New Features for 2013
Start-stop efficiency system
Except for engine warm up, steep grade stops and extreme cold conditions, the start-stop efficiency system simply shuts the engine off at stoplights or prolonged idle situations when the driver presses the brake pedal. Before the brake pedal is released, the engine instantaneously starts up again. The system has an off switch which disables start-stop and keeps it off, even after the vehicle is turned off for customer convenience. Start-stop efficiency system vehicles feature an upgraded battery and starter system to manage the more frequent transitions in and out of vehicle idle. Together with regenerative braking technology, Audi A8 can be classified as a micro-hybrid.
LED’s with high beam assistant
Imagine all the illumination and longevity benefits already provided by LED headlights, but make them switch automatically between high and low beams, providing extra convenience to drivers. Offered on MY2013 A8 models equipped with LED headlights uses a mirror-mounted sensor to detect oncoming car headlights and taillights from vehicles travelling in your direction to provide automatic dipping and restoration of high beams – before glare becomes an issue for other drivers.
Top & corner view camera system
This multi-faceted camera and computer generated 360 degree “bird’s-eye” viewpoint give unrivalled parking and low speed maneuvering assistance to Audi A8 drivers. Top & corner view camera system supplements the Audi parking system with rear backup camera by providing an additional camera in each side mirror and one in the front grille to give drivers five different viewing profiles front and rear: front view, front corner view, top view, rear corner view and rear view – all easily accessible through the Audi MMI control wheel. The front and rear corner views are specifically designed to help drivers exit narrow streets or parking lots (going forward or backing up) where vision to each side is not visible immediately.
2013 Audi A8 Model Line
Embodied with superior design and progressive advancements in engineering, technology, and performance, the Audi A8 continues to lead the way for Audi as its flagship vehicle. For 2013, the Audi A8 model line not only retains its prestigious amenities from the previous year but also adds several significant changes including new engines with the first ever V6 gasoline and TDI variants, innovative efficiency technologies, top and corner view cameras, LED headlights with high beam assistant, and luxurious finishes.
Performance
For the 2013 model year, the A8 model line expands from two models to five models. The new 3.0T supercharged V6 and new 4.0T twin-turbo V8 engines are faster and maintain exceptional driving characteristics versus the outgoing 4.2 liter V8 engine. The 3.0T V6 produces an exhilarating 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
The Audi A8 4.0-liter TSFI biturbo V8 engine features an all-new powertrain that produces 420 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque and seamlessly goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. All engines are mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with the confidence-inspiring Audi quattro all-wheel drive system.
For further improvements in fuel economy, Audi has implemented Audi cylinder on demand technology for the new 4.0T V8 engine and start-stop technology for the V6 engine. The cylinder on demand technology allows the A8 to operate in four-cylinder mode during highway driving conditions. When power is needed from all eight cylinders, the other four cylinders automatically and instantaneously reignite.
The start-stop technology of the 3.0T uses the same idea as turning on and off a light switch — if you leave a room and don’t need the light, you turn it off. While the car is at a prolonged idle with the driver’s foot on the brake pedal, such as stopped at a red traffic light, the engine temporarily turn off and then turn back on as the driver releases his foot from the brake pedal.
Audi dynamic steering, which varies the effort as well as the steering ratio, and Audi drive select are featured in the A8. Audi drive select allows drivers to adjust throttle response and transmission settings, as well as configure vehicle driving characteristics exactly to their liking with their choice of Comfort, Auto, Dynamic or Individual settings. In the S8, the Audi drive select system also can control the adaptive damping suspension and quattro sport differential. The newly-available Sport plus package includes dynamic steering, adaptive air suspensionsport, Audi quattro with sport differential and 265/40 summer performance tires. The Sport plus package produces a more dynamic ride.
The 500 horsepower W12, powered by the 6.0 liter W12 engine, represents the pinnacle of the A8 model line with an available Executive Rear Seat package that makes traveling by car more like the finest business class air travel complete with reclining seat, footrest, and heated and cooled — as well as massage — seat functions. Two rear LCD screens that operate independently are available for rear seat passengers to use with BLUETOOTH headphones to enjoy watching DVDs or listening to music while following the Google Earth map navigation of their journey. For the more performance-oriented driver, the all-new Audi S8 delivers incredibly composed acceleration from 0 to 60 in just 3.9 seconds.
Exterior
From the headlights to the taillights, the Audi A8 is the design and technology flagship of the Audi brand. The design of the A8 conveys prestige and elegance. The unmistakable LED daytime running lights, along with the Singleframe grille, immediately signify the presence of the A8.
LED lighting technology is efficient, illuminates better and generates less heat than conventional bulbs. The A8 keeps in mind not only the needs of the driver but also those of other drivers with the LED high beam assistant. By using mirror-mounted sensors, the MY2013 A8 is able to detect oncoming car headlights and taillights from oncoming vehicles and automatically adjusts the high beams before glare becomes an issue for other drivers. The A8 3.0T has chrome-tipped oval tailpipes, while the 4.0T and W12 have chrome-tipped trapezoidal tailpipes.
Interior
Benchmark design and meticulous craftsmanship are hallmarks of the Audi A8 interior. The A8 comes with standard 18-way adjustable seats or available 22-way comfort front seats using the finest materials to make any long drive enjoyable. The Audi A8 seats are well equipped with Valetta leather or the option of Valcona leather or cross stitched design Valcona leather. The well-appointed Valcona leather is a special grain of soft leather that gives the A8 its exclusive and modern look. The available 22-way Comfort Seats come equipped with multiple speeds of cooling and personalized massage functions, perfect for the commute home or extended drives.
