Hard to believe but it’s already facelift time for the Audi
A8. Audi SA launched the car in Mzansi in August 2010 amid tougher promises
of a harder push to capture BMW 7 Series
and Mercedes-Benz S-Class customers.
The car has done better than its predecessor,
and this upgrade will only serve to
improve things even more when it launches in South Africa during the first
half of 2014 to face the all-new S-Class
and updated Jaguar XJ.
The car is still instantly recognisable as an A8, with
somewhat of a serious, regal look. Differences
are also noticeable on the front grille
where new lines and headlights can be seen, both housed inside a new front
bumper. The bonnet is also new, and so is the rear bumper, its LED lights and exhaust tailpipes which now feature a rhomboid shape. Buyers can choose from 12 different exterior paint colours and up to 21-inch alloy wheels.
The interior is obviously not of the same class as an A3 or
A4, and so to that end we see niceties like 4-zone climate control which means each of the four passengers
potentially have their own air conditioning settings. Fine woods like grain poplar and ash brown can be inserted pretty much wherever the owner likes. Rear
passengers can also be indulged with lovelies like DVD players and reclining seats (on the 13cm longer LWB versions) that have a heating/ cooling functionality.
MMI is of course
part and parcel of the package. This MMI, which controls virtually all the
comforts and infotainment systems within the car, includes a touchpad where
inputs can be made in your own handwriting, including Chinese characters. The car can be turned into a WiFi hotspot where devices like smart
phones, laptops and tablets can connect wirelessly to the internet. In keeping
up with its peers the A8 now features head-up
display (HUD) for the first time, as well as active lane assist which makes slight steering adjustments when
necessary, and the park assist system with 360°
display, which handles steering when parking.
Even more exciting things happen under the bonnet of the new
facelift A8, starting with the A8 Hybrid
that’s fitted with lithium-ion batteries, an electric motor and 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine. Said Hybrid
produces a total system power output of 180kW
and 480Nm of torque, and is claimed
to average 6.3 litres of fuel
consumption per 100km. Then there’s the 3.0-litre
TFSI which punches out 228kW, followed
by the 3.0-litre TDI making 190kW, a 4.0-litre TFSI with 320kW
and the 368kW W12 which keeps its
thirsty, and archaic but wonderfully-performing 6.3-litre W12 (two V6s welded together at a 90 degree angle).
Hopefully Audi SA
will have the new facelift A8 on display at their stand for the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show
(JIMS) in Nasrec.
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