All children age 12 and under should be buckled up in the rear seat of the vehicle.
Children should ride in an appropriate child safety seat until 8 years of age, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 80 pounds.
Holding a child in your lap provides no additional safety. An unrestrained 10-pound infant would instantly be ripped from an adult’s arms in a 30-mph collision.
Don’t place a single seat belt over yourself and a child. In a front-end collision, the child could be crushed by your body.
A seat belt must be adjusted to the size of a child. As with adults, the lap belt should cross the child’s upper thighs and the diagonal belt should cross the upper chest and a point between the neck and the center of the shoulder.
Children should continue to use a belt-positioning booster until the lap and shoulder belts fit properly and the child’s legs are long enough to bend at the edge of the seat.
Child Safety Seat Tips
Safety requirements change as children grow. Learn the basic facts for proper use of child safety seats.
Infants — From birth to 1 year and less than 20 pounds, infants should be placed in rear-facing child safety seats in the back seat of the car. The harness straps should be at or below shoulder level.
Toddlers — From 1 year and at least 20 to 40 pounds, toddlers should be placed in forward-facing child safety seats in the back seat of the car. The harness straps should be at or above the shoulders. Children who are less than 1 year but weigh more than 20 pounds should ride in restraint seats approved for higher rear-facing weights.
Young children — Children more than 40 pounds but less than 4 feet 9 inches tall should be placed in forward-facing booster seats in the back seat of the car. Lap belts should fit low and tight across the thighs, and shoulder belts should fit snugly across the chest and shoulder to prevent abdominal injuries.
It is important to know that your child passenger safety devices are working properly at all times. For up-to-date notifications of the latest recalls on child safety devices, you can subscribe to RSS feeds and email notifications offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Child Passenger Safety Facts
Motor vehicle crashes cause about one of every three injury deaths among children, according to a 2002 report from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
(Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , 2003)
According to a 2003 report, 59 percent of children ages 0 to 4 were unrestrained when the driver of a passenger vehicle was unrestrained. When a driver was restrained, 80 percent of children ages 0 to 4 also were restrained.
(Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis , 2003)
Car accident fatalities for children under 5 dropped from 706 in 2000 to 668 in 2001. The number of fatalities for children ages 5 to 15 dropped from 2,105 to 1,990 in 2001.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , 2003)
Here is an overview of the main features of the new BMW F 800 R Chris Pfeiffer as compared to the standard model:
• Akrapovic® rear silencer for a dynamic appearance and a sporty sound.
• Spring of rear spring strut finished in red.
• Painted pillion passenger seat cover.
• Highly sporty visual appearance with paint finish in the BMW Motorsport colours of Alpine White non-metallic, Lupine Blue metallic and Magma Red non-metallic, contrasting with elements in black silk matt.
• Front wheel finished in white.
• Clear overpainted Chris Pfeiffer signature on the central cover.
• Set of sponsor stickers supplied.
• No cockpit fairing.
• LED direction indicators.
Post kali ni berkisar apa yang terbuku didalam hati aku. Dan ianya memang datang dari dalam hati aku. Memang lama dah nak tulis pasal mamat ni, tapi cam relex dulu. Pastu, last weekend issue ni telah menjadi buah mulut kitaorang di meja bulat hadapan Maju Junction KL. Itu yang membuat aku membuak² nak tulis kat sini. Kepada pembaca semua, jadikanlah cerita betul ini sebagai peringatan. ok. Be u are as what u are!
Aku ada kawan dan selepas ini dipanggil Mr. A (bukan nama sebenar) . Asal dari negeri sebelah kampung aku. Sekarang ni duduk KL, house mate dia kawan aku Mr. Stereng BMW (bakal jadi business partner aku). Kira dari rumah dia (kat KL ni) leh nampak KLCC la.. Dia ni dulu belajar kat salah satu Kolej Swasta yang LAN tak recognize (sekarang dipanggil MQA). Aku kenal dia ni aku rasa ada la kot lebih dari 10 tahun. Pada mulanya, aku nampak dia ni cam budak² technician gitu pasal masa tu dia keja technician. Dari company telco sampailah company buat IT. Dia ni dah kawin dan dah ada anak sorang dah pun. Orang umah dia orang kampung aku. Sekarang bekerja kat selatan tanah air. Anak dia, mak mertua Mr. A yang jaga yang juga berada di kampung aku. Dia ni sekarang bekerja dengan satu company yang membayar bill² perubatan hospital yang berpusat di Petaling Jaya.
Ok, itu serba sedikit latar belakang Mr. A. Kawan² aku ni adalah terdiri daripada budak² underground la yang mana muziknya anda sedia maklum, memang enak didengar semasa nak bertumbuk atau bergaduh. Mereka² ini terdiri daripada peminat muzik, budak band, editor / photographer zine, pemikir² underground ataupun tuan punya kedai underground kat Cambell Complex. So kita orang ni ada la lepak kat gigs ataupun mamak depan Maju Junction atau kat jamming studio kat Desa Pandan untuk membincangkan isu² semasa selain daripada bertukar² pandangan atau menuntut barang yang telah diorder dan membuat bayaran.
Mr. A ni pun adalah salah seorang daripada ahli yang hadir setiap kali ada acara lepak² kutuk² gelak² di gigs² atau kedai mamak. To be frank, aku tak kisah langsung Mr. A ni nak lepak sekali. Ala.. satu kampung lagi pun. (sila ingat ayat ini aa..) walaupun Mr. A ni setahu aku tak pernah minat ngan band underground, tak dengar lagu² berat yang boleh menyebabkan sakit gigi, tak de band, tak leh main instrument, tak leh menyanyi, bukan editor mahupun photographer zine, bukan dari golongan pemikir underground, owner butik baju kat cambell pun tidak. Jadi, siapa Mr. A ni dalam scene underground? Dia hanyalah kawan kepada budak² scene underground. Menggunakan platform underground ni la dia ni banyak dapat kawan terutama dari utara tanah air seperti.. er.. tak pe la kot.. dan juga awek² underground yang sweet² walaupun bilanganganya agak sedikit.
Problemnya Mr. A ni, hyper outspoken. ye la.. ko tu bukan sapa² pun.. tak yah la nak over. Ngutuk orang no 1. Dah la yang dia kutuk tu antara otai² underground kat Malaysia ni. Brother tu dah main kat luar Malaysia tau tak.. Ko tu.. hish… pastu lebih². Asal duduk ngan otai² jer nak amik gambar, asal lepak kat gigs je amik gambar. Pastu terus upload gambar kat Facebook. Ko nak buat apa ni Mr. A? Apa yang ko nak sebenarnya? Aku ni main band dari aku form 3 tau, tak de pun nak kecoh² macam ko.
Pastu Mr. A suka sangat bercerita pasal agama. Macam la dia ni terer sangat. Aku tengok tungging terbalik gak. Kebodohan kamu itu telah terserlah. Yang si Mr. Stereng BMW ni memang tekanan persaan la.. Setiap kali ada update kat facebook jer Mr. A lah yang paling sebok nak bagi tau orang. Lebih² lagi bila yang di update tu ada lah awek (atau chiki) Yang menjadi mangsa adalah Mr Stereng BMW. Pasal satu umah.. Perbuatan Mr. A itu sungguh merimas dan melemas kan aku dan budak² lain. Tapi.. itu la kan.. dah satu kampung.
So, bagi aku Mr. A ni poser la.. lepak untuk gain glamor daripada orang lain. Lepak untuk rapat ngan chiki² underground. Ko tu bukan sapa² pun dalam scene.
FYI, aku tulis ni bukan la pasal aku dengki ke apa ke. Just nak suarakan ketidak pusan hati aku jer. Tapi apa² pun Mr A ni tetap kawan aku. Kepada Mr. Stereng BMW, banyak² bersabar ok. Nanti ko pindah la.. Kepada Mr. A, lu lebih la beb.. lu lebih.. lu kena belajar hormat orang, lu kena belajar baca air muka orang. lu kena cool down skit. tak yah try too hard. nampak sangat lu ni POSER!!
Aku mengalu²kan respon dari korang. Kalau ada la.. nak kutuk ke apa ke.. belasah jer.. ok. Thanks!
Earlier this month BMW released a video and a picture of what the New BMW 5 series would look like. Today BMW have officially released pictures, specifications and prices of the new sixth generation BMW 5 series.
The new BMW 5 series will be launched in the first quarter of 2010 – after the Geneva Motor Show.
The new 5 series will be the biggest type of its mark in the whole six generations since 1972. With a total wheelbase figure at 2970mm – at just under 3 metres long this gives more room in the rear, with an elongated bonnet and lowered roofline, this ensures that the car looks and feels a lot bigger on the inside.
The option of 7 different engines at launch will ensure that it is competitive at launch with the Mercedes E Class – its main competitor.
Looking to be the biggest seller in the UK will be the 520d – powered by a 2.0cc diesel engine, delivering 181bhp and 280lb/ft of torque – this will propel the ‘5’ to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and on to its 141mph top speed where law permits – but with this, it returns a mpg figure of 56.5mpg and only produces 132g/km of CO2.
Other diesel engines include, the straight six 525d and the 530d. The 525 producing 201bhp and the latter producing 242bhp, both of these cars will reach 62mph in less than 6.5 seconds and deliver astonishing mpg figures of over 40mpg.
There will be four different petrol engines, two of them being naturally aspirated, the 201 horsepower 523i and the 528i which produces 254bhp. The 535i will be powered by a single turbo charged engine producing 302bhp and the top of the range 550i producing 401bhp powered by a twin turbo V8 engine.
The four petrol engines comprise two naturally aspirated straight sixes (201bhp 523i and 254bhp 528i), a single-turbocharged straight six (302bhp 535i) and the 401bhp, twin-turbo V8 550i.
