New Audi A8 unveiled on Monday

RedorDead

New Audi A8 is being unveiled on Monday. It will be a big departure from the previous car. Wont sell too well here as that kind of car is well and truly dead in Ireland at the minute.

Teaser here:

Spyshots here

Mr.David

Zzzzzzzz.......:rolleyes:

It will look the same as every other Audi saloon. They take the A4 in CAD world and multiply all dimensions by 1.5.....et voila the new A8.

Of course it will have some more toys that everyone likes but no-one really needs and it will be quieter, quicker and more economical.

Only question of interest is will Audi have managed to sort the ride & handling balance properly this time?

Runs far far away from all the Audi boardsies....

unkel

LOL

I'd normally agree that traditionally the A4/A6/A8 look very similar, but I have to admit those spy shots look very promising. Let's wait till Monday until we comment

Zonda999

That last spy shot there looks very promising indeed, looks like an elongated A4 which is no bad thing IMO, should be a lot sleeker than the current model if thats the case, wonder what the emissions will be like though, if there not good we wont be seeing any of them in this country for a good bit yet:)

-Chris-

Mr.David wrote: »

Runs far far away from all the Audi boardsies....

Banned!!! :eek::D

AugustusMaximus

Zonda999 wrote: »

That last spy shot there looks very promising indeed, looks like an elongated A4 which is no bad thing IMO, should be a lot sleeker than the current model if thats the case, wonder what the emissions will be like though, if there not good we wont be seeing any of them in this country for a good bit yet:)

I find the current model is very nice. Far more elegant that the S class or 7 series which are both very ugly.

AugustusMaximus

I'd say this won't be far off the mark.



A far better looking car than the new 7 series anyways.

Big Nasty

AugustusMaximus wrote: »

I'd say this won't be far off the mark.

A far better looking car than the new 7 series anyways.

Agreed but it has lost some of its presence.

Gimme the D2 any day!

VolvoMan

It seems like only yesterday that the outgoing generation was launched.

Manufacturers should really stop replacing cars that don't need to be replaced and maybe they wouldn't be in as much a mess as they're in.

Twenty-year model cycles FTW!:D

Zonda999

AugustusMaximus wrote: »

I find the current model is very nice. Far more elegant that the S class or 7 series which are both very ugly.

Dont get me wrong, i very much like the current model too, i think the S8 in particular is a gorgeous looking car but if they go in the direction of the image you posted i'll like the new one too:)

AugustusMaximus

Zonda999 wrote: »

Dont get me wrong, i very much like the current model too, i think the S8 in particular is a gorgeous looking car but if they go in the direction of the image you posted i'll like the new one too:)

I like the direction too.

I just hope that the rear is different to the direction being taken with the new A4 and facelifted A6.

Audi have seemed to have gone for a narrow rear lights cluster which IMO, only seems to suit the A5. It certainly doesn't suit the facelifted A6 which looks far better with the old square rear lights.

If that render is accurate, I wonder how the fog lamps will be slotted into the two side grills.

Zonda999

AugustusMaximus wrote: »

I like the direction too.

I just hope that the rear is different to the direction being taken with the new A4 and facelifted A6.

Audi have seemed to have gone for a narrow rear lights cluster which IMO, only seems to suit the A5. It certainly doesn't suit the facelifted A6 which looks far better with the old square rear lights.

If that render is accurate, I wonder how the fog lamps will be slotted into the two side grills.

Aye aye, or else the A4, A5 sportback, A6 and A8 would all look pretty much identical from the back.

Interesting that they might go for a more sporty looking A8 considering there is supposedly an A7 on the way at some stage too

AugustusMaximus

Zonda999 wrote: »

Aye aye, or else the A4, A5 sportback, A6 and A8 would all look pretty much identical from the back.

Interesting that they might go for a more sporty looking A8 considering there is supposedly an A7 on the way at some stage too

I doubt the A7 is going to be too much different from the new A8, at least from the front anyways.

Guy:Incognito

I like the colour.......

Mr Benevolent

I don't think anyone cares about the A8, wrong time for the release of a high end executive saloon. And with Audi replacing BMW as the 'w*nker's car of choice' image it's beginning to look dodgy. Still, the Irish Audi market was never world beating to start with. Nice car though.

unkel

Confab wrote: »

I don't think anyone cares about the A8, wrong time for the release of a high end executive saloon.