Genuine wood inlays and ambient lighting create an exclusive atmosphere for a remarkable sanctuary. The available Rear Seat Comfort package spares no expense by providing power rear seats with massage functions, two vibrant ten-inch screens on the backs of the front seats, a refrigerator, and rear-seat ventilation. A heated steering wheel is added for the driver.
Driver Assistance
New to the 2013 model year are available top and corner view cameras. Four cameras are placed strategically around the vehicle to allow the driver to have a “bird’s-eye view” while parking and the confidence to park in practically any environment.
Audi offers several advanced technology features for A8, including Audi adaptive cruise control with “stop & go” and “brake guard” capability, which can detect stationary vehicles and apply full braking below 19 mph.
Other technology features also available on the 2013 A8 are Audi side assist, night vision assistant, and Audi pre sense plus technologies. The Audi A8 incorporates driver assistance technologies to make the driving experience easier and more enjoyable.
Audi connect
Audi connect enables first-to-market Google Earth integration, which redefines the navigation experience. The realistic, panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite and aerial imagery provide drivers with a better navigation experience. Audi connect with Google Earth also improves visual orientation with a “camera zoom” feature that allows closer views of surroundings or destinations. Added to the high resolution of Google Earth imagery is an overlay of street mapping data provided through Audi MMI Navigation plus and real-time traffic information available via SiriusXM Traffic subscription (four-year subscription now is standard).
Audi connect also provides an industry-first factory vehicle integration of Wi-Fi service. This unprecedented mobile hot spot capability for passengers allows connections for up to eight Wi-Fi devices and permits passengers to connect to the Internet to read email, surf the Web, stream music, play games, etc. The Google Voice™ Local Search also is a first as part of Audi connect to enable more intuitive requests for points of interest as well as to provide access for up-to- date information. Other features include real-time information, such as weather, fuel prices and streaming news feeds.
Power
It’s not often that Audi introduces a new engine and certainly not a V8 worthy of replacing the longstanding, powerful & efficient 4.2 FSI V8. The all new 4.0 TFSI features reduced displacement but more power thanks to twin turbos and an intercooler mounted between the V8 bank. This placement shortens exhaust pathways to provide exceptional throttle response by reducing heat loss from turbochargers. The turbochargers feature a “twin scroll” design; this more complex turbo plumbing means the exhaust ports meet the turbocharger inlets in two separate paths, which reduces exhaust gas pulse interference for smoother impeller spool up and refinement.
The Audi S8 4.0 TFSI features 520 hp, or more than 130 hp per liter, one of the industry’s highest turbo V8 power densities while the A8 & A8 L with the 4.0 TFSI generates 420 hp. The different power levels are explained by turbo boost levels, air intake size, camshaft profile and other engine specification differences.
A8 Key Attributes
Audi connect
Audi connect converts the A8 into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to retrieve information on the internet conveniently and securely. Users can search and import addresses and points of interest directly into the navigation system with voice input, while weather forecasts, up-to-date news and travel information are displayed with clear information graphics and maps. Additionally, the Google Earth™ displays 3D topographical maps and satellite imagery for a dynamic driving experience.
Adaptive air suspension
Adaptive air suspension is an electronically controlled air suspension system at all four wheels with a continuously adaptive damping system. It unites sporty handling with a high level of ride comfort. In addition, the air suspension allows for speeddependent lowering of the body – a change in ride height that results in a low center of gravity and significantly increased directional stability. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are improved at the same time. The adaptive air suspension also allows the driver to influence the suspension characteristic – and thus the operating dynamics – as individually preferred. The damping characteristics and ride height can be adjusted in a single process via the Audi MMI.
Night vision assistant with pedestrian detection & warning
The thermal imaging technology of night vision extends your field of view beyond the lights. The infrared camera can detect pedestrians up to 1,000 feet ahead. Up to 300 feet away, the system identifies them in yellow. If they move into the anticipated path of the vehicle, they are highlighted in red and accompanied by an acoustic warning.
Audi MMI Touch with handwriting recognition
The groundbreaking Audi MMI touch is a new level of customized convenience. Audi engineers developed this latest version of Audi MMI with hard & soft keys, dedicated buttons for commonly used controls and a revolutionary touchpad that interprets hand-written inputs. The Audi MMI touch system can be used with ease. Just like drawing in the sand, your index finger allows you to enter navigation destinations and telephone numbers by simply “writing” with your finger on the touchpad. It allows you easier access to radio presets, map navigation, destinations and directories for a more personalized driving experience.
Audi ASF
The Audi A8 was the first North American car with an aluminum body built according to the space frame principle. ASF is a high-strength aluminum frame structure into which the panels are integrated so that they also perform a load-bearing function. In conjunction with high-strength aluminum sheet, the aluminum body is characterized by exceptional stiffness and above-average crash protection, yet at the same time by substantially lower weight. Advantages for the driver: greater safety, increased performance, improved handling, lower fuel consumption and ease of repair.
Full LED headlights
The A8 offers the unmistakable appearance of full LED lighting technology. Consuming only 40 watts, the high beams, turn signals, daytime running lights and low beams all feature this efficient, yet powerful technology.