All the new 5 series will be available as a 6-speed manual, an optional 8-speed automatic gearbox will be made optional for the whole range, and this gearbox is designed to lower emissions for the new car. Stop/Start technology is standard throughout the range.
All new ‘5’ series will gain ‘Servotronic’ speed dependant assistance – which is BMW’s in house design of using hydraulic pumps for their power steering rather than using electric pumps.
Higher specification 5 series cars will include latest traction control systems and electronic stability programmes. Including in this will be the Driver Dynamic Control (DDC) which will allow the driver to select different settings of the car, either for ‘normal’, ‘sport’ and ‘sport+’.
BMW have revealed the prices of the new 5 series 4 months in advance to compete against the new Mercedes E-Class. They have ensured that standard equipment and prices will be lower than the equivalent E-class.
The BMW 520d SE will have a price tag of £28,165, the 523i SE is £30,560 and the 550i SE costs £49,440.
Is this new BMW 5 Series going to be more popular the Mercedes E-Class?
G-Power tuning group has offered BMW buyers their sport package with aerodynamic and performance enhancements for the X5 M and X6 M that made M-models more powerfull and exclusive.
The German tuner has upgraded the 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine found in both M models with reprogrammed ECU resulting in a modest boost in output to 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 700Nm or 516 squash feet of torque from 2,000 rpm. G-Power engineers also deleted the speed limiter, and now this two SUVs are propelled to a top speed more than 300km/h (187mph), with 0 to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration arrival in 4.5 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in just 16.2 seconds.
Read more (details and photos)!!
There’s also a new suspension kit that decrease’s, the badger height of both models by around 30mm.
G-Power was never about delicate aero mods, and the group makes no immunity with the X5 M and X6 M. Both models introduce a different front mammoth with above large air inlets on each corner along with a new bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or full carbon and side skirts.
The rear is obvious by a new apron, a diffuser that houses the stainless steel exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, and in the argument of the X6 M, a boot wing also. G-Power has intended two detach sets of 23-crawl alloy wheels that are shod in 315/25 ZR23 high-performance Michelin tires for the X5 M and X6 M.
The group also enhances the interior of the two M models with frequent parts such as a new sports steering circle, a speedometer in G-POWER devise and carbon-string covers for the part linings, chief console and the dash.
G-Power said that €6,990 (positive meeting) will buy you the aero kit, €8,865.55 the new alloy wheels and tires, €3,021 the bursting stainless steel end muffler and €4,701.68 V8 engine force upgrade.
It's actually a double feature: “I Am Legend ” starring Kobe Bryant. & “The Professional” starring Derek Fisher
OMFG – Silver Screen and Roll Kobe Bryant beats Heat at buzzer — latimes.com Lakers beat Heat at buzzer – The Orange County Register Bryant’s Buzzer-Beating, Banked 3 Cooks Heat at Lakers.com BasketBlog Watch the whole game again on ESPN360
MUCH MORE Links after the Jump…
Recaps, Postgames & Chats:
OMFG – Silver Screen and Roll
Kobe Bryant beats Heat at buzzer — latimes.com
Lakers beat Heat at buzzer – The Orange County Register
Kobe, Lakers take it to the bank – LA Daily News
Kobe's desperation shot wins it | PE.com
Bryant’s Buzzer-Beating, Banked 3 Cooks Heat at Lakers.com BasketBlog
TLN’s Postgame Report: Lakers vs. Heat | The Lakers Nation
Game Rewind: Better Lucky Than Good – Lakers 108, Heat 107 | Lakers of Fire
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Recap – December 04, 2009 – ESPN
Kobe’s Improbable Shot Cools the Heat | lakers-EDGE
Forum Blue And Gold ” Preview & Chat: The Miami Heat
The Los Angeles Times:
Lakers 108, Miami 107: Game winning shot strengthens Kobe Bryant's All Star bid
Lakers' Phil Jackson would rather not discuss All-Star game
The Orange County Register:
‘It was my luckiest shot I’ve hit by far’
Gasol’s return has improved Fisher’s game
Artest endears, not angers, his teammates
Can Brown be one of the best dunkers?
The LA Daily News:
Lakers guard Farmar: Bench needs to step up
Others:
Kobe Bryant, making the best of bad situations – TrueHoop Blog – ESPN
Gasol stands tall among NBA's elite – NBA – Yahoo! Sports
The Incredibles | Dime Magazine
Kobe Beats Heat at the Buzzer — NBA FanHouse
Poke in eye scares Gasol | PE.com
Miami Heat Links:
Miami Heat fall to Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant's last-second three-point shot – Basketball – MiamiHerald.com
Kobe Bryant rescues Heat from undeserved road win – Peninsula is Mightier
They call him Black Mamba for a reason…Kobe Bryant rips heart out of Miami Heat, stares at it, 108-107 | Hot Hot Hoops
Miami Heat: Loses to Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center — South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Lakers 108, Miami 107: Game winning shot strengthens Kobe Bryant's All Star bid | Lakers Blog | Los Angeles Times
Game Replay in ESPN360.com
NBA Podcast: Yahoo.com’s Kelly Dwyer at Lakers.com BasketBlog
They Nike puppets are back MVPuppets: “We're back” (Hat tip to intuitive)
Renewable technology that uses energy stored in the ground to heat buildings and provide hot water could be installed in hundreds of thousands of homes and offices by the end of the next decade, a report said today.
About 8,000 ground-source heat pump systems were operating in the UK – far fewer than in other European countries, such as Sweden, although the market was expanding rapidly and doubled last year, the Environment Agency report said.
The document concluded that the technology could be installed in 320,000 homes and businesses by 2020 with support from the government.
If enough support was given through the renewable heat incentive, which will be introduced in 2012 and pay homeowners and businesses a guaranteed price for generating renewable heat, more than 1m ground-source heat pumps systems could be put in place.
At the top end of its potential, ground-source heat technology could be installed in more than one in 10 homes and in 40% of commercial buildings, the report said.
Even if growth was limited to 320,000 homes and business – 1% of households and 11% of commercial buildings – it could provide 30% of the renewable heat the UK needed to produce to meet its 2020 target.
“Ground-source heating is a rapidly growing technology that has the potential to produce at least 30% of the country's renewable heat needs – but it needs financial support in order to grow,” Tony Grayling, the head of climate change and sustainable development at the Environment Agency, said.
“We would like to see this technology given adequate financial support through the new renewable heat incentive to meet its full potential in the UK.”
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First, congratulations, if you are reading this it means you probably have a baby on your way. Like most soon-to-be parents, or grandparents, you are sure to be excited and can't wait to hear, feel or see the first signs of your new little one. The Belly Beat fetal monitor is the best way to hear your little one's heartbeat. Usually you can hear the heart beat in as little as ten weeks.
What is a Baby Beat Fetal Monitors and what kind of options are there?
A Fetal Monitor goes beyond just passive listening and uses ultrasound and Doppler shift to allow you to hear a much clearer heartbeat than you could ever hear with even a stethoscope. In fact it is the same equipment your doctor is likely to use.
Each model has a base unit that contains the electronics, batteries, and a speaker. Some models also have a digital readout the displays your baby's beats per minute. Some also include a headset jack so you can attach it to a recording device and others are even able to record themselves..
Your unit will also include a 3MHz probe. This is the part that you actually place against your belly. You can also order a 2 MHz probe but the 3MHz probe is much more common. According to the Belly Beat website 90% of doctors, hospitals, and midwives use the 3MHz probe. The only case that the 2MHz probe seems to work better is for very overweight mothers where the fetus is very deep.
How and where to get a Baby Beat fetal monitor
You have two options as to how you obtain a fetal monitor. You can either purchase one outright or you can even rent one. The decision to rent or buy depends on how long you think you will want to use your fetal monitor.
If you plan on using your Baby Beat fetal monitor for several months and even for multiple pregnancies then you may want to consider a purchase. The basic model starts around $450 with the top models going for almost $600. You can obtain them from several locations including specialized websites like www.babybeat.com or www.bellybeats.com and normal shopping sites like Amazon or Ebay.
Another option that works well for many people is renting a Belly Beats fetal monitor. Rentals run as low as $20 a month for a base unit and up to $45 a month for the top end units. An added benefit of rental is that you can apply your rental payments towards the purchase price if you decide to purchase the unit. Of course keep in mind that if you choose this options it is likely that your unit will be used instead of new.
Using your Baby Beat fetal monitor
The number one rule when using your fetal monitor is be patient. It may take you very long to find your baby's heartbeat and sometimes you may not be able to find it at all. Don't panic, just because you can't find it doesn't mean that it isn't there. Just slow down and take your time, with persistence you will almost always be able to find the heartbeat.
Of course keep in mind that personal use of the fetal monitor is limited by the F.D.A. and is not intended to be used for any diagnostic or treatment activities. If you have any reason to think that you may be having difficulties or problems with your pregnancy contact your healthcare provider.
Listening to your baby's heartbeat can be a great bonding experience for you and your family. In fact it will probably be easier and more comfortable for Dad to be the one using the probe. Your other children will love listening to the heartbeat as it will give them something tangible to connect with.
Safety Concerns
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has expressed some concern over the excessive use of over the counter fetal monitors. You can read more detail on their website here but they do acknowledge that there are no known risks when using ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors. The concern is centered around the affects to other parts of the body from excessive and unsupervised use.
Sources
Food and Drug Administration, http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095508.htm
We at CCO would like to welcome you to a special Holiday Burst of News. It’s pretty much the same as any other Burst, except our hearts are filled with the unique form of adrenaline brought on by massive amounts of Thanksgiving food, Black Friday debt, and ChristmuHanuKwanzaa excitement/stress. So you’ll excuse us if we occasionally pause to scream our heads off.
