Away from its regular role as a commuter for diplomats and other dignitaries, Audi’s largest sedan has been given the change to venture into super sedan territory since 1994. Available in the United States since 1999, the Audi S8 became a high-powered extension of the Germany premium car brand’s biggest four-door. Success of the first generation model brought forth the second generation S8 in 2006 utilizing the Audi’s quattro drive amongst many performance tweaks for an all-out battle with BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG competitors.

With the base A8 receiving a modernization during the 2011 model year, Audi left observers waiting a year until presenting the third and latest generation of the S8 sedan. Worth the wait, the Audi S8 debuts at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of its upcoming release.

Designed on the refreshed lines of the Audi A8, the S8 sports sedan is shaped with an abundance of aluminum. The look of aluminum is accented within the Audi S8’s front grille, mirrors and along the vehicle’s bumper. Apart from the look of aluminum surfaces, the Audi S8 comes in 13 exterior colour tones including Daytona Gray and Prizm Silver (two colours not available on the A8 model). A diffuser insert is found on the backside of Audi S8 with twin oval exhaust pipes presented on the rear corners. The Audi S8 wears S-line exclusive 20-inch wheels as standard with an optional choice of 21-inch wheel and tire combination available. LED headlights and taillights are equipped on all Audi S8 models are standard.

Driver and passengers in the lavish sports sedan will appreciate the fine leather seating as well as the performance trim pieces including aluminum-look pedals. The Audi S8 is handsomely equipped with many of the A8 sedan’s optional items as well as some S model exclusive touches. A 360 degree parking camera, Audi’s MMI with navigation, adaptive cruise control and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System are all standard S8 equipment.

The heart and soul of the newest Audi S8 is the return to a V-8 engine. Debuting with a 340 horsepower, 4.2 liter V-8 powerplant in the S8‘s first generation, the Audi sedan performance upgrade added a larger, more powerful engine the second generation. Competing in a German battle of high cylinder count with the previous generation BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz S63 rivals, the Audi S8 upgraded from a V-8 to a 5.2 liter V-10 powerplant in the 2006 model year. Propelled by 450 horsepower, the past V-10 variation of the Audi S8 delivered unhindered performance and fair fuel economy through FSI gasoline direct injection rated at almost 18 miles per gallon average by the auto company.

For the third-generation Audi S8, the newly developed V-8 engine features the highest horsepower-per-liter ratio of any incarnation of the German luxury car brand’s top four-door. A 520 horsepower engine using twin-turbochargers, the 4.0 TFSI powerplant of the Audi S8 engine accounts for 130 horsepower per single liter of engine displacement. Pounding out 70 horsepower more than its replacement engine, the 4.0 TFSI also delivers over 479 pounds-feet of torque through the A8’s quattro drivetrain. A high output engine combining the multiple turbochargers with gasoline direct injection for dynamite performance, the Audi S8’s 4.0 TFSI layout contributes to more efficient power creation. Cylinder deactivation and start-stop systems assure the new S8 muscular performance is available at just the right time. For the rest of the driving journey, the Audi S8 sedan accomplishes vastly improved fuel economy compared to its predecessor. Rated in consuming 23 percent less fuel than the 2010 model Audi S8, 4.0 TFSI V-8 engine of the latest S8 moves the 4,354-pound super sedan an average of 23 miles per gallon.

Channelling the 520 horsepower through an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, the Audi S8 supplies the driver with a sensation of sport driving while also respecting luxury car smoothness. The all-wheel drive quattro system is supported by two differentials including the added sport differential added to the rear axle of the S8 for ideal wheel movement. Calibrated specially for the S8, Audi has fitted their adaptive air suspension with variable tuning that can be driver adjusted to an ideal ride quality. When tapping into the performance zenith of the car, the Audi S8 acceleration provides a take-off from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited on the sedan at 155 miles per hour on the Audi S8 sedan.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

The kick-off to the world indoor auto show season, 2011 is the lucky biennial year where automotive enthusiasts get to relish in the spectacle of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Guaranteed already to be a showcase of new ideas in the ever-evolving auto industry, production and concept vehicles are presented in abundance for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show even as more than two weeks separate the exhibit’s grand opening. A motor show of world intrigue, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been wetting the appetites of potential show goers through previews of their Frankfurt Motor Show presentations. An exhibition based in their home country, Volkswagen’s luxury car brand Audi will also be making a strong showing on September 15th.

