The 2010 Geneva Motor Show is all about green cars, today’s top auto makers presented a wide selection of hybrids and electric concept cars that will be on our roads sooner than you may expect.

Once again Audi raised the efficiency standard by presenting the Audi A8 Hybrid as technology concept which many believe is a preview of the Audi Q5 Hybrid scheduled to enter the market later this year or in early 2011.

As powerful as a V6 but with a fuel economy similar to a modest four-cylinder the Audi A8 Hybrid has two propulsion units – a 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor. The four cylinders 2.0 TFSI is the same engine that has been named “Engine of the Year” five times in a row. Combining direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system the four cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine delivers 211PS and 350Nm of torque.

When combined with the electric motor the 2.0 TFSI engine develop a total output of 254PS of system power and 480 Nm of torque enabling the Audi A8 Hybrid to speed from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 146mph all that with a fuel efficiency of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of only 144g/Km.

The electric motor has an ample propulsive power and is linked to the petrol engine by a hydraulically operated wet clutch. Capable of running for 1.2 miles at a driving speed of up to 40mph the electric motor also serves as a generator that develops 45PS of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque.

Mounted in the rear section the energy storage system of the Audi A8 Hybrid is done by a more compact and lighter lithium-ion battery protected by a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensures that it always operated within the ideal temperature range.

The Audi A8 Hybrid wasn’t the only Hybrid concept presented by Audi. Following the e-tron electric sports car concepts shown in Frankfurt and L.A, Audi presented the Audi A1 Subcompact Plug-in Hybrid Concept, a tiny, yet more affordable approach to the previous e-tron concepts. Expect to hear more about the Audi A1 e-tron in future posts.

Audi has teamed up with Google to integrate the world’s most used search engine into its navigation system, resulting in the first production vehicle to have Google Earth available and the ability to search for online content.

While not the only new piece of boundary-pushing technology making its debut in the flagship model, we must say the prospect of being able to utilise Google’s information services via a GPRS/EDGE modem that’s integrated in the latest MMI navigation, is very exciting indeed.

Especially considering that the proposed online service will allow users – or should I say, passengers – to instantly use the Google interface to search for points of interest which results in Googlemap visualising, for instance, where all the nearest pubs are located – which is obviously extremely useful.

By the same token, Audi A8 drivers will also be able to sync Googlemap with their personal or work computer, meaning it will be possible to plan a journey on Googlemap (or Audi’s web portal) and seamlessly retrieve the navigational route for use in the car.

Sounds technical, ey? Well actually, to use this service will be astoundingly easy. Because the service is automatically channelled via mobile, all that’s required is pairing one’s mobile phone with the new Audi A8 MMI system (using bluetooth connection). Alternatively, they can be paired by inserting the owners SIM card in the MMI Navigation port.

In recent years Audi MMI interface system has gone from strength to strength and this collaboration of heavyweights is set to continue that run of form. And so it should, they’ve been working on this piece of kit since 2005!

Vorsprung Durch Technik means “progress through technology” and a literal translation would be ‘advancement through technology’. This strapline has been used by Audi since the 80’s to highlight the company reputation for technical expertise.

Progress through technology has not only been Audi’s ad strapline but has also been the company’ working philosophy since its creation back in 1909. Since then, Audi has contributed to a number of milestones for the auto industry.

Over the past decade, Audi has revolutionised the auto industry with a number of technological advancements that prove performance and efficiency can be combined without sacrificing one or the other.

When Audi’s engineers develop a new technology, they have only one thing in mind: increase vehicle efficiency without sacrificing performance – hence Audi Space Frame and the ultra-precise S-tronic transmission.

ASF (Audi Space Frame) is an innovative way to build a vehicle’s body with a lightweight high-strength aluminium frame that gives a car outstanding safety, excellent performance and phenomenal efficiency, while the S-tronic transmission – with its shorter gear changes increase fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions – combines the agility and responsiveness of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an Automatic.

With the TDI engines, Audi simply redefined the diesel engine; with its unique common rail system for more efficiency and power delivering better performance along with a 15% reduction in fuel consumption while the TFSI engines where the first to combine petrol direct injection and turbocharging to provide greater power with reduced fuel consumption.

On the new TDIe engines, the ‘e’ stands for efficient. These engines are without a doubt the most efficient diesel engines in the world and it’s already on the roads running models such as the Audi A6 2.0 TDIe and the Audi A4 2.0 TDIe (with remarkable CO2 emissions of only 139g/km, resulting in an annual road tax of just £120 and a competitive 18% company car tax rating).

Audi is cleaning up the premium sector with its highly efficient models. The new Audi A3 1.6 TDI has the lowest CO2 emissions in its class with just 109g/km. For Audi, good efficiency means low emissions and low emissions means cheaper road tax, making the A3 range one of the best choices for a company car. Add that to the Audi contract hire and leasing options you can potentially save thousands of pound each year.