Our first gift this holiday season, however, comes from the good folks at Lamborghini. According to company sources speaking to CarsUK.net, Lambo is summoning up their very own hypercar capable of competing with the Ferrari Enzo and the rest of the highest echelon of automotive performance. Rumor has it the car, which will be based off the Murcielago-replacing Jota, will be named Urus, after the enormous primordial ancestor of modern cattle. (That’s not a joke.)
They really could just cut and paste the Reventon body on the Jota chassis, and I don't think any of us would mind.
While the Jota’s suspected 700+ horsepower 6.0 liter V12 and carbon fiber/aluminum chassis mean it probably won’t be much of a slouch, the Urus should blow it away, thanks to intensive weight-reducing strategies and the introduction of an 800+ horsepower V12. Price hasn’t been announced, but if you’re hoping for less than half a million bucks, you’d be better off praying for JFK’s resurrection.
But while Lamborghini is trying to out-muscle Ferrari’s old hypercars, the folks in Maranello are working on something quite different. The company confirmed last month they are developing an electric-powered all-wheel-drive system for their future vehicles.
That’s right, folks. Not only will the Ferrari of Tomorrow have four-wheel-drive…it’ll be a hybrid.
The 458 probably won't get the hybrid system. We just wanted to look at it again.
Company insiders told AutoCar the system’s first use will be driving the front wheels of the company’s front-engined GTs, effectively giving each axle a separate powertrain – the electric motor up front, and a gasoline-powered V12 powering the rear. But the system is designed to improve handling and acceleration, not fuel economy – so we don’t have to worry about Ferrari drivers getting all smug or anything.
The system will probably first be used in the successor to the 612, which will probably be breaking cover sometime in the next year or two. Don’t expect to see any hybrid Ferraris on the streets until 2014 or so, which still sounds ridiculously futuristic whenever we think about it. When they do come, the hybrid system will probably add a hefty tithe to the Monroney – but if you can afford a four-seat Ferrari, you probably ain’t too worried about it.
Speaking of mansion-priced cars, Rolls-Royce is hoping to take the wraps off an electric version of its Phantom uber-sedan sometime in the next year or so, also according to AutoCar. The Powers That Be at Rolls want to have the car on the road by 2012, in time for the London Olympics – which, entirely coincidentally, happen to be sponsored by Rolls-Royce’s parent company, BMW!
While it appears stoic, the Phantom is silently judging you for being too poor to afford it.
Rolls employees claim they aren’t particularly concerned about the added mass of the lithium-ion batteries needed to hold the car’s juice, as the conventional Phantom already pushes three tons. And while you could certainly argue a 6,000 pound sedan decorated with twenty-seven cows’ worth of leather and more wood than a freshman class trip to the Playboy Mansion is hardly eco-friendly, don’t bother telling the electric Rolls’ owners – because while they can certainly hear you, they just don’t care.
If you’re in the market for a more modest luxury sedan, however, there’s no need to fret. BMW and Audi both have unveiled the newest members of their families in the last couple weeks – BMW brought out its new 5-series, while Audi rolled out the new A8.
First up: the 5, which continues BMW’s recent trend back towards more conventional styling. The “flame surfacing” of the Bangle years admittedly remains, but at least the front end no longer appears surprised and the rear no longer frustrated.
Here in the States, only two models will be available at launch – the 550i, powered by a 407-horsepower version of Bimmer’s blissful turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, and the 535i, which comes with the latest turbocharged, 306-horsepower version of the company’s equally sweet 3.0-liter inline six. The best-selling-yet-least-arousing 528i will arrive a couple months later; however, BMW makes up for it by boosting power to 258 horses and 228 lb-ft of torque – gains of 28 for both figures over the current models. ZF’s new eight-speed automatic comes standard on the 550i, and optional on the six-cylinder models.
After debating it over several rounds of drinks at the local bar, we here at CCO ultimately came down in favor of the new 5er’s looks. (Also, we unanimously agreed that “Livin’ On A Prayer” is, like, the greatest song in human history.) While it seems almost a tad forgettable from certain angles (at least in pictures), it certainly bears a strong resemblance to the 3- and 7-series – and given that that was presumably the idea, it’s safe to call this one a success.
However, we aren’t particularly fond of the look of Audi’s new A8. From the front, the car seems oddly reminiscent of the current Hyundai Sonata, and the LED running lights – which lend the A4/A5 family a futuristic strength, like the glowing eyes of Iron Man – angle down in just the wrong place, giving the A8 a strange resemblance to Droopy Dog. Audi is trumpeting the new A8 as the front line of its new designed theme, dubbed “Vorsprung durch Technik;” while our German is a little rusty, we can only assume said phrase translates to, “Let’s just make the A4 bigger and go pound a beer.”
"I always come to mope in front of the Brooklyn Bridge, because I'm artsy."
Thankfully, though, the interior looks like all you’d expect and more from Audi’s most luxurious model. The design is beautiful, and while we’ve heard some mixed opinions on the Interwebs about the A8’s handlebar shifter, we rather like it. And considering that shifter connects to the same eight-speed automatic as in the 5-series – and that the transmission connects all four wheels to a 372-horsepower 4.2 liter V8 – the A8 ought to be a pretty sweet drive for such a large car.
Of course, if you’re not thrilled with the A8’s styling and are willing to sacrifice a bit of space for it, Audi will be more than willing to take a deposit on their upcoming A7 four-door-coupe. According to AutoCar, the long-rumored A6-based pseudo-coupe will be unveiled at the Moscow Auto Show in August 2010.
When the A7 hits the U.S. streets sometime in late 2010 or early 2011 to engage the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW X6 in a Teutonic battle of “Bizarro-world coupes,” expect it to come equipped with similar engines to the A6 – naturally aspirated and supercharged V-6s, and if Audi’s feeling generous and gas is still cheap, the 372-hp V8 from the A8. According to Audi design director Stefan Sielaff, there will even be an S7 – likely featuring a turbo/supercharged V8 – for those of you who like testing the patience of law enforcement.
This is Audi's Sportback Concept. Expect the A7 to look like this, except with more Orange Country trophy wives behind the wheel.
Rumor has it U.S. prices should start somewhere around $46,000, but since the A6 starts at $45,200, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the A7 on the painful side of $50K when it hits our shores. Mercedes and BMW both charge significantly more for their faux coupes than the sedans/SUVs they’re based on, so Audi will probably follow the same logic – even if AutoCar claims there will only be a “small price premium.”
But while Audi is chopping up the higher end of the luxury car market into ever-smaller slices, BMW wants to slot yet another model into its rapidly burgeoning M line. According to AutoCar (who seem to have more anonymous sources than Seymour Hersh), someone in BMW’s high-performance division claims creating a more affordable model to slot in under the M3 is a top priority.
Details are few and far between at this point, but since the car would be based on the next-gen 1-series, there’s plenty of time for info to leak out. However, we do know two things: the car will (hopefully) be priced in the mid-$40K range, and BMW may dust off the old M1 badge for it. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a 365+ horsepower version of the company’s turbo I6 under the hood…
Of course, if Audi and BMW are hard at work crafting fun new toys for us to play with, the good folks at Mercedes-Benz can’t be far behind. In this case, rumor has it the company is working on whipping up a smaller sports car based on the new SLS.
At least from this angle, we don't have to look at its ass.
According to PistonHeads, the new model would be designed to compete against the Porsche 911. The ‘Heads claim the follow-up to the SLS – can we call it the SaLT? – will use a V8 of somewhere between 5.8 and 6.2 liters, complete with cylinder cut-off. Given that AMG spent a shit-ton of cash developing its current 6.2 liter engine and said engine has proven suitable in everything from C-class compacts to R-class megawagons, it’s probably safe to assume the Salt will just use a revised version of that engine. Expect to see the finished product in about five years.
Finally, we have another piece of tragic supercar news to round out this update. After a year of service, the Italian State Police’s Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was totaled a couple weeks ago near the northern city of Cremona. Thankfully, neither of the officers inside were injured when the Lambo swerved to avoid a car and slammed into a group of parked vehicles.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(Photo courtesy autoblog.it)
Before the accident, the Gallardo was primarily used to provide rapid response to accidents and for high-speed organ transport – because while a helicopter might be faster, the doctors wouldn’t be able to say, “They’re driving your new heart here in a Lamborghini.” No word yet on whether Lamborghini will replace the vehicle, but here’s hoping they will. In fact, here’s hoping automakers here in the States decide to follow suit and donate some choice vehicles to our local police forces. How ’bout a couple Corvette ZR1s for the Michigan State Troopers?
Tadi aku keluar gi Tabung Haji. Gila la punya jem kan pasal kat area Batu Caves gitu. So, bila dah jem ni aku pun mencari la hobi baru. Melihat gelagat pemandu kereta mewah atau lebih senang disebut perewah.
Aku perhatikan, ramailah perewah² seperti Harrier, Merc, BMW dan lain² kereta mewah lain time² camni kan.. Keta² camni memangla mahal. Dari kerja² service, membasuh (termasuk polish) road tax dan insurance. Market price tak yah cita la kot.. gadai semua bulu yang ada kat badan pun belum tentu boleh dapat duduk kat bonet belakang. Yang aku heran, perewah² ini mempunyai satu persamaan. Lampu signal tak menyala. Tak kiralah time nak memotong ke, time nak belok ke atau pun berenti sekejap kat bahu jalan (selalunya singgah kat ATM machine atau beli goreng pisang Cik Siah). Macam mana korang boleh beli kereta yang mahal camtu, tapi korang tak add kan lampu signal? Lampu signal tu optional ke? Ataupun lampu signal tu dalam package accessory? Ataupun korang ni memang jenis X-Man? Ada gifted power camtu? Cam Prof. Xavier gitu? (The only kenderaan kat Malaysia ni yang tak de lampu signal adalah Vespa masa zaman Tunku Abdul Rahman). Tapi aku.rasa perewah² ni kan memang MALAS nak guna lampu signal dorang & dorang ni agak kurang ajar. Baik yang mata sepet, baik yang jenis lebai atas pala, baik yang jenis pakai maskara mahupun jenis yang mandi minyak bijan. Perangai suma sama.. Tak menyahut seruan kerajaan langsung. Kenapa perewah Malas? Sebab perewah ni banyak duit. Kerajinan itu boleh dibeli dengan wang ringgit. Kenapa perewah kurang ajar? Sebab perewah ni ada kereta mewah. Kena la kurang ajar. Kan?
