The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the opposition. The latest version of their iconic sedan, the 2011 Audi A8 demonstrates technological prowess that will shame other vehicles, with LED headlights, touch-pad multimedia controller, dual rear 10.2-inch headrest-mounted displays, night vision and more.
The new Audi A8 will come in two flavors, the shorter of which–dubbed ‘Normal Wheel Base (NWB)’ and the long wheelbase will be revealed next year. The new Audi A8 is a four door five passenger sedan that is available in two trims levels, the 4.2 and the Audi A8L. The Audi A8 comes in two trims, they are both equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 310-horsepower engine with a est. gas mileage of 17 in the city and 25 on the highway. Both also come with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
While the exterior is more conservative than we hoped for, the interior should be a triumph of luxury, precision, and detailing. To that end, a touchpad similar to a laptop computer’s that can recognize a user’s handwriting is one of several expected innovations. Subtle lighting and rich wood/metal combinations should make this the most tastefully executed luxo-cruiser south of a Bentley.
Targeting the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series, the Audi A8 envisions itself as a level above the Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS, due in part to its positioning as a “driver’s car”. The NWB version of the 2011 A8 will focus on sport driving behavior, while the LWB – long wheelbase – version will emphasize comfort and prestige while balancing sportiness.
Audi plans to sell at least 6,000 units of the new Audi A8 annually, topping the figures of the previous model. That reflects Audi’s target customer for the A8: the typical buyer will have a median income of about $500,000 annually, aged around 58 years old.