One of Audi’s most innovative and economy focused technologies is the Recuperation Technology, which recycles the energy used to brake to lighten the engine’s load reducing fuel consumption by up to 3%. Already making the difference in models like the new Audi A8 and the next gen of Audi A3s.

As you can see, Audi follow the “Vorsprung Durch Technik” strapline from the design to the quality inspection process each vehicle goes through. Such attention to detail coupled with a genuine environmental concern has earned Audi a series of awards over the years. The most recent high-profile accolade going to the Audi A3, which has been named 2009 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal. Another massive award coming from What Car? Magazine, who have given the title of “Most efficient luxury car” to the A8 2.8 FSI.

Now its time for you to have your say about Audi highly efficient models, if you had to choose which Audi model would you crown the most Highly Efficient of them all?

During the recent unveiling of the new Audi A8, Rupert Stradler, chairman of Audi, came under a horde of questions from journalist, enthusiasts and dealers eager to find out about the new model.

Stradler was able to confirm much speculation around whether there will be a Hybrid A8 and other tech questions surrounding efficiency, commenting:

“Yes. We are working on a full hybrid solution for Audi and we’ll be announcing something in spring 2010… We want to take out weight and want to further diesel and FSI technology. We can still improve fuel consumption.” A statement that’s assuredly reflected in the A8’s efficiency stats, as the average fuel consumption in the new Audi A8 has fallen by 20 per cent.

Another interesting topic of questioning was the potential for electric within Audi’s performance based technology, to which Stradler made clear that Audi envision hybrid as a significant step towards the electrification of the car, but brought expectations down to reality by saying it’s impossible to tell if that eventuality is 10 or 20 years away.  However he was able to say with confidence that:

“Electric power will give Quattro more possibilities, such as powering the rear axle like in the Audi A1 concept, or four wheels in motors like the E-tron. In fact, we want to launch a production E-tron in small volumes at the end of 2012.”

He also declared with assurance that the integration of Porsche into the VW Group would not change Audi’s plans for the worst, stating that:

“Audi has a clear product portfolio and a clear strategy with or without Porsche. Engineers are now talking about a lot of things with Porsche. We would work without them, but Porsche will make it better.”

When asked the precarious questions ‘how are Audi doing at the moment?’ was again grounded in his assertion that reaching 2007s ales levels would most likely not be possible until 2012, given the current economic climate, but went on to explain that 2010 will undoubtedly be a growth year because:

“Audi has got momentum and the product is accepted. The luxury market will start growing again in the mid and long-term. But there’s no doubt that it will come back again.”

Lastly, when asked about the possibility of a four cylinder A8, stradler replied with:
“This is not a question for engineers, it’s a question for the customer.”

So that’s exactly the question we’ll propose to you, Audi enthusiasts. Does the prospect of a four cylinder Audi A8 sound like an attractive prospect or not a fitting match?

The new Audi A8 has redefined auto luxury in the premium sector with an array of technologies; hence the all aluminium construction using Audi’s exclusive ASF technology contributing to a best-in-class economy and exemplary comfort. As we anticipated, Audi presented its newest flagship model this week at the Design Miami exhibition in Florida, USA.

With a fascinating design conveying homogeneity, the new Audi A8 gives the impression that it was modelled from a full volume, with sculptured surfaces that convey calmness and prestige that’s reinforced with sharp lines. The new and progressive design elements of the new Audi A8 has gone some way towards solidifying Audi’s leading position in the field of automotive design.

The skeleton of the new Audi A8 is built with the evolved ASF; a lighter and 24% more rigid aluminium body. Three newly reworked FSI and TDI will be available from launch – the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 250PS and 550Nm of torque (up from 233PS and 450Nm), the 4.2-litre V8 TDI with 350PS and 800Nm (up from 326PS and 650Nm) and the 4.2-litre V8 FSI with 372PS and 445Nm (up from 350PS and 440Nm) – and an even more economy and emissions focused version of the 3.0 TDI is expected some time in 2010.

The upgraded 4.2-litre FSI benefits from a 13% improvement in fuel economy, taking its combined figure to 29.7mpg and dropping CO2 output to 219g/km. The equivalent V8 TDI gets a 19% boost to 37.2mpg with CO2 emissions down to 199g/km, while the 3.0-litre TDI moves to the top of the luxury saloon class in economy terms, with a 22% economy hike to 42.8mpg with CO2 of 174g/km.

Further fuel and CO2 savings are complemented by recuperation technology available as standard in all A8 models – incidentally the A8’s engine, the 3.0 TDI, is only engine to feature Audi’s economy focused Start-Stop technology, which is capable of enhancing fuel savings even further.

These new highly efficient engines are matched by the new eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission which reduces fuel consumption by another 6% thanks to its quick virtually seamless changes.

Looking inside the new Audi A8; Audi have raised the bar with its interior design. At first sight the layout is similar to its predecessor with a two-circle instrument cluster and the revolving, hidden navigation screen larger than previous ones. However on closer inspection, you’ll find Audi’s latest MMI system, which features a touch pad with an iPod Touch-style sensitivity that changes the function for preselected stations.