Kalau eskeden (teraccident) camne? Tak ke terkencing orang yang langgar tu? Ye la.. walaupun salah perewah, tapi bila dah tengok yang dia langgar tu kereta tiga huruf, basah gak la tapak tangan.. kan?
Yang si perewah ni pulak time tu la nak tunjuk dia punya power besar. Mula la ayat² “Ko salah la..”, “Lu salah ma..”, “mu saloh..” pung ade. Tak puas dengan memaki mulut & kata², keluar la pulak memaki tangan dan jari… Hm.. perewah.. perewah.. Korang ni.. duit je banyak, akai haluih.. yang terlanggar tu dah la seekor kancil putih 850. Ditunggang mak cik bertudung labuh.. berbadan agak gempal dan memakai spek rabun jauh berkapisiti tak kurang dari 200. Sian dia..
So, kepada perewah² yang diluar sana.. aku.rasa korang ni kan, nak kena gi kelas pendidikan moral la.. yang ‘potong’ ke.. yang tak ‘potong’ ke.. sama ja..
Changes include an updated Multimedia Interface system, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights and night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians and Audi pre sense safety system.The new style is very similar to the old A8, but you can see plenty of differences in the details, the biggest being the new headlamps and taillamps.
Despite plenty of feature, the car is very light compared to its main rivals. It weighs around 50lbs (About 22kg) less than the RWD Mercedes S-Class and over 200lbs (Roughly 90kg) less than the RWD BMW 7 Series. The Audi A8 has AWD though, and the weight gap becomes significantly larger when comparing it to the AWD versions of its competition.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. He may have a point, the previous ones were known to be sporty alternatives to the competition.
The car should be arriving in North American dealerships in late 2010. The first engine offered will be the well established 4.2L FSI V8 with 372hp. It will be linked to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. 0-60mph should be dealt with in 5.7seconds.
A long-wheel base version will be unveiled in 2010, and a hybrid has been confirmed.
Here’s the press release for full details:
The new Audi A8 – the sportiest sedan in the luxury class
Adapted for the USA
Fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort: Audi is bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line. The new flagship demonstrates the brand’s proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik with its light aluminum body, its powerful and highly efficient engines, the further improved MMI operating system, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights and an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship.
With all this technology the new Audi A8 offers the perfect synthesis of dynamics, perfection in design, workmanship and pioneering efficiency.
“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”
The new luxury sedan, to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2010, is a technical work of art. Its elegant and forceful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The interior is captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.
The Audi A8 combines a new level of intelligence with exemplary and easy operation. Its multimedia interface (MMI) includes a pioneering innovation: Combined with the standard (in the U.S.) navigation system it has a touchpad. MMI touch enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example, the navigation destination can be entered by writing the letters on the pad with the touch of a finger.
MMI navigation plus is networked in a novel fashion with the advanced driver assistance and safety systems. It follows the route in advance during driving and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and for the ACC stop & go function. Their enhanced intelligence enables these systems to recognize complex scenarios and to make anticipatory decisions to assist the driver. The new technologies include a night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians, the Audi pre sense safety system as well as – in the course of 2010 – a speed limit display.
Another high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions. They give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. The revolutionary optics used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used today. The full LED headlights herald a new chapter in lighting technology.
The new A8 starts off with a 4.2 FSI with 273 kW (372 hp). The engine affords increased power and torque – but the fuel consumption has dropped by around 15 percent, thanks to intelligent and efficient technologies like the recuperation system and innovative thermal management.
The new tiptronic: eight speeds for more comfort and efficiency
The standard new transmission also plays a large role in increasing efficiency – the extremely convenient 8-speed tiptronic finely graduates its eight gears while achieving a large overall spread. Its control system is purely electronic, operated with an elegant selector level and rocker switches at the steering wheel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a distinct sporty and rear-end character. On request, the sport differential dynamically distributes the forces between the rear wheels.
The new A8 also documents its standing as the sportiest luxury sedan on the market in the chassis sector. The distribution of the axle loads is balanced, and all wheel control arms are aluminum. The adaptive air suspension together with adaptive damping is always on board, forming part of the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, also standard. The optional dynamic steering is a supplementary component.
In the field of multimedia Audi also offers many attractive modules. They include an optional sound system from Bang & Olufsen, with an output of over 1,400 watts and 19 speakers, and include state-of-the-art online services. The new Audi A8 has gained in dynamics, convenience, prestige and intelligence, setting new standards in all sectors.
At a glance
The new Audi A8
Body
- Lightweight and yet ultra-strong aluminum body with ASF design
- Flowing design, full LED headlights on request
Interior and controls
- Luxurious interior with newly developed, spacious styling
- Craftsman-level workmanship, emotionally charged interior lighting
- Advanced MMI operating system, MMI touch navigation system with pioneering operating concept
- Seats with optional ventilation and massage functions, luxurious individual rear seats optional
Safety
- New Audi pre sense safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimizing their consequences
Infotainment and driver assistance systems
- Navigation system of the next generation closely networked with the assistance systems; high-end audio systems and online services
- Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go feature and advanced driver assistance systems
Drivetrain
- One gasoline engine, with direct fuel injection and 273 kW (372 hp)
- Consumption improved by 15 percent with enhanced performance
- New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive, optional sport differential
Chassis
- Lightweight wheel suspension, balanced axle load distribution
- Audi drive select driving dynamic system including standard adaptive air suspension and adaptive damping, optional dynamic steering
The new flagship from Audi
The Audi A8
Audi has launched the next generation of the A8 – the sportiest sedan of the luxury class sets new standards. Its elegantly styled body with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) is aluminum, the engines are powerful and highly efficient, and the power transmission and running gear combine dynamics with convenience. The new flagship’s generously designed interior captivates with its luxurious equipment, newly developed control system MMI and the excellent quality of its workmanship. Innovative assistance systems lend even more confidence to driving.
5137 mm (16.85 ft) in length, with a 2992 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase, 1949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1460 mm (4.79 ft) in height – the new luxury sedan is generously proportioned. The Audi A8 significantly exceeds in length and width both its predecessor and its competitors. Its height, however, remains below that of its immediate rivals in Germany – the proportions follow the dynamic line.
The A8 displays its single-frame radiator grille like a proud coat of arms. Framed by a chrome edge, the grille presents a new design – sculptured, three- dimensional and rich in details. With angular upper corners, it is neatly integrated in the front section, while the prominent, horizontal chrome braces emphasize the vehicle width.
The Audi A8 looks out on the world through newly designed headlights – with xenon plus units and the innovative full LED headlights, a technology Audi was the first to introduce worldwide in the R8 high-performance sports car. The adaptive light system augments the xenon plus units – it controls the swiveling modules so that they always provide the perfect lighting for intersections, the city, country roads and highways. The new all-weather light integrated into the headlights replaces the fog lights. Their traditional location in the air intakes is now occupied by the radar sensors of the optional adaptive cruise control with stop & go function.
A technological breakthrough from Audi is the networking of the headlight control unit with the optional MMI navigation plus. The navigation system analyzes the route ahead and relays the data to the light computer to activate highway lighting with its extended range while still on the ramp to the highway, for example. Before entering an intersection, the system activates the cornering light, which provides wider-angle illumination and thus enhances safety.
High-end technology: the full LED headlights
The high-end solution on board the new A8 is the full LED headlights. They give the big sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. Their revolutionary optics mean a departure from the large, tubular light modules commonly used today.
The low beams comprise ten individual modules forming an arc situated below the wing-shaped chrome contour known as the “wing.” Just below this is another arc of 22 white and 22 yellow LEDs for the daytime running lights and the turn signals. Their thick wall technology makes them appear from the outside as homogenous, continuous strips of light.
Located above the wing are the high beams, whose light is generated by two powerful four-chip LEDs and a free surface reflector system. An assistant switches between the high and low beams, and additional high-power LEDs generate the highway light and cornering light. A separate fan and heat sink moderate the system’s temperature.
The full LED headlights offer a number of functional advantages in everyday situations. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, their light resembles daylight and thus is much less tiring to the eyes. They also offer efficiency advantages. The low beams, for example, consume only 40 watts per unit, a bit less than the already highly efficient xenon plus headlights.
The side view of the new Audi A8 also gives the image of concentrated and forward-thrusting power. Typically for the Audi line, the vehicle line makes up two-thirds of the height, with the remaining third falling to the greenhouse. From the single-frame grill Audi’s characteristic Tornado line runs as a light edge just beneath the window sill. The line continues close above the wheel arches, giving the A8 a powerful appearance on the road.
The surfaces below the Tornado line interpret the interplay of light and shadow, of convexity and concavity, and are statement of seriousness and timeless elegance. Proceeding downwards, the surfaces are framed by the rising dynamic line running above the side sills. Large wheels – from 17 to 21 inches in diameter – fill the wheel arches pulled out wide.
At the rear the separation edge gives an impression of sleekness, which further reinforces the impressively sculptured surfaces. A chrome strip underlines the width of the sedan, terminating in a diffuser.
The tail lights also produce an appearance both three-dimensional and striking – and typically Audi. They, too, use LED technology with 72 light-emitting diodes per unit. Chip-on-board LEDs, which can be packed tightly together with high precision, are used in many areas due to the limited amount of space available.
