2008 Audi A8
Flagship gets mild makeover for coming year
Posted By AutoWeek
Don’t look for Audi’s largest sedan to revolutionize the segment when the 2008 models appear. Instead, expect it to take an already strong package and work the details.
Audi wants to give its big sedan a more precise driving feel, a better ride and better sound. Because Audi is a market leader in design and style, expect subtle changes inside and out.
Audi engineers have enhanced the A8’s rack-and-pinion steering by including a variable steering ratio; its speed-dependent power assistance has been weighted for a more direct feel.
The car’s shocks, supports and adaptive air suspension have been tuned for a quicker response to steering. Its straight-line tracking at speed also has benefited from these changes.
The new A8 uses lightweight materials for noise insulation, and Audi boasts that it achieves the lowest rolling, road and ambient noise levels in its class.
Audi engineers also have included a lane-change warning system that lets a driver know of a potentially dangerous situation. For instance, when another vehicle is hidden in the area—such as in a driver’s blind spot—a yellow LED on the exterior mirror housing lights up. If the driver activates the turn indicator while the offending car is still there, the LED becomes brighter and flashes more quickly at shorter intervals, making it virtually impossible to miss.
But wait, there’s more warning: Audi lane assist warns a driver of an unintentional departure from the lane. A small camera positioned above the interior mirror on the windscreen observes the road ahead of the car; a high-speed computer detects the lane marking lines. If the driver moves toward one of these lines without indicating, Audi lane assist vibrates the steering wheel. All without putting a quarter in the slot!
On the outside, the design has several noticeable changes: a modified single-frame grille, new exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, new wheel designs and LED taillights. To top off the changes, the A8 is available with new colors and brightwork.
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Print | posted on Tuesday, September 04, 2007 10:36 AM