Attention to detail has been broadly improved by a luxurious and extensive combination of aluminium alloy paired – with handsome new wood accent applications for a familiar Audi-style beltline trim. Add to that a mounted clock – adorned with four-rings that resemble the Audi logo – for a classical touch.

Here’s what the Auto Industry press has been saying about the new Audi A8

Fourtitude

“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.”

AutoBlog

“More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.”

Car Magazine

“There’s also a gorgeous interior, some very cool gadgets, and the promise from Audi that the A8 will be the sportiest luxury saloon in its class.”

Now we want to hear your opinion. What do you have to say about the new Audi A8?

P.S: This elegant new saloon range opens for UK orders this month and Audi leasing as well contract hire options should be available soon.

The 100th anniversary year of the Audi brand is set to be crowned by a very special occasion.

November 30th sees the world premiere of the new Audi A8 – in the extraordinary setting of Miami – where Audi’s new flagship vehicle will be presented in a truly innovative way.

The event takes place in a temporary museum structure named the Audi Pavilion. The focal point of the event will be “The Art of Progress” exhibition, which portrays cultural and technological progress and echoes the spirit of Audi’s current ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ (progress through technology) A8 campaign.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, commented on the exhibition concept:

“Our claim “Vorsprung durch Technik” also embraces design, which is one of the outstanding elements of the Audi signature. And as top design has now emerged as an acknowledged art-form, we see the bridge between art and architecture as a logical step in advancing our brand.”

Audi is celebrating the world premiere in unconventional style with this exhibition, which symbolises the cultural and technological progress embodied in the Audi A8 with its history, its engineering and its emotion-packed design. Inspired by the guiding principle “The Art of Progress,” the Audi flagship is due to be unveiled in the Audi Pavilion amidst selected art works from the new exhibition ‘Beg, Borrow and Steal,’ which belongs to the Rubell Family Collection (one of the world’s most important art collections). Also featuring within the exhibition is an installation created by top British designer Tom Dixon. The installation is named the ‘The Light’, and is an aluminium structure artfully decorated with LED lights.

The exhibition in the Audi Pavilions is a satellite of Design Miami and Art Basel Miami Beach. This year Audi is the exclusive automotive sponsor of both fairs.

Expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show this January, the Audi A8 has been caught testing at the Nurburgring racing track and word is, Audi’s flagship model will have a new set of powerplants.

The powerful W12 engine will continue to top the A8 range, but power is expected to grow from 6.1 to 6.5-liters and exceed 500 horsepower. Below the W12 will be a supercharged V8 with more than 400 horsepower and a cylinder management system that could shut down up to four cylinders.

Audi also seems to be working on a less powerful but more efficient 2 litre diesel bi-turbo engine with just over 200hp to also power the next of Audi A8s.

We can’t give you the prices yet on the new Audi A8, but sales are likely to begin in late 2010.

The second generation of the Audi A8, Audi R8, TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars document the current state of the ASF technology. The superstructure of the current A8 weighs 218kg while the aluminium body of the R8, whose co-supporting engine frame is made of ultra light magnesium, tips the scales at 210 kg.

The TT Coupé and Roadster bodies weigh 206 kg and 251 kg respectively while the TT “family” also features an additional innovation. To ideally balance the axle loads between the front and back, Audi developed an innovative hybrid construction for its compact sports cars: Most of the body is made of aluminium, but steel is used in the rear.

Depending on the model, the kerb weight of the TT has been reduced by between 20 and 90 kg compared to the previous model which had an all-steel body. At the same time, the static torsional rigidity of the Coupé increased by 50 percent and that of the Roadster by an even more impressive 100 per cent.

The ASF provides the foundation for precise handling and a high level of passive safety. A lighter car has to dissipate less kinetic energy and is also does less damage to others involved in an accident. The lightweight design combines chassis responsiveness and efficiency in typical Audi fashion.

After our post last week showing some Audi A8 teaser images.  We can now show you some more detailed images of how the new Audi A8 will look.

The new Audi A8 is more of an evolution in style from the old A8 rather than a radical update. With the debut of the Audi A7 concept already set for late 2009, the Audi A8 is the  grown-up sedan for CEO’s and board members , leaving the New Audi A7 to challenge the Mercedes-Benz CLS while the new Audi A8  remains as a Mercedes S-Class competitor.

Expect to see a new range of engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission when the Audi A8 hits showrooms next year. And in the USA the New Audi A8 has been spotted on the road as seen in this picture.

Audi GMBH has released some initial teaser images for the new Audi A8 which is due to go on sale in early 2010.

Audi chief designer Stefan Sielaff said.

“The first generation [of the Audi A8] was very dogmatic and product-design-like, With the second generation, the theme was ‘elegance’: softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise.”

Top Gear thinks that the New A8 will look similar to the A7 Sportback Concept car shown at Detroit earlier in the year and if you compare the A7 sport back concept and the sketch of the New Audi A8 I think most would agree with them. Expect more information and some proper pictures at the Frankfurt motor show next month.