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If you were ever wondering what an actuall Audi R8 sports sedan would look like, sorry to say, you're out of luck. However, if by any twisted chance you're interested in finding out what would happen if a first-generation A8 and R8 got naughty in bed, scroll down and check out the rest of the photos. According to the forum members of the Audizine site, the R8-wannabe sports sedan was snagged outside Hooters (now, why aren't we surprised...) in Montreal, Canada.
When Hyundai launched the i30 small car on the Australian market, it marked the end of not only the Excel/Accent lineage down under but also the end of the automatic T-shifter. The Accent, a subcompact design available in either a four door sedan or five door hatchback body style, was the last car sold here to feature the venerable (if archaic) T-shaped automatic gear stick.
The T-shifter was born in the 1960s, as American automakers moved away from the steering column mounted automatic and towards a system that reduced complexity and design differentiation between its automatic and manual models. As the ‘80s moved into the ‘90s, automakers - for whatever reason - moved away from the T-shift and toward the semi-ubiquitous, upright “drumstick” shifter.
It seems that the T-shifter is back, at least for one car. The new Audi A8’s ergonomically friendly, chunky automatic gear shift has that distinct T-shaped that many of knew and loved from the pre-‘90s. Some bloggers believe that the automotive behemoth’s unique choice of shifter will influence other carmakers to return to the classic T. Personally, I’m not convinced. Feel free to leave your comments below if you disagree, or have some fond T-shifter memories to share.
With its new commercial for the 2011 A8, Audi of America is opening a fresh chapter in the advertisement wars. Taking inspiration from the 1947 children’s book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, the ad portrays S-Class owners as gluttonous people with an excessive lifestyle, representing the age of “old luxury”. The 60 second clip is said to be a prelude to the upcoming Super Bowl TV spot, set to air in the first break on Super Bowl Sunday, February 6, 2011. Hit the jump to watch the video.
As you may have guessed, this year's edition of the Super Bowl football extravaganza will be jam-packed with automotive advertisements. Following the 2012 VW Passat and Beetle TV spots we showed you earlier today, we now bring you two teaser commercials from Audi, both centered around the 'Goodbye to Old Luxury' campaign for the new A8 limo. Click past the jump to watch for yourself.
As any self-respecting luxury car manufacturer, Audi is also offering its customers BRVs or Bullet Resistant Vehicles, with the latest such model being the W12-powered 2011 A8 L Security. Set to go on sale in late summer, this...panzer on wheels will also be available with another, as of yet unspecified powerplant, starting from 2012.
To the untrained eye, the 5.27 meters (208 inches) long sedan is almost identical to the standard A8, but looks are definitely deceiving as the Security is said to comply with the strictest standards in ballistic protection and can even withstand an explosion and still offer adequate protection for its passengers.
The armored sedan is built in roughly 450 hours in a special facility at the Neckarsulm plant in Germany, where the use of cell phones is prohibited in order to prevent any technology leaks.
At the heart of the A8 L Security is the Audi Space Frame (ASF) aluminum body, which holds a safety cell built using extremely tough materials, such as hot-formed armored steel, aramide fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminum and multilayer glass. Many of these overlap at the joints for added protection. The safety cell alone weighs 720 kg (1,587 pounds), but engineers didn’t stop there.
The side sills have also been reinforced, complemented by the armored floor, 300 kilograms (661 lbs) of special glass with polycarbonate coating and strengthened doors that weigh an additional 360 kg (794 lbs).
In case of an attack, the optional emergency exit system, built-in fire extinguisher system and smoke extractor can provide additional protection.
The A8 L Security is powered by a 6.3-liter W12 engine, which churns out 500HP and 625 Nm (461 lb-ft) of peak torque. Despite the added weight, the direct-injected naturally aspirated unit is capable of propelling the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a very respectable 7.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h (131 mph). Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and the company’s trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
With its projected average consumption of 13.5 lt/100 km (17.4 US mpg), the armored luxo-barge needs 3 liters of gasoline less than then the previous 450HP model. Furthermore, the second engine is said to further reduce consumption to 10-11 lt/100 km (23.5-21.4 US mpg), which could point to a diesel powerplant.