In preparation for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show, Audi has a history of bringing profound guidance for where they want to take their brand’s image. In the last Frankfurt show in 2009, Audi presented their e-tron concept for the very first time to the public. Since the showing almost two years ago, Audi’s continuing development of e-tron is likely to directly lead to a production-based vehicle. Audi also publicly premiered the R8 Spyder at the 2009 show generating some more tradition open-motoring performance buzz. As their world sales increased by 15 percent in 2010 (just one year following the Audi’s last Frankfurt display), the German auto company’s success will garner more focus on their upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show plans. Supplying samples for performance and low-impact driving, Audi seems ready to entertain the German city’s crowd.

Presented in early to mid August, Audi’s prospect for exploiting a full city car design led to the urban concept brainchild. The urban concept car was unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt show in illustrated form ahead of the lightweight 1+1 passenger vehicle’s presentation in real life. Since the debut of the Audi urban concept sketches on August 10th, Audi immediately followed-up the early images with an open top version of the unique smaller car. The Spyder version of the urban concept shares the impressive sport style in a small, electric vehicle package.

Aside from the debut of a radical new way of motoring, Audi will use Frankfurt as the official public introduction of three new models of their S performance line. Added to the 2012 Audi portfolio, the S6 (including the S6 Avant) and the large S8 sedan will debut as new generation vehicles. For the first time since its introduction last year, the Audi A7 Sportback receives its initial taste of S line enthusiasm. Receiving its first eight-cylinder powerplant, the S7 Sportback, along with the S6 and S8, will receive a new generation engine engineered to provide top performance along with improved fuel economy.

Taking a similar approach as with Mercedes-Benz and BMW by consolidating engines used in their performance line-ups, a new 4.0 liter V-8 engine will beat under the hood of all three S models. Smaller than the S line’s previous benchmark, the more compact Audi engine is just as exciting as the next generation models. Providing up to 520 horsepower of sheer driving excitement, the S6, S7 Sportback and the S8 will be guided by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

As a third separate feature ready to attract spectators at the Audi pavilion, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will debut a concept version of the A2. The Audi A2 concept displays a compact car form optimizing cargo space thanks to an electric powertrain. Just recently announced, the Audi A2 concept has become the latest edition to a flashy auto show presentation.

Starting September 15th, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to more than 850,000 spectators and over 13,000 members of the esteemed media. With only two weeks remaining until Audi’s near and distant future vision of premium motoring is unveiled to the public, Audisite.com will provide fans of the German luxury brand with in-depth information on the vehicles being profiled.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Talking non-stop about hybrid power and even zero emission vehicles, premium automotive brand Audi painted a rich picture for electric propulsion in a future line-up. Promoting e-tron and even prepared to display a bold ultra light Urban Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the environmentally conscious luxury car fan has probably become unsettled that an electric-assist production car had yet to come to materialize.

Finally, the promise of the Audi A6 hybrid brought partially electric propulsion to German luxury car line. Introduced for Europe and recently announced for the United States, the Audi A6 hybrid is eagerly anticipated for what will be an expanding product selection of vehicles. Audi’s second production vehicle inflates not only the hybrid car portfolio but expands to the A8 flagship promising more than 36-mile per gallon driving.