The tail lights, which consume only 9 watts per unit, form a trapezoidal contour that appears as an even, homogenous strip. Its upper segment is a light guide – a plastic tube; the lower section is a reflective, textured free-form surface. It is thicker than the upper segment to optically lower the center of gravity of the A8’s back end. The turn signal is a horizontal line. The five-segment brake light is located inside the trapezoid.
Body
Big, strong, safe and yet amazingly lightweight – the aluminum body once again sets new standards. Its low weight is a key factor for the outstanding driving dynamics, exemplary efficiency and very good comfort of the new A8. Audi, the lightweight design pioneer of the automotive industry, again demonstrates its leadership role.
Fifteen years ago the four rings brand introduced the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) into production – with the first A8 generation. ASF has proven its merit outstandingly; and now Audi is again using it in a much more advanced form. In its basic design the ASF body brings a latticed framework to mind. Its skeleton comprises extruded sections and pressure diecast parts of aluminum. The aluminum panels – such as the roof panels and the side panels – are joined by friction connections.
Depending on their tasks, the components of the ASF body fully differ in shape and cross-sectional area. For example, the A-pillar nodes of the new A8 – one of 25 castings in the body – interconnect the longitudinal member, the sill, the omega cross-member, the windshield crossmember, the roof frame and the suspension strut mount. The lateral roof frame, on the other hand, is formed by a single extruded section; its cross-section changes flexibly from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
Audi has substantially increased the strength of the higher-strength body components in the new A8, thereby significantly reducing both material thickness and weight.
One of the keys for this is a novel composite material for the aluminum panels. The use of this new, high-strength aluminum alloy alone enabled a weight saving of 6.5 kilograms (14.33 lb).
High stiffness, low vibrations
Besides the low weight, the ASF body of the A8 has many other strengths. The static torsional stiffness has increased by 25 percent compared with the predecessor, already a leader in the field; it forms the basis for the precise, dynamic handling. In terms of lightweight quality – the relationship between weight, torsional stiffness and size – the body achieved an improvement of 20 percent. The ASF principle ensures comfortably low levels of vibrations and impressive quietness on board for that typical Audi feeling.
The new A8 glides calmly, sleekly and quietly through the wind. The 4.2 FSI version has a drag coefficient of only 0.26, with the frontal area measuring 2.41 m2 (25.94 square ft). Low lift coefficients at the front and rear axles ensure confident stability at highway speeds. The luxury sedan also once again leads its class in wind noise comfort.
Audi regards the development of a new vehicle as a holistic mission. The overall energy balance sheet covering the entire vehicle life reveals the new A8 achieves better results than its predecessor with respect to all important environmental criteria, including CO2 emissions. The crucial factor is the phase of use, where in particular the new, highly efficient engines play a positive role. Aluminum is also superior to steel as a body material with respect to CO2 thanks to its excellent recycling properties.
Interior
The interior of the new Audi A8 is a wellness lounge for the senses. With its elegant styling and quality of workmanship on the craftsman level, the interior is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the four rings brand. In the cut it is much wider, more airy and spacious than its predecessor. Its salient element is the “wrap- around” – a circumferential curve forming an elegant beltline as on a yacht. The large curve integrates the sleek and low instrument panel. Its neat & tidy front is shaped like a gentle wave.
The Audi brand’s clear and intuitive operating philosophy reaches new heights in the A8. The large, round instruments are clearly delineated. The driver information system (DIS), which serves as a fully fledged information and control center, has a new layout. Its center display has increased to a 7-inch diagonal, showing all functions according to an easily understandable concept. It is operated at the equally improved multifunction steering wheel.
The center tunnel: perfect control console
The center tunnel in the new A8 is wide and evenly inclined. As an ergonomically ideal control console, it contains the control panel for the automatic air conditioning and the terminal of the MMI control and multimedia system, now in a new version. It forms a clearly organized touch & feel arrangement of three zones, one of which is reserved for audio. Operation is totally stress-free: The driver’s wrist on the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic, asymmetrically located on the center tunnel, leaving the hand at ease to touch and turn switches.
In standby mode, the monitor of the MMI system is recessed in the instrument panel. Switched on, it moves upwards in an elegant curve, nicely setting the scene for the system start. The large monitor with its 8-inch diagonal is extremely flat. Its display area is divided into three information zones, while the menu control system follows a further improved and intuitive logic. All topics are presented in elegant, three-dimensional graphics.
The A8 also sets the bar at a new height in the quality of workmanship, another big domain of Audi. The combination of highest-quality materials and their precise implementation make the interior a sensuous experience. The large controls and buttons are optionally available with aluminum surfaces and click easily and precisely like clockwork. Many switches gleam in high-gloss black, and all frequently used parts are covered by a new kind of top coat making them extremely scratch-resistant.
The large decorative inlays each consist of two parts – a highly elegant solution. The bottom elements come in standard highly polished black, the top ones in walnut brown, while the whole is accentuated by fine chrome strips. Brushed aluminum and fine woods are optionally available from Audi. All components feature uncompromisingly precise workmanship and minimal gaps.
Audi offers five basic colors for the interior, and three shades for the roof lining. The selection of coverings ranges to natural leather, which is especially soft and breathable. Passionate individualists can choose from two Audi design selections in special colors that integrate many luxurious equipment features. Audi also offers several leather packages, an Alcantara package and the extended aluminum look in the interior.
Highly emotional: the orchestration of light
At dark another high-end feature comes into play – the new ambient light. White LEDs add a few subtle highlights to the interior. The ambient light package is an emotional overall orchestration, providing effective illumination and making the center console seem to float. Many LEDs here are two-colored or three-colored – the color schemes of ivory, polar and ruby can be selected at the MMI. In other words, the same LEDs can change between two and three colors.
The many sophisticated solutions in the new A8 include the start-stop button, which allows the driver to start the engine while leaving the key in his or her pocket.
The automatic air conditioning system regulates the interior climate in two zones, and optionally in four. Three climate styles are available – gentle, medium and strong – which also change the type of air flow. For winter a fourth variant is available that heats the footwell more intensively.
The standard front seats feature 12-way electric adjustment. The comfort seats offer even more luxury with their 22-way adjustability, also incorporating the sides of the seats. Audi also offers optional seats with a sporty look and top-stitched diamond patterns. Three-staged ventilation is offered in addition to the heating. Another luxury extra is the pneumatic massage, in which twin air chambers pulsate in the backrest – the driver and front passenger can regulate them in five programs, with the intensity graduated in three stages.
As a large, luxurious touring sedan the A8 also treats its rear passengers on a first-class level. On request, Audi even provides the rear bench with versatile electric adjustment of the outside seats; a memory feature is on board as is adjustability of the front passenger seat from the rear. Seat heating, electric blinds and the four-zone automatic air conditioning together with a separate rear control panel round off the package. Ventilation and a massage function are also available.
The new A8 provides 510 liters of large luggage space, cut very wide. Four golf bags can be fitted crosswise; smaller objects are accommodated in the side compartments. After unlocking, the gate automatically swings up. The standard (in the U.S.) luggage compartment includes a net, two hooks for bags, an umbrella holder and a 12 V outlet. Load-through capability with ski bag and an electric tailgate are also available.
Engines
Superior power and high efficiency – the new A8 makes its debut on the market with a strong V8 engine. With 372 hp, they never fail to impress with their superior power and mighty but discreet propulsion. All engines feature direct fuel injection, and consume 15 percent less fuel than their respective predecessors.
The engine in the A8 has intelligent elements from Audi’s modular efficiency system on board. During deceleration the recuperation system converts the kinetic energy to electric power, which is buffered in the battery. In the innovative thermal management a computer monitors numerous actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior in any situation. After the cold start the engine is temporarily fully uncoupled from the cooling circuit, considerably shortening the warm-up phase with its high loss of friction.
The 4.2 FSI draws 273 kW (372 hp) of power from 4,163 cm3 displacement, generating its maximum of 445 Nm (328.22 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm. It accelerates the A8 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with the propulsion ending (as in all engine variants) at the electronically controlled speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The most important reason for this enhanced power is the reduction of internal friction, especially in the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries. The controlled oil pump with changeover between two pressure stages operates with high efficiency. Like all gasoline engines from Audi, the V8 has FSI direct injection. It allows a high compression of 12.5:1, for increased power and efficiency.
Drivetrain
The new Audi A8 offers the utmost superiority also in power transmission. A new, electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic system and quattro permanent all- wheel drive from the production line. On request, Audi also installs the dynamic sport differential.
The 8-speed tiptronic is a totally newly developed automatic transmission. Its great strength lies in the high overall gear ratio of 7.0:1 between the shortest and longest gear ratio, reducing the fuel consumption by about six percent. Starting off, the A8 accelerates dynamically, rolling along highways with low, consumption-reducing revs. All gear changes are nearly unnoticeably soft and smooth, very fast and highly flexible.
The 8-speed tiptronic achieves a high level of efficiency. One of the factors behind this is the highly efficient pump for supplying oil, another the heating of the oil by the coolant following a cold start, for lowering frictional loss.
The dynamic shift program (DSP) that controls the transmission features the automatic operating modes D and S. A pioneering innovation from Audi is its networking with the detailed route data supplied by the optional MMI navigation plus system. By means of this data the DSP incorporates upcoming curves in its gearshift strategy – it avoids unnecessary gear changes on narrow roads, for example.
The new selector lever on the center tunnel is for selecting driving modes – shaped like the thrust lever on a yacht, it forms a highlight in the elegant interior of the sedan. The ergonomically perfected lever communicates with the transmission electronically. Gear changes are triggered by a brief tap of the lever, after which it automatically returns to its center position. You can also change gears using the rocker switches on the steering wheel.
