New Audi A8 sedan shows off ‘Art of Progress’

The New Audi A8, released on Thursday, shouts luxury in terms of both design and performance.

Hailed as the epitome of the German automaker’s slogan “Advancement through Technology,” the prestige sedan has added another theme, “The Art of Progress” ― expressed through everything from its sleek outline to its engine and fuel economy.

“The New Audi A8 represents Audi’s cutting-edge technology. It actively lays out Audi’s key spirit of design, traffic comfort and drivers’ convenience,” said Johannes Thammer, managing director of Audi Korea. 

Indeed, state-of-the-art technologies to enhance drivers’ convenience and safety are present among a total of 10 types released in Korea. The models start from the highest-end A8 L W12, high-performance S8 and five TDI diesel engine models to three TFSI gasoline engine models.

For a start, the signature Matrix LED headlight, which is the first of its kind, is composed of 25 high-beam LED lamps that offer a brighter and wider vision for the drivers.

The Electronic Power Steering operates the brakes automatically to prevent secondary collisions in the event of an accident while a 3-D touchpad navigation system is situated next to a gear lever. The Top View Display parking system employs an ultrasonic sensor, and the Audi Active Lane Assist keeps the vehicle within the driving lane. Meanwhile, the Night Vision program helps to discern pedestrians, animals and potential hazards when driving at night.

The Head Up Display, a 7-inch monitor, helps drivers check the current speed, the night vision assistant and other information, including song titles and the phone list, while still being able to watch the road.

And of course, all vehicles are equipped with eight-speed tiptronic auto transmission and Audi’s exclusive full-time four-wheel drive system Quattro.

The cars’ performances have also improved.

The W12 model demonstrates a maximum output of 500 horsepower and maximum torque of 63.8 kilogram per meter with its 6,300cc W12 gasoline direct injection FSI engine. The S8 is equipped with a V8 4,000cc twin turbocharged engine, showing off 520 horsepower and a maximum torque of 66.3 kg.m. It can go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.1 seconds.

The ultralight aluminum car frame technology, known as Audi Space Frame, can reduce the weight of the car by up to 140 kilograms, compared to steel-framed cars. With the aluminum, the car is better at absorbing vibrations from the road, further driving up the riding comfort. At the same time, the lightness improves the fuel economy.

Audi Korea hopes the new line of premium sedans will solidify its status in the market and boost sales. According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, a total of 2,728 units of Audi vehicles have been newly registered in June here, the fourth-most among all imported car brands, and 15.3 percent of 17,803 cars are assumed to have been delivered to the customers in the same month.

Thammer told reporters that he hopes to sell a total of 1,800 units of the A8 series and a total of 25,000 Audi cars this year.

The New Audi A8 sedans are priced from 126.7 million won ($125,500) to 181 million won.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)