Moving the big 2012 Audi A8 hybrid sedan is the same gasoline/electric powertrain combination being demonstrated on the newly released hybrid-equipped A6. Main power will be sourced from the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine. Along producing 211 horsepower, the TFSI engine works in concert with a 40-kilowatt electric motor. A permanent magnet synchronous motor, the electric assist unit for the Audi A8 hybrid is packaged securely between the two-liter engine and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission. Combined, the gasoline and electric powerplants generate a sufficient amount of momentum to move the over 202-inch long sedan. The Audi A8 hybrid maximum performance output is 245 horsepower with a total 345 pounds-feet of torque.

Though horsepower may not be as impressive as the 4.2 liter V-8 or the 6.3 liter W-12 powerplants, the 2012 Audi A8 hybrid’s configuration is calibrated for robust fuel economy. Burning less than 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers, the Audi A8 hybrid’s fuel consumption for an American road translates to 36.75 miles per gallon in average driving. Compared to the current V-8 powered Audi A8 sedan, the hybrid model delivers average gas mileage allowing the large four-door to roll 14 miles longer after every gallon of gasoline.

Thanks to the heavily modified 8-speed transmission of the Audi A8 hybrid, a special wet, multi-plate clutch acts as an intelligent conductor between the two power units. Using ideal coordination between the TFSI engine and the electric motor, the Audi A8 hybrid operates under five operating modes. Of these propulsion options is an electric only mode that draws power directly from a lithium-ion battery. Through acceleration, the Audi A8 hybrid can be pushed to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) purely on electric power. At speeds of 60 kilometers per hour (37.3 miles per hour), battery capacity will allow the sedan to move 3 kilometers (1.86 miles per hour). A water-cooled lithium-ion battery, the electrical storage for the powertrain is climate-controlled for optimal performance.

With all the changes performed out of sight, this latest hybrid is nonetheless a typical 2012 Audi A8 sedan. Unique touches to the Audi A8 hybrid (for the most part) is low-tone at first glance with only ‘hybrid‘ badges immediately informing observers. Astute Audi fans will be able to identify some A8 hybrids through an optional Arctic White colour available only on the 2012 hybrid sedan model. Turbine blade design 18-inch and optional 19-inch alloy wheels spin will exclusively spin the A8 hybrid sedan‘s tires. The Bose audio system, three-zone automatic climate control and LED headlamps are standard equipment catered not only for luxury enjoyment but also to optimize the A8 hybrid’s energy usage.

Announced only for European markets for sometime in 2012, this ultra-efficient Audi A8 hybrid could be in the United States in just a matter of time due to stricter CAFÉ fleet fuel economy standards.

Information and photo source: Audi AG

Starting with the Audi A8 L extended wheelbase model, every detail of this rolling fortress beckons the utmost in safety and security. Originating from the same Neckarsulm, Germany production facility that builds the conventional Audi A8 and A8 L vehicles, the A8 L Security models are given modifications up to a class VR 7 ballistic protection standard. Inside of a highly-guarded workshop where security measures have even banned the use of cell phones, every Audi A8 L Security edition undergoes a 450-hour hand assembly process. Fitted with hot-formed armoured steel, ceramics and special aluminum alloy materials, the production car’s Audi Space Frame is toughened to resist NATO hard-core ammunitions or explosive devices.

Over top of the Audi A8 L Security multilayer glass windshield, side and rear windows, a polycarbonate coating acts as a barrier to prevent glass from spraying into the interior. Beefing up safety around every corner, the Audi A8 L Security is sealed below by a aluminum alloy floor. Added protection of the battery and fuel tank can also be ordered. the security package build-up of the Audi A8 L results in an indistinguishable vehicle from the standard showroom model. Full LED headlights, adaptive air suspension and 19-inch, two-tone forged wheels are factory features which the Security package A8 L models retain.

Using power from a direct-injected W-12 engine, the 6.3 liter powerplant uses 500 horsepower and 461 pounds-feet of torque to escape from the exclusive gala or from a dangerous situation. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive and 8-speed tiptronic is included on the A8 L Security model for 0 to 62 mile per hour times in 7.2 seconds before launching to a top speed of 130 miles per hour. Heavier than the standard Audi A8 L thanks to significant armouring, the Security edition achieves rather confident average fuel mileage above 17 miles per gallon. Driving aids such as the Audi pre sense basic version and lane assist is standard on the A8 L Security model while adaptive cruise control as well as night vision assistant can be fitted as optional equipment.