The installation position of the new tiptronic follows a special layout – as in many models from Audi: The differential lies in front of the torque converter. The front axle is then moved forwards – the advantages are a long wheelbase, a short front overhang and a finely balanced weight distribution.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system equally contributes to the new A8’s leading position. Its mechanical center differential manages normal automotive operation: 60 percent to the differential of the rear axle and 40 percent to the front – a sporty characteristic. Should slip occur at a wheel, the differential sends the large part of the torque to the axle with the better traction.
Customers with a particularly sporty driving style may decide on the optional sport differential with its continuously variable distribution of the drive forces between the rear wheels. With the sport differential the A8 drives as if on the proverbial rails.
The sport differential’s controller is connected to the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. The driver can switch between the system’s three characteristics – auto, comfort and dynamic – at any time.
Chassis
The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in the luxury class. Its chassis combines uncompromising precision with great dynamism, superior stability and excellent comfort. Audi drive select is standard, with optional dynamic steering. The large sedan impresses with its sprightly agility. The A8 steers into the corners spontaneously and willingly, driving through them almost neutrally and finding a strong grip on the road at their exit thanks to quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The subframe for the engine and the front axle forms the backbone of the front suspension. The front axle is constructed from five control arms per wheel; its aluminum forged parts provide low unsprung mass and ultra-precise wheel guidance.
All A8 variants roll with the standard speed-dependent servotronic. The steering gear is positioned low and well up front at the subframe; the steering impulse is introduced directly into the wheels through the track rods, with a very spontaneous response. With a sporty and direct gear ratio of 16.1 : 1, the steering conveys a precise and finely differentiated feedback from the road in any situation. Its controlled vane-type pump operates with high efficiency.
The layout of the rear axle follows the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle, which combines compact design with superior driving and comfort qualities. Four steel tubes form the highly rigid axle subframe. The two hollow-cast trapezoidal links, the wheel carriers, the overhead transverse links and the track rods are made of aluminum. Audi’s engineers have thoroughly overhauled the suspension. The struts are supported directly by the wheel carrier, so that the dampers respond with even greater sensitivity.
Audi drive select lends fascinating variety to the experience of driving in the new A8 – from highly comfortable, gentle rolling to sporty and exciting cornering. It integrates the adaptive air suspension, the engine, the 8-speed tiptronic and the servotronic. With the MMI the driver can change the characteristics of these systems between the comfort, auto and dynamic modes. Moreover, the driver can compose a fourth operating mode corresponding to his or her personal ideal – the “individual” mode.
Always the right tuning: adaptive air suspension
The adaptive air suspension combines air suspension with controlled damping. The struts are newly developed; an enlarged air capacity now allows a soft characteristic even without an auxiliary accumulator. The bellows and auxiliary air springs sensitively respond even to a slight unevenness in the road surface. The shock absorbers operate with high flexibility – their control unit constantly analyzes the conditions and varies its mode of operation within thousandths of a second.
The adaptive air suspension is a versatile technology. Depending on the speed and the mode specified by Audi drive select, it lowers the body by up to 25 mm, to increase stability and reduce drag and thereby improve fuel consumption. One other operating mode is also available – the “lift” mode slightly raises the body.
Audi drive select also has other components in store – the sport differential and dynamic steering, which varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent. At low vehicle speeds – during maneuvering, for example – the steering system operates very directly; the power assistance is also high. As the speed increases, directness and power assistance continuously recede – on highways the A8 glides over the asphalt with stoic calmness.
The dynamic steering cooperates closely with the ESP stabilization system. If necessary, it slightly countersteers in the handling limits when cornering – practically unnoticed by the driver, it reduces understeer and oversteer in most situations.
The new A8 has a powerful brake system on board that is consistently designed for maximum heat dissipation and low weight. All four discs are internally ventilated; up front, stainless steel pins connect the friction rings to the aluminum brake caps. This concept from the sports car sector, new in the luxury class, saves up to 3.75 kg (8.27 lb) of weight per wheel. The ESP stabilization system can be switched off and offers a sport mode.
The range of wheels underscores the strong character of the new Audi A8. The sizes range from 17 to 21 inches. The tires have been optimized with respect to comfort, aerodynamics and rolling resistance.
Safety
The new A8 is one of the safest cars on the market. It protects its passengers with a high-stability body, adaptive restraint systems and with the new Audi pre sense system. It’s available in a standard version and in three expanded levels.
In the standard variant – Audi pre sense basic – the system analyzes the information from the ESP sensors. When they signal maximum brake application or skidding, the control unit intervenes. Depending on the situation, it activates the hazard warning lights and closes the side windows and the sunroof; it also tensions the front seat belts. Electric motors trigger this process, which is reversible – if the situation ends well, the belts are released again.
The expanded levels of the system are called Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense plus and Audi pre sense rear. They are integrated in the optional assistance systems adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and Audi side assist.
In interplay with ACC stop & go, Audi pre sense front monitors the traffic in front of the new Audi A8 and supports the driver in multiple stages. The first is a warning signal, and the second a warning jerk in the form of a brief deceleration. If the driver now depresses the pedal, the brake assist system initiates precise braking relative to the preceding vehicle.
Even an avoidance maneuver – often the better solution – would still be possible. Should the driver remain passive, the third stage follows – autonomous partial braking that slows the A8 at a rate of 3 m/s2. Windows and the sunroof are closed, the hazard warning lights are activated and the seat belts are tensioned.
If the full version of Audi pre sense plus is on board, a fourth stage comes into play: braking with an initial deceleration of 5 m/s2 followed by maximum braking. This phase is initiated roughly one half second before the collision. While a collision can no longer be avoided in this case, its consequences are greatly ameliorated, for up to impact the A8 has reduced the speed by about 40 km/h (24.85 mph).
The Audi pre sense rear system mitigates the consequences of a rear end collision. Here, too, it closes the windows and sunroof and tensions the seat belts. If the A8 has the optional front memory seats on board, they move into a position that protects the passengers well.
The high-stability ASF body affords excellent protection in any type of crash. In the interior the adaptive restraint system stands guard. Particularly with smaller and lighter people it significantly reduces the severity of injuries by intelligently managing the interplay between the front airbags and the belt tension limiters. For side collisions the A8 has side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the outside rear seats. The two head airbags extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
Assistance systems
The new A8 also demonstrates Audi’s concentrated innovative power in its assistance systems, offering a wide, newly echeloned range of high-tech systems. Compared with the competition, they are considerably more efficient and intelligent, thanks to their pioneering new networking.
The radar-aided automatic proximity control system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, has undergone intensive development. Its two radar sensors are now located in the front end of the A8 in the air inlets.
The system regulates the speed and the proximity to the preceding vehicle in the range of 0 to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). In stop-and-go traffic it decelerates the new A8 to a standstill. In short stops the sedan automatically resumes moving when the preceding vehicle drives off; after a longer stop the driver must tap the accelerator or the cruise control lever.
Informed by the new navigation system, the ACC stop & go function always knows where the A8 is located. It retrieves data from up to 27 control units and operates closely together with the other driver assistance systems, such as the rear radar of the Audi side assist. Thanks to this high level of information the system can detect complex scenarios and make anticipatory decisions in support of the driver.
On the highway, if the car ahead puts on its right turn signal and slows down because its driver wants to exit, the ACC stop & go function recognizes this fact thanks to the camera image and because it can read the exit from the route data supplied by the navigation system. A conventional system would now brake analogously to the car ahead; in many cases the A8 continues on almost without change.
Audi side assist: safety when changing lanes
At speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) and above, Audi side assist operates with two radar sensors in the rear that observe events occurring behind the car. Should another vehicle be moving in the critical area, the yellow LED indicator in the housing of the outside mirror first lights up. If the driver nevertheless activates the turn signal to change lanes, the indicator becomes brighter and begins to blink quickly – a signal that can hardly be overlooked.
At speeds above roughly 65 km/h (40.39 mph), Audi lane assist intervenes when the driver is about to leave the lane inadvertently. A camera above the interior mirror observes the road. Software processes the images, analyzing the lane markings and the course of the sedan. Should it drive onto a line without signaling, Audi lane assist induces a vibration in the steering wheel. The image data is also used by the ACC stop & go function and the continuous headlight range control.
A totally new assistance system also profits from the camera – the speed limit indicator, to follow in mid-2010. It detects speed limit signs along the side of the road and presents them as graphics in the instrument cluster display.
Also debuting in the Audi A8 is the night vision assistant. The heart of this system is a thermal imaging camera sitting behind the four rings at the front of the car. A computer transforms the information from the camera into images and displays them on the display located between the instruments.
The so-called remote infrared technology used by Audi looks ahead by up to 300 meters (984 ft), depending on the driven speed. Because the system reacts to the heat emitted by objects, people and animals are generally displayed conspicuously bright, while the cool road remains dark. The image processing software specifically seeks human contours – yellow markings in the display highlight detected people. If the person’s movements lead the control unit to assume a hazard, the person is marked red and a warning gong sounds.
Infotainment systems
Audi has also set the bar significantly higher with regard to multimedia technology with the new A8. The optional MMI navigation plus system provides its data to other technology modules. Its new operating concept with the touchpad – known as MMI touch – is another pioneering idea. The phone, audio and infotainment features are equally state of the art.
The core of the new technologies is the new MMI navigation plus, integrating a large-sized hard disk for navigation, phone and audio data. A graphics processor generates the high-quality, three-dimensional images, which appear in the form of a 3D terrain model. Besides the classic arrows, a new and animated display serves the route guidance.
The database of the new MMI navigation plus describes the road network with countless details. The system analyzes these data predictively, reading the current course of the sedan but always thinking a bit ahead. The data are relayed to the control units managing the ACC Stop & Go, adaptive light and the 8-speed tiptronic so that these systems can precisely adapt their function to conditions well in advance.
