure the technology and performance will be improved, but will it justify the difference in cash to trade (considering the substantial depreciation these cars suffer) if it doesn't make me turn around to look at it as I walk away after parking it?
zoolander1 says:
02:23 PM, 12/01/2009
There is a few things I don't like about this car from looking at the pictures.
1. The car appears narrow; not good for a premium full size sedan.
2. From the side it looks like it overhangs A LOT, especially the front end.
3. On these photographs it appears not to have a moonroof, so I'm guessing it will at an extra expense. Are you kidding me?
4. Yes, it borrows looks from the highly acclaimed new A4, which I own, but for some reason this one looks less sexy.
5. I have to see it in person, I hope it surprizes me.
wisecarshopper says:
10:47 AM, 12/01/2009
Great design!
konger says:
08:38 AM, 12/01/2009
If the car is not available till fall 2010, why does the Audi website say "A totally new assistance system also profits from the camera - the speed limit indicator, to follow in mid-2010. It detects speed limit signs along the side of the road and presents them as graphics in the instrument cluster display"?
wood930 says:
08:36 AM, 12/01/2009
I don't care for the exterior, actually prefer outgoing model's lines. Agree with previous comments, looks to much like A4/A6. Think the new XJ looks much better
frank908 says:
05:21 AM, 12/01/2009
NO WAY! I'm sorry, call me cynical, I don't care, BUT the new A8 looks like an A4 at 10/10ths scale.
Audi sedans are extrememly hard to distinguish from one model to the next at casual glance. Sometimes, at examined glance they are hard to distinguish.
Not to say it isn't a good looking car, but let's give some of it's own personality at least.
says:
12:04 AM, 12/01/2009
If the gear lever for automatic is so huge, that's one more reason to prefer manual... :)
zrated says:
07:21 PM, 11/30/2009
The new A8 has raised the bar on 'Beautiful interiors'. The detailing speaks for itself..
says:
05:32 PM, 11/30/2009
Breathtakingly Beautiful.