Bah humbug!

I care about high end executive saloons, and I can only ever afford to own one when they've depreciated right down to the price of a new moped

voteforpedro

[/quote]

this angle looks UBER COOL ZU me!!! lowrider or what:D

voteforpedro

unkel wrote: »

Bah humbug!

I care about high end executive saloons, and I can only ever afford to own one when they've depreciated right down to the price of a new moped

+1

UNKEL will you be my new bestfriend?:D

Voodoomelon

There's never a good time or bad time to launch these cars, people who can afford them new (and can also afford to loose 30-40k in one year) will more than likely be unaffected by recession.
And there's always a market for the A8. Its strong point is its understated, unassuming looks. Its for people who don't want to follow the crowd and get an S-class, or people who don't like the bland look of the new 7 series, all the while resisting the urge to splash out on a frowned upon Range Rover.

It will probably sell as well as it ever could.

AugustusMaximus

Voodoomelon wrote: »

There's never a good time or bad time to launch these cars, people who can afford them new (and can also afford to loose 30-40k in one year) will more than likely be unaffected by recession.
And there's always a market for the A8. Its strong point is its understated, unassuming looks. Its for people who don't want to follow the crowd and get an S-class, or people who don't like the bland look of the new 7 series, all the while resisting the urge to splash out on a frowned upon Range Rover.

It will probably sell as well as it ever could.

I'd say better considering the styling of the new 7 series.

mickdw

Cant see them fitting the same shape led patern as the A4 to the front headlights. Something much fresher than that now required for a new A8.

Voodoomelon

If the trailer in the first post is anything to go by, it will have the LEDs.

bazzachazza

Voodoomelon wrote: »

If the trailer in the first post is anything to go by, it will have the LEDs.

He was talking about the shape of them.;)

Zonda999

Was looking forward to turnin on my pc to see this car, only to find its not now being unveiled 'til tomorrow morning says here.

The all-new Audi A8 won't be on display, as it is being unveiled in Miami tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

unkel

Zonda999 wrote: »

Was looking forward to turnin on my pc to see this car, only to find its not now being unveiled 'til tomorrow morning says here..

Linky no worky...

Zonda999

All fixed!:)



Btw, this spy pic shows just how big a car it will be..

ninty9er

Wonder if it'll be available in the spy paint job?

AugustusMaximus

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011-audi-a8-live-from-miami-1/#3

Similar but not as chisseled as the render I had one page 1. IMO, its not great and they've gone for the ubiquitous Audi rear.

Mr.David

The interior looks swish, but the exterior styling is a bit predictable. Surely even the most die hard Audi fans here can only get mildly excited about it?

RedorDead

I think its a lot more chisseled than the outgoing car. Very broad shoulders. Loving the new lights and the interior. New chrome single frame grille as well in slightly hexagonal design. Very nice evolution.

Matt Simis

Mr.David wrote: »

The interior looks swish, but the exterior styling is a bit predictable. Surely even the most die hard Audi fans here can only get mildly excited about it?

I agree. Needs wider wheels and a much better colour. The flat silver look is a poor choice for the launch car.

unkel

That's disappointing. Never been a fan of the big gaping open mouth front look and the potential for the rear as per the spy pics isn't coming out. Interior does look great though.

Matt Simis

unkel wrote: »

That's disappointing. Never been a fan of the big gaping open mouth front look and the potential for the rear as per the spy pics isn't coming out. Interior does look great though.

Yeah, personally I think the D3 is the best looking, chunky but composed:


Put the LED lights on a D3 and you could confuse someone over which is the new one.

Now with Aero kit:
:pac:

NewApproach

Interior is nice, the exterior is pretty boring imo

Biro

I like the understated looks of the A8. Maybe boring, but you get away with driving one anonymously quicker than you would in a 7 or S. Did they kill off the V8 Diesel? They were going to, which is a pity. The 4.2 V8 TDi was a decent unit, around 325bhp and 0-60 in 5.9!

mickdw

I dont like it at all. Why does the dash have to have a bmw look? The interior in good though in general.
Its very awkward looking outside. Id be happy enough now with the old model for a few years.

agent_smith

I have to say, I prefer the audi look to the BMW (chris bangle) look anyway. The new 7 series is not to my liking. Having said that, I think the new 5 series is stunning.