MMI touch: a revolution in operation
Audi has entered a revolutionary new path in the operation of MMI navigation plus: it uses a touchpad. To enter the destination or phone number you simply draw the letters or numbers on the control panel with the index finger of your right hand. The system even recognizes Cyrillic, Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Korean characters. MMI touch can also be used to navigate on the map. An intelligent auxiliary feature is the Black Panel technology: Here the pad becomes a control panel containing six programmed radio stations.
The new input technology functions intuitively and spontaneously. The driver’s right hand is ideally guided by the selector lever of the 8-speed tiptronic. His or her finger draws the lines as if automatically – and the driver’s attention remains focused on the road. The system acknowledges the input after each character with an acoustic feedback signal. In contrast to voice control, touchpad input is possible even while conversing or listening to an audio source.
Along with MMI touch, the new A8 also offers conventional operation with the MMI rotary pushbutton. Further improved voice control is also available on request: Places and roads can now be spoken as commands.
A long line of hi-fi elements ensures perfect musical listening pleasure. The Audi music interface is equipped with a USB and an Aux-in connection to form a convenient interface for the customer’s iPod or an external video source. Standard in the U.S. is the Bose surround sound system, with a digital amplifier operating 14 speakers through 12 channels with an output of over 600 watts.
The pinnacle of hi-fi listening pleasure: the Advanced Sound System
At the top of the line is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. It is impressive for its sparkling brilliance, detailed resolution and broad, finely differentiated frequency range. With their digital output stages, two amplifiers with an output of over 1,400 watts operate 19 aluminum-encased speakers through 19 channels. The two acoustic lenses in the cockpit are recessed and extend when the system is started.
The new Audi A8 also offers rear seat entertainment. The backrests of the driver and front passenger seats contain two flat displays with 10.2-inch diagonals. Their inclination is adjustable, and they can separately display different content. The sound passes through headphones. The rear seat entertainment system has its own DVD drive, a 20 GB hard disk, two memory card slots and an AMI interface; it has also has full access to all other infotainment systems on board. A control panel in the rear center armrest serves the operation of the system – another instance of first-class convenience.
Equipment and trim
The A8 is Audi’s new technological spearhead – and its equipment underscores this standing. A broad range of high-end features are already standard on this luxury sedan.
In the case of the engines, there is the recuperation system. As for power transmissions, the new flagship shines with its electronically controlled 8-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the sport differential.
In the running gear sector the A8 secures an exceptional standing with Audi drive select; the system integrates the adaptive air suspension together with active shock absorber control. The xenon plus headlights, the Audi pre sense basic system and the anti-theft alarm system serve security. The adaptive restraint system and a tire pressure monitoring system reinforce the sense of safety on board.
When it comes to convenience, the new A8 impresses with its electrical fold-in exterior mirrors, the versatile and electrically adjustable front seats, the two-zone automatic air conditioning system, the electrical adjustment of the steering
column with easy exit function, the ambient lighting, the electro-mechanical parking brake and the start-stop button.
The MMI operating system and the driver information system with the multifunction steering wheel underscore the Audi brand’s leadership role in ergonomics.
The new A8 also moves to the head of its class when it comes to optional extras. In the case of the running gear the dynamic steering deserves special mention. The wheels are up to 21 inches in size, with a sporty tuning of the adaptive air suspension available from Audi on request. The xenon plus headlights are perfectly supplemented by the continuous headlight range control and the adaptive light system, and the innovative full LED headlights give the luxury sedan an especially impressive look.
In matters of safety, advanced levels of the new Audi pre sense technology are optionally available: Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense rear and Audi pre sense plus, integrated in the adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and in Audi side assist. The night vision assist with its marking of detected pedestrians, Audi lane assist, the parking assistance systems and the speed limit display, which is to follow a bit later, also serve the driver’s safety and convenience.
Practical everyday features include the luggage compartment package and the load-through hatch with ski bag, supplemented by the electric tailgate. For the doors there is electric power-assisted closing, for the side windows noise- insulating glass.
High end: the A8’s optional extras
The line of luxurious optional extras is especially attractive. Deserving special mention are the deluxe front center armrest, the convenience key for accessing the vehicle, the electric sun blinds for the rear, the 230 V outlet on the tunnel, the four-zone automatic air conditioning, the auxiliary heating and the ambient light package. The comfort seats for the driver and front passenger can be adjusted 22 ways; heating, ventilation and a massage feature with five programs are available on request.
The new A8 also occupies a leading position in navigation and infotainment systems. The top version, MMI navigation plus, reads the course of the route in advance. The MMI touch also serves operation – another solution from Audi that sets new standards. Three sound systems, including the top-notch system from Bang & Olufsen, are truly music to the ears, while a fully integrated rear seat entertainment system is available for the rear. The new A8 also has intelligent technologies on board for utilizing internet services.
For the distinct individualists among its customers Audi has developed a wide range of interior colors, upholstery and inlays. The Audi design selection impresses with especially exclusive combinations, and with various optional packages containing leather, Alcantara and decorative applications.
All-new 2011 A8 Normal Wheel Base (NWB) – Key Summary Points:
• The new generation of the Audi brand’s flagship, introducing a new era in progressive excellence. Combining dynamic exterior and luxurious interior design with sporty driving characteristics, while providing the highest level of comfort and convenience equipment in the segment.
• The D4 (fourth generation flagship sedan) stands for a unique combination of aluminum space frame, MMI user interface, interior craftsmanship, quattro all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension.
• The Audi brand icon with the perfect execution of sporty, progressive, and sophisticated character.
• Differentiators from competition are sportiness, superior quality and progressiveness. Progressiveness is expressed by the A8 through technological innovation expertise and forward looking design.
• Showcases Audi design, innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence.
US-Market specific information:
• Key competitors are the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series. Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ are secondary competitors.
• NWB shown in Miami. LWB is the core model in the D Segment in the U.S., and will be revealed in 2010.
Differentiation: The NWB A8 is positioned more of the ‘driver’s car’, with sportiness and driving dynamics in focus, while the future LWB will balance prestige, sportiness and comfort.
• Segment sales and pricing will be announced in Fall 2010 shortly prior to the vehicle’s U.S. dealer launch.
Compelling Differentiators for the new Audi A8 in the D Segment fall into 3 main categories:
1. Exceptional Technology: Audi engineers developed cutting edge, innovative, and progressive technologies for the
D4:
• Audi Space Frame (latest generation all-aluminum chassis innovation). The 1997-2003 D2 A8 was the first series production car with an aluminum space frame, and the 2011 D4 continues Audi’s leadership in aluminum design and manufacturing:
o 25% increased static torsional rigidity and new welding technologies which lead to better fuel consumption and better handling coupled with benchmark-levels of passive safety (all in comparison to the 2004-2010 D3 A8).
• Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system (optional, BOSE Surround Sound is standard)
o 19 speakers, 19 channels and more than 1400 watts of B&O-patented ICE-Power output for a theater – like sound experience (previous 2004-2010 D3 A8 had 1000 watts in the B&O system).
o The system was designed and developed as part of the design process of the D4 to ensure organic integration. Audi and B&O: two great design brands working together for an exceptional experience.
• Industry-first full-LED front headlamps with high and low beam, daytime running lights, cornering lights and turn signals.
o Audi’s leadership in lighting technology has turned the headlights into a true design element.
• quattro with Sports differential (optional) with continuously variable torque distribution on the rear axle
o Noticeably reduces understeer and increases driving agility and traction.
o The A8 is the only car in segment with all-wheel-drive standard, and the only car with the torque-vectoring differential available.
• Driver Assistance Systems:
o Latest-generation driver assistance systems; Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, Night vision assistant with pedestrian detection highlighting, Audi lane assist, Audi side assist.
o New generation of ESP stability control with electronic all-wheel-drive torque vectoring. Integrated with Dynamic steering and quattro Sport differential when equipped. Cleans the brake discs and pre-fills the brake system pressure when accelerator released abruptly, improving brake reaction times.
o Audi braking guard (in combination with ACC)warns the driver of critical situations with warning sound and then braking jolt
o Automatic emergency braking (in combination with ACC and side assist) is autonomously carried out in the case of an unavoidable collision to minimize the impact.
• Audi pre sense (standard) in preparation of an accident:
o Reversible belt tensioners; if instability is detected, holds passengers in the optimal seating position.
o Adjustment of seats to optimal seating position.
o Closing sunroof and side windows to help shield the passenger compartment.
o Air suspension shock absorbers adjusted to improve braking and performance.
o Two-stage activation of partial braking
o Hazard warning lights activated
2. The Search for Perfection – in developing the D4, Audi spared no expense or effort to make the perfect luxury-performance sedan:
• Fit and finish, interior and exterior. Audi engineers are always challenged to find the optimized solution to design challenges.
o One example of this design focus and effort on the D4 is the so-called “Koenigsfuge”, where the door and the dashboard meet.
4 different materials and design lines meet at this joint (wood inlay, aluminum inlay, leather dash, and plastics) and must line up on the door and the dashboard for the interior design to flow around the passengers. A compromised solution could have been to change the design to simplify manufacturing, but Audi showcases its quality in the A8 in many such ways.
• Next-generation MMI 3G+ Multi Media Interface with innovative ‘MMI Touch’.
o The industry-first MMI Touch recognizes handwriting for entering Navigation destinations, and is backlit to allow it to change to a pointer for map functions, a number pad for radio functions and can be used to scroll lists in the MMI. This system recognizes Cyrillic (Russia), Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean characters
These language capabilities will only be offered for each respective country, but nevertheless the system is a sign of the Audi international approach toward luxury vehicle development.
o Audi’s ‘joy of use’ concept for the MMI Touch provides the optimal solution for driver-car interaction.
• Night vision assistant (optional) with thermal-imaging camera (infrared).
o Shown in the driver information display, the pedestrian detection software highlights people and animals and determines if a critical situation is imminent.
o While Audi was not the first to market with this feature, the A8 brings the optimal solution with intelligent pedestrian detection and dynamic range adjustment based on vehicle speed.
