Audi’s plans to revolutionise car customisation are well under way and proof to that is the 2011 Audi A8 that will be the first car in the world to offer optional factory installed WLAN hotspot for Wi-Fi access.

All passengers will be able to connect to the internet simultaneously through the car’s integrated WLAN module via UMTS, using up to eight terminal devices such as netbooks, Ipads, Smartphones and laptops.

“Using the WLAN hotspot is remarkably simple. To activate Internet access with speeds up to 7.2 Mbit/s, the driver merely needs to insert a data-capable SIM card into the Bluetooth online car phone. Alternatively, an Internet connection can be established via Bluetooth by using a compatible mobile phone with a SIM Access Profile. Any existing mobile phone contract can be used for this – often coupled with a flat-rate data plan.”

Communication with the Internet takes place through the rooftop antenna of the Audi A8 via the car’s own UMTS module. This enables utmost connection stability with outstanding reception quality and WP2 encryption provides the necessary security for data transfers.

The Audi A8 is already a reference vehicle for top end executives thanks to its high standard luxurious features. During this year’s Beijing Motor Show Audi presented a longer wheelbase version of the Audi A8 offering additional luxuries, 130mm more space in which to recline and the option of a new 500PS W12 FSI petrol engine offering a further improved power and efficiency.

Add all that to the in-car Wi-Fi access and the Audi A8 will sure be one of the most desired company cars in the world.

For Audi A8 lease options and Audi A8 contract hire and to learn more about Audi Lease & Audi Contract hire or other Audi Finance options please contact Audi Nationwide or follow Audi Nationwide on Twitter.

Audi A8 at length – The long wheelbase version of the new Audi A8, offering additional luxuries, 130mm more space in