I wonder what drive options Audi will be bringing to Ireland with the new 8. Will we get a 2.0tdi from the golf in a front wheel drive config!!!!!

Mr.David

agent_smith wrote: »

I have to say, I prefer the audi look to the BMW (chris bangle) look anyway. The new 7 series is not to my liking. Having said that, I think the new 5 series is stunning.

I wonder what drive options Audi will be bringing to Ireland with the new 8. Will we get a 2.0tdi from the golf in a front wheel drive config!!!!!

New XJ all the way....;)

Never mind the 2.0tdi I want the 1.9tdi manual. :cool:

SomeDude

It looks welll, but the design is very very predictable. Looks more like a facelift than a new model. Ingolstadt played it very safe on this one. The real advances seem to have been to the interior and engines.

Matt Simis

Biro wrote: »

I like the understated looks of the A8. Maybe boring, but you get away with driving one anonymously quicker than you would in a 7 or S. Did they kill off the V8 Diesel? They were going to, which is a pity. The 4.2 V8 TDi was a decent unit, around 325bhp and 0-60 in 5.9!

Its still there according to PH:
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=21124

There'll be two engines available when the car is launched next spring - a 372hp 4.2-litre petrol V8 and a 350hp 4.2-litre TDi. A 250hp 3-litre diesel will follow later next year, and according to various reports a turbocharged V8 powered S8 will follow. (The current S8 has Lamborghini V10 power.)


All A8s will get an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Quattro four wheel drive.

VolvoMan

It looks so dull it's offensive.

-Chris-

I'm reserving judgement until I see it in the flesh - I've seen some very misleading photos recently...

Only last night my wife saw the new Toyota ad (the one where they're ripping the "cover" off to reveal a different model underneath) and she commented that they actually looked like very nice cars.... :eek:
They can do anything with CGI nowadays

agent_smith

They can do anything with CGI nowadays

Totally. Have you seen the adverts for the new forza motorsport 3 game on xbox... I swear to god, when i saw the ad I thought it was an ad for the audi r8......

Matt Simis

agent_smith wrote: »

Totally. Have you seen the adverts for the new forza motorsport 3 game on xbox... I swear to god, when i saw the ad I thought it was an ad for the audi r8......

They also let you drive it "for free" when you start the game, "your introduction to high performance motoring". Even the interior looks the part (only weeners race from behind top view). Lots of Audi sponsorship on that game (box, manual, artwork, website, ingame etc).

robbie99

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PdzqJxWFxo

SomeDude

zzzzzzzz....wakes up sees big A4...zzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

_Kaiser_

Must be just me then cause I love it.

Not sure about the rear lights though - indicators look like they'd be very hard to see if the rest were on.

rabbitinlights

Big disapointment......

I'll take the current model please....

Padraig Mor

Just had a look at the new A8 brochure (link). Gotta say its economy is really impressive.

4.2 FSI V8 370 bhp: CO2 219; 30 mpg
4.2 TDI V8 350 bhp: CO2 199; 37 mpg

In a car weighing the bones of 2 tonnes :eek:.

Tea 1000

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Just had a look at the new A8 brochure (link). Gotta say its economy is really impressive.

4.2 FSI V8 370 bhp: CO2 219; 30 mpg
4.2 TDI V8 350 bhp: CO2 199; 37 mpg

In a car weighing the bones of 2 tonnes :eek:.

The diesel is quicker to 60 than the petrol - 0-62 in 5.5 seconds at 2 tonnes is impressive! 800NM of torque is fairly astonishing!

R.O.R

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Just had a look at the new A8 brochure (link). Gotta say its economy is really impressive.

4.2 FSI V8 370 bhp: CO2 219; 30 mpg
4.2 TDI V8 350 bhp: CO2 199; 37 mpg

In a car weighing the bones of 2 tonnes :eek:.

I was surprised that it's merely €1,050 to tax the diesel.

Saw the new model in the flesh last night, but didn't get to have a good nosy around it. Struck me as a little bland compared to previous models, but it was a bit dark to form a full opinion.