However, in the most extreme scenario, the specially-modified Audi A8 L provides a full-array of emergency features beyond the armour protection. Fire extinguishing system, blow-away pyrotechnical doors and a fresh-air system assures the best interests of occupants inside the A8 L Security. Securing an additional battery within a ceramic and aluminum communication box, the Audi A8 Security model also features a standard two-way communications system that allows inside occupants to comfortably interact with outside parties. Using interior and exterior microphones along with speaker equipment which includes one behind the A8 L grille, full interior protection is maintained.

Providing peak passenger protection, the first custom examples of the Audi A8 L Security sedan will be delivered for late summer. Upcoming in 2012, a fuel efficient Security model will be included on the A8 L sedan.

The folks at Autocar.co.uk were lucky enough to get some shots of the upcoming Audi S8 during winter testing, which you can see in the pictures. The bodywork on the car you see here is that of a standard A8, which will obviously be modified for the S8 during production. We know it’s an S8, however, because of the bigger brakes and quad exhaust system you can see below.

We don’t know much else about the S8 yet, although speculation says it will be receiving its power from a turbocharged 4.2-liter V8 instead of the V10 we originally expected. Regarding design:

Audi’s design director Stefan Sielaff told Autocar at the A8’s launch last year that the S8 would “create a new design grammar which will also go onto the next S6, S7 and S1″.

Sielaff also said there would be an increased use of both aluminium and carbon fibre in the cabins of future S models to make them more special than the standard cars.

Expect to see full details on the S8 later this year for a launch in early 2011. No word yet on whether it’s coming to the States, but unfortunately it seems unlikely.

Check out Autocar.co.uk for more pictures and info.

Audi is working especially hard recently to bring electric power to their lineup. Initially, we thought the launch of the e-tron electric sports car was a one model deal, but it turns out Audi is calling “e-tron” their “brand name for electric mobility.” The electric sports car they showed will be launched first, in late 2012 in limited numbers, but will be followed by other models powered by an electric powertrain.

The Audi A1 e-tron, for example, will likely be the next step. Audi is calling the A1 e-tron a “Mega City Vehicle,” and with a power output of 102 hp, gets 31 miles out of its electric motor. A small rotary engine serves as a range extender, giving the A1 e-tron an extra 124 miles. Audi says the car will get around 124 mpg with both the gasoline and electric motors.

Audi is also applying the electric concept to developing full hybrid vehicles. The Audi Q5 hybrid will be on the market as early as late 2010, and the A8 hybrid in being displayed as you read this at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The A8 Hybrid Concept is more of an engineering study than a preview, but the idea is solid. The concept car is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, and along with the electric motor, gets an output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

Audi A8 Security

The Audi A8 “Security” shown here features a full-cage outer-body armor certified by the German Federal Police, run-flat tires, gas tank and battery armoring, double-mirror interior, emergency door, power-adjustable leather seats, refrigerator, retractable rear-seat tables, heated wind screen, multi-zone climate controls, and other comfort features as standard. If you need all that protection in a car, perhaps you should rethink your profession, even if you can afford the $80 million price tag.

Despite that exorbitant price, however, Audi brand and sales manager at Issa Transport Group (ITG) Deborah Stewart says that “Given its features, the A8 Security is reasonably priced.” Hardly. ITG is the Kingston representative for Audi, and has the Audi A8 Security available via special order for $80 million.

If you aren’t a well-hated Sultan and the $80 mill is a bit out of your price range, also consider the following ridiculously priced armored cars:

* The Mercedes Benz S500 – $24 million

* BMW 761i and Audi Q7 4.2 V8 SUV – $23 million

* BMW M3 – $16 million

* Land Rover HSE V8 – $15-$17 million

* Audi A8 sedan Q7 – $14 million.

