New A8 leads the way for the next generation of Audis

One of the early arrivals on the motor market here early next year will be the new generation Audi A8 which has will have its…

One of the early arrivals on the motor market here early next year will be the new generation Audi A8 which has will have its public preview at this week's Paris Motor Show. Providing a glimpse of what future Audis will look like, the new A8 gets a more powerful appearance reflected in a new frontal design with short body overhangs and a highly contoured rear end, writes Michael McAleer.

Two high-performance V8 engines will power the new A8 at its introduction - a 4.2 litre, 335 bhp unit with 0-62 mph acceleration of 6.3 seconds and a 3.7 litre, 280 bhp unit with a 062 mph speed of 7.3 seconds both with a top speed of 155 mph.

A key feature will be Multi Media Interface (MMI), for the car's technology and communications systems. Standard features include permanent four-wheel drive, 6-speed tiptronic gearshift with dynamic shift program and an adaptive air suspension with continuously variable damper settings.

Other elements include a new brake system with electromechanical parking brake, automatic tyre pressure monitoring, innovative adaptive lighting technology with cornering light, adaptive cruise control, radar assisted distance control, advanced key access and authorisation system and one-touch memory system.

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Safety elements include two-stage airbag activation for the driver/front passenger, Audi's own Sideguard head-level airbag system and new active front head restraints.