To better cope with the extra weight, the chassis, brakes and electronic control systems have been revised, while the 19-inch forged wheels are shod in high load index tires that allow the vehicle to continue traveling at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) even if tire pressure is lost.
Inside, the A8 L Security offers the same levels of quality and comfort as any 2011 Audi A8 and can be equipped with a bevy of high-tech optional features, ranging from the state-of-the-art Bose sound system to the fast UMTS Internet connection module.
This means that unless Audi has another surprise up its sleeves, the four-door coupe derivative of the A5 is most probably the new model that the maker said its preparing to unveil during the celebrative festivities for the firm's 100th anniversary in Germany on July 16.
The A5 Sportback is in essence the production version of the sleek-looking Sportback Concept that was first shown in Detroit in the beginning of the year. Expect to see a familiar Audi engine lineup, including the latest 2.0-liter TSI with 211HP, the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 290HP and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel cranking out 240HP.
"The A4 has attracted the largest share of customers loyal to the Audi brand. And a great number of them want to move further upward while carving out their own unique identity," said Stadler.
"The A5 Sportback is precisely what they're looking for. This vehicle will pose a genuine innovation in the B segment: a revolutionary vehicle concept offering the ideal blend of functionality and aesthetics"
As for the brand new A8 sedan (see the spy shots here), Stadler said claimed that it will be the sportiest model in its segment and that it will redefine people's notions of a luxury car's interior.
"We will also be presenting the next-generation Audi A8 and rest assured, Ladies and Gentlemen, it's going to be a sensation. The A8 remains Audi's flagship: it embodies our understanding of the word "premium"," Stadler told Audi's shareholders.
"The A8 will be the sportiest luxury sedan in its class – and set new standards with regard to interiors. Its precision and build quality are second to none. This model naturally means a great deal to us, because it played a greater role than any other car in the rise of the Audi brand. And we will unveil it to the world in a remarkable fashion in late November."
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
Underneath the current model's sheetmetal, the test mule hides an upgraded platform that uses more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium components in order to save weight and improve dynamics. The same architecture will most likely be used in future generation Bentley models.
Audi's new BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class adversary will be offered with a revised engine lineup that will include the S4 / S5's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 delivering an output of around 290HP in the A8. Buyers will also be offered naturally aspirated V6 and V8 petrol engines along with the usual range of 'oil burners'. It is rumored, but not confirmed, that the German firm may drop the range topping 6.0-liter W12 as well as the 5.2-liter V10 unit in the S8.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
Furthermore, the center console, doors and lower dashboard are trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Depending on the engine version (how typically German...), the Sport Plus style package for the A8 costs between €2,100 and €9,600. The equipment package also includes heating for the front and rear seats, and front seats with seat ventilation and massage function plus "adaptive light" system with LED daytime running lights. Price for the Comfort Plus style package costs between € 4,200 and €14,500, depending again on the engine version. source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
For those that prefer more luxurious appointments, there's the Comfort Plus package. Finished in Night Blue, pearl effect and fitted with 12-spoke, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, the A8 Comfort Plus gets seats upholstered in silk beige Valcona leather while full-leather trim for the center console, doors and dashboard is in silk beige Fine Nappa leather.
Furthermore, the center console, doors and lower dashboard are trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Depending on the engine version (how typically German...), the Sport Plus style package for the A8 costs between €2,100 and €9,600. The equipment package also includes heating for the front and rear seats, and front seats with seat ventilation and massage function plus "adaptive light" system with LED daytime running lights. Price for the Comfort Plus style package costs between € 4,200 and €14,500, depending again on the engine version.
For those that prefer more luxurious appointments, there's the Comfort Plus package. Finished in Night Blue, pearl effect and fitted with 12-spoke, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, the A8 Comfort Plus gets seats upholstered in silk beige Valcona leather while full-leather trim for the center console, doors and dashboard is in silk beige Fine Nappa leather.