* Cadillac Escalade – $14 million

* Hummer H2 – $14 million

* Audi Q7 3.0 V6 – $11 million

* Range Rover Sport V6 – $9-$11 million

* Chevy Tahoe (Hybrid) – $5.7 million

* Chevy Avalanche – $4.4 million

At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show earlier this week, Audi won two separate awards for two models on display.

The Detroit showcar Audi e-tron was given the prestigious “Best in Show” award, which was described by Autoweek editor Wes Raynal as being “almost a unanimous decision” with the Autoweek editors.

The “Award for Design Excellence” went to the Audi A8, which is the second consecutive year Audi won the award (last year it went to the A5 Sportback.)

Congrats to Audi for the awards, they’ve been innovating non-stop for the last few years, and I can’t think of another car maker that deserves the recognition as much as them.

2011 Audi A8

Audi just unveiled the next generation A8 luxury sedan. The A8 is Audi’s most luxurious and most expensive car (aside from the R8) and will serve as Audi’s flagship model poised to compete with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. While it may not have the snob-appeal of the Benz or BMW, the new A8 has plenty to brag about from all aspects, and plenty of details are to follow.

For 2011, the Audi A8 is all-new in nearly every way. Some of the primary differences: It sits on Audi’s aluminum space frame technology, boasting 25% increased rigidity and a lighter weight, helping to increase fuel economy, handling, and performance. A new Bang & Olufsen surround sound system is available with 19 (!) speakers producing a total of 1400 watts. Full-LED headlights (as seen in the R8 V10) are standard, along with Audi’s AWD quattro system and a ton of other high-tech driving assists and safety features.

Along with an entirely redesigned interior, Audi gave the 2011 A8 the next generation MMI system which allows for touch screen control. Audi Drive Select is standard, and an optional night vision with infrared camera is available. The 2011 A8 will be powered by Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 372 horsepower and 328 lb-ft, an increase of 22 hp and 3 lb-ft over last year’s model. 0-62 mph will come in only 5.7 seconds. Despite the increased performance, the 2011 A8 is expected to get a 15% improvement in fuel economy over last year’s sedan thanks to better engine technology and an 8-speed sequential gearbox. Despite all the extra tech and an increase in size, the 2011 A8 should weight about as much as the current model, and still a few hundred pounds less than its competitors.

All of these specs are based on the normal wheelbase (NWB) model, which Audi says is “more of the ‘driver’s car’, with sportiness and driving dynamics in focus.” The long wheelbase (LWB) “executive” version will be revealed next year with a “balance [of] prestige, sportiness and comfort.” Price hasn’t yet been announced, but expect it to be about the same as a BMW 7 or Mercedes S.

Look for more to come on the new 2011 Audi A8. In the mean time, check out the updated Audi A8 page and the photo gallery below.

Oddly, most of the news surrounding the new Audi A8 has been about where it is being unveiled. Available in the UK in early 2010 the new Audi is being unveiled in Miami at the end of November. The recent capital of design, the new model will be premiered on the eve of Design Miami in The Audi Pavilion, a temporary structure made special for this occasion. Audi will be looking to grab more headlines like it did when the Audi R8 aluminum concept car was unveiled.

Despite all this hype about where the new model is being unveiled there are still some facts and figures to get your teeth into. Modification to air-bag suspension has improved the ride and provided better handling. The ride is also quieter without increasing weight, so performance should be unaffected.

However, it is still unclear on the exact engine specs at this point.

Will it have the same 4.2 litre V8 as the US market? A V8 is definitely expected but there’s been talk on whether it will be a 3 litre V6 from the S4 or an economical four-cylinder! Given the hoopla around the car’s premier I’m guessing they haven’t skimped on the engine and expect a surprise of some sort.

A lot will also be made of the car’s design. Back in 1994 when the A8 first came out, it was no doubt a popular car but its design was fairly generic. The third generation of the manufacturer’s flagship model should do more to arouse your inner artiste.