3. A New Dimension in Look and Feel – the style, design and driving experience of the D4 takes the driver and passengers to a level never before experienced in a luxury car:
• Exterior design is clear and logical Audi design with focus on dynamics, generous proportions and elegance.
• Interior design focus was to give the sense of spaciousness, intuitive control, comfort and luxury. Elements
within the interior were designed to take up as little room as possible, e.g. the MMI screen which folds away. The wrap-around ‘skyliner’ design gives a sense of roominess while connecting the driver and passengers, and the ambient lighting gives a feeling of ‘lightness’ to the interior and a ‘floating’ center console.
• New shift-by-wire gearshift lever in the style of a yacht throttle lever serves as an ergonomic hand rest for operating the MMI and gives the feeling of the ‘center of power and control’ at the driver’s fingertips.
• Audi drive select (standard) allows the driver to change the character of the car to their desires, and means that there is no compromise between a sporty and comfortable car.
o Adjustments include suspension, steering, accelerator, transmission, sport differential, cornering light and seat belt tensioner. Modes: Dynamic / Comfort / Auto / Individual.
Drivetrain Highlights:
• Optimized 4.2 FSI V8 specifications:
o FSI direct injection
o Audi Valvelift System (AVS) variable intake valve lift
o 8-speed transmission for improved fuel economy, responsiveness and driving comfort
o 372 hp (D3 A8 had 350 hp)
o 328 lb-ft (D3 A8 had 325 lb-ft torque)
o 0-100km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds
o 15% improvement in fuel consumption estimated vs. current A8 (EPA figures TBD)
o quattro ® AWD – latest generation with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40/60)
(inches)
LENGTH
WIDTH
HEIGHT
WHEELBASE
2011 all-new Audi A8 (NWB)
202.0
76.7
57.5
117.8
2004-2010 Audi A8/S8 (NWB)
199.3
74.6
56.9
115.9
2004-2010 Audi A8 (LWB)
204.4
74.6
57.3
121.0
BMW 7 Series (NWB)
199.7
74.9
58.2
120.9
BMW 7 Series (LWB)
205.2
74.9
58.3
126.4
Lexus LS (NWB)
199.2
73.8
58.1
116.9
Lexus LS (LWB)
203.9
73.8
58.1
121.7
Mercedes-Benz S Class (LWB only in USA)
205.1
73.7
58.0
124.6
Frequently Asked Questions for the U.S. market:
Where will the A8 be manufactured? It will be built in Neckarsulm, Baden Wuertemberg, Germany. This is the same location where the R8, A6, and A5 / S5 Cabriolet are manufactured.
When will the A8 go on sale in the U.S.? The all-new 2011 model year A8 will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2010. (simultaneous with the LWB version, which will be announced to the public by mid 2010)
How much does the A8 cost? While we are not prepared to discuss the price of the new A8 at this early stage, it can be expected that it will maintain its relative position in the market, with even more product substance and technology.
How many A8’s does Audi plan to sell in the U.S. per year? The D3 A8 reached almost 6,000 units (5,943 in 2004) and just under 7% segment share. However, the premium luxury segment is under tremendous pressure now (-46% YTD 2009). Even so, Audi plans to increase market share relative to the D3 with this exciting new flagship.
Besides the A8 NWB shown here in Miami, what other A8 models are planned for the United States? Today we are introducing the new A8,and its first model will be the V8 NWB model. Other models will follow to create a full A8 model line including performance, prestige and alternate-fuel variants.
How much does the A8 weigh? Official figures/specifications for the A8 are not yet available, however, the new A8 will weigh about the same as the current A8, even though the car is bigger (3 in. longer, 2 in. wider) and has more standard equipment (8-speed auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go, power trunk, etc.) Versus competitors: ~50lbs less than S Class RWD, and >200lbs less than S Class AWD; >200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and >400lbs less than 7 Series AWD.
Who are the A8 customers? A8 customers are highly affluent consumers with a median income close to $500,000, and are most likely worth over $1,000,000. Median age is around 58, which is similar to the BMW 7 Series, and younger than the S Class and Lexus LS. They are highly educated, with almost half having a post-graduate level degree, and are mostly married with few children still in the household. They enjoy traveling, both domestic (e.g. skiing/spa) and international (e.g. Italy/France). Typical publications that they enjoy include the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, The Economist and Barron’s.
That last bit seems quite odd, almost as if the source added that on. Though maybe Audi has just gone a bit bonkers.
This one is also a memoir, concerning M- and someone referred to by the designation J-. Not to be confused with J- who writes stories with me, J- the ex I still see, J- the ex who I don’t, or J- my friend from university, this J- was – in the loosest possible sense of the word – my boss.
I’m not sure if this story is too sentimental. It’s mostly true – the events are in any case – but I was never actually that angsty*, and certainly not that philosophical, as a teenager. I even had one or two thoroughly awesome friends at Ellon following M-’s move, but for the sake of the plot, they have been omitted.
Let me know your thoughts anyways – I’d really appreciate some pointers on this.
*Mum would disagree I’m sure…
_____________
15 was an awkward age, made more so by the loss of a friend.
“I don’t know what you’re moping for – it’s not like she’s dead,” my mother had muttered as I skulked into the kitchen for yet another consolatory cup of tea.
“No,” I would think, quietly to myself, “But I am.”
I had always been a bookish child – more comfortable in the worlds of Ivanhoe and Robin Hood than at secondary school – and seemed to be unable to connect with people unless there was paper and pen between us.
When M- had joined my class, I had found a kindred spirit and we would spend hours trawling the woods by my house or writing stories, hidden away from the cold Scottish winters in her computer room. When her family moved to Warwickshire, I had thought it was the end of the world.
After she left, school became something of an ordeal and I would sulk away my lunch hour, hidden at the top of the third floor biology staircase. I lived for my music – the crackled sounds of radio recordings on an old cassette offering some comfort in my isolation. I maintain that people who call their teenage years ‘the best of their life’, can’t remember being teenagers. The way I recall it, it was a miserable time for all concerned.
Weekends were different though. They gave me a chance to be myself, and not – as my peers considered me – the school odd-ball. I worked at the local boarding kennels at the time and when I was there I was an adult, a member of the work force. It became something of a second home, and I would feel the cares of the week falling away as I walked the dogs through the rugged Aberdeenshire countryside.
It was at about that time the kennel owner’s son, a twenty-something man we knew as J-, purchased his first motorbike. It was a stunning machine – a BMW R850R – and, he claimed, the only blue version in Scotland.
I had always been frightened by motorbikes. Hearing crash stories and having seen some vague statistics involving death and the vehicles had made me somewhat wary of them. I routinely sang the virtues of four wheels over two and cited countless figures which proved – to my 15 year old brain in any case – that cars were faster anyway.
Nevertheless, when J- asked me if I’d like to ride pillion, I jumped at the chance – if only to be able to say once and for all that cars were indeed a superior mode of transport.
I donned J-’s mother’s set of biking leathers, creaked myself somehow onto the back to the bike and peered out through the slit of the helmet, over J-’s shoulder. The familiar kennel close looked small and incomplete, viewed through the visor. I compared the sensation to blinkers on a horse, narrowing my world to what lay before me.
The bike lurched and we moved forward, swinging between the potholes on the track which led to the main road. Having been instructed not to tense my muscles, I took a deep breath and went as limp as my leather shell would allow.
We arrived at the junction and after two taps on J-’s shoulder to let him know that I was ready, we screamed onto the asphalt.
The road was not a large one, connecting only the scattering of villages and farms that lay between Inverurie and Aberdeen to one another. The first stretch we rode was low and winding, our progress hindered by the pendulum of the bike as it swung between the corners. Familiar sites went gliding past – we could not have been travelling above 30mph, but the rushing air and roaring engine conflicted with the truth of my eyes, creating the effect of slowing time.
It was the fragility of the situation which stung my heart – we flew by woodland, gorse and heather, all bathed in dappling sunlight. I wanted to touch the world around me, to bask in the beautiful, concentrated images being forced through the small, clear shard of my helmet, but I knew that were I to shift my weight unexpectedly, both J- and I would come crashing to the road, shrouded in fragments of blue-stained metal and chrome.
I stayed still within my black-hide armour, drinking in the wilds around me. It was intoxicating – a primitive desire to go faster fighting with my surroundings as they begged me to slow and look.
And suddenly we began to rise, out of the valley and towards the freckling of clouds in the clear blue sky. I no longer wanted to slow down and cling to the places I had been, I wanted to see what came over the bough of the hill.
And it was glorious – a patchwork of greens and golds, spotted with hay-bale buttons and fringed with the deep bruise-blue of the Grampians in the distance. Open and eternal, the sight of what lay before me made me gasp for air. It was as if the helmet dissipated then, leaving behind only this endless, stunning world that opened wide into the sky. And me.
From our brief vantage point at the top of the hill I saw everything clearly – all the roads we could travel, all the hills we could climb, each presenting their own myriad of possibilities as this one had. We took off along the straight path ahead, hurtling into the next valley, and being bombarded with other places, other sights and sounds.
And all of this, all of this beautiful world, was mine.
It suddenly didn’t matter that M- was gone, that school was miserable. I would see her again and school would end in three short years, through which I would cling to the memory of that moment of clarity. To begin with, I thought that my epiphany had been due to the bike and the speed at which we’d travelled, but as time passed I came to realise that I could recreate the almost incomprehensible joy simply by looking around me at the stunning place in which I lived. The helmet had forced me to narrow my view, to look ahead rather than behind, but all the hope and passion and unchanging wonder that I had needed at that point in my life came from the wilds around me. Even now, hundreds of miles away in the viciously flat Fenlands, I find myself taking comfort in the fact that just a few hours drive away – on the road over that next hill – is home.
, 2003)
