What's the news?
Audi has given its flagship saloon, the A8, an extensive update, which is set to be seen in the metal for the first time at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Not only does the car receive a whole new front-end design that is 'more expressive', and includes LED headlights becoming standard fitment, the big saloon also benefits from a raft of new engines that offer increases in both performance and efficiency.
Exterior
Despite not being an entirely new car, the A8 does see some significant changes, particularly to the front end. The bonnet, grille and front bumper are all redesigned while the lower edge of the headlights is now straight.
LED headlights will be a standard feature in some markets while Audi will also offer its new Matrix LED technology on the A8. This new approach to headlight design includes a high beam that is comprised of 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit that can all be either switched on and off or simply dimmed on an individual basis depending on the specific situation.
The overall dimensions of the car remain unchanged, the same for the A8L, which is 13 centimetres longer than the standard car. At the rear, a redesigned boot is claimed to make for even easier loading.
Interior
The inclusion of even higher levels of noise suppression should make the interior of the A8 an even more serene place in which to spend time. Buyers can choose to have front seats that include heating, ventilation and massage functions while the rear occupants can opt to have individual seats that are electrically adjustable in as many ways as a seat in first class on an airplane - there will even be the option of a power footrest.
Other luxury features that will be made available on the new A8 include a cooler (for your champagne), four-zone automatic air conditioning and power-assisted door closing. Naturally, a vast array of high-quality materials will be offered, but should even these not quite match your requirements, Audi does offer an individualisation service (at a price) that can create exactly what you want inside and out.
Mechanicals
Audi will offer a variety of engines with the updated A8. On the petrol side of things, a 3.0-litre TFSI unit producing 310hp and a 4.0-litre TFSI V8 producing 435hp will be offered while the most popular diesel engine is likely to be the 3.0-litre TDI unit, which uses a quoted 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Also being offered will be an 850Nm 4.2-litre TDI engine.
This engine range will be bookended by a 6.3-litre W12 engine for the A8L, which generates an 'adequate' 500hp and claims to offer best in class fuel consumption of 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres, helped by Audi's COD (cylinder on demand) technology, enabling the engine to shut down half of its cylinders at low load. At the other end of the scale, Audi has also developed a 2.0-litre TFSI hybrid A8 that still puts out 245hp and 480Nm.
All engines will come with the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission as standard, which is paired with Audi's permanent all-wheel drive quattro system. The S8 and A8 4.2 TDI will be available with the sport differential, which helps give a more dynamic feel. Carbon fibre ceramic brakes will also be available as an option on all V8 models as well as on the A8L W12.
Anything else?
As the Audi A8 is the top of the saloon range, it also offers a vast array of technology on board in the form of optional assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control incorporates a Stop&Go function that takes some of the stress of driving in traffic away. Active Lane Assist can make small steering adjustments if needed, and when it comes to parking the Park Assist System can use the 360-degree display to guide the car into a parking space for you. The new A8 will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is expected to arrive in dealerships in January 2014.