Frankfurt 2013: 2014 Audi A8

The newly refreshed Audi A8 has made its global premier along with the Audi S8 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The flagship model has undergone substantial changes with lightweight construction, an improved and more powerful engine lineup, upgraded assistance systems and the Matrix LED headlights. The A8 will go on sale in January 2014.

2014 Audi

One of the key concepts behind the A8 is its lightweight construction thanks to the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, which makes it up to 40 per cent lighter than a comparable steel construction. The ASF construction also helps reduce weight in many other areas, from the brakes to the fuel tank. The bonnet, single-frame grille, front bumper, rear bumper and lamp assemblies too are refined further. The revised A8  will be offered in two wheelbase lengths and with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The headlights also get optional Matrix LED technology. In this, the high-beam unit is made up of 25 individual LEDs. These work in combination with lenses and reflectors connected in series, which are activated and deactivated or dimmed individually according to the situation. This enables the system to react precisely to other cars, using a camera, while keeping the road well illuminated. Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering light, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic turn signals. When linked with an optional navigation system, the Matrix technology adapts to corners, hills and road classifications. The LED lights at the rear have also become flatter and are connected by a continuous chrome strip.

The petrol engine options with the new A8 include a 3.0-litre V6 that delivers 310PS, a 4.0-litre V8 that delivers 435PS and a 6.3-litre W12 that delivers a mammoth 500PS. The S8 gets an option of a 4.0-litre V8 that churns out a massive 520PS. The diesel oil burners include a 3.0-litre TDI that delivers 258PS and a 4.2-litre TDI that delivers 385PS.

Audi has also added a hybrid mill that combines a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor for a cumulative output of 245PS. Transmission is an 8-speed tiptronic, which can be controlled electronically or with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It is in sync with the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

On the inside, the plush hand-built cockpit now offers plenty of options in new leathers, woods and plastics. Electrically adjustable individual rear seats, four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, the panorama glass roof, convenience key with power door closing assist, privacy windows, an ionizer to improve air quality, optional MMI navigation with touchpad, Audi connect to the car, WLAN hotspot, Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the many driver assistance programmes are part of the A8 package.

Audi A8 spotted on a test run in Mumbai

While no launch date for the Indian market has been announced, it is likely to hit Indian roads in early or mid 2014. We already gave you spy-pics of the new A8 being tested on Mumbai roads which signals that the global launch may coincide with ours.

For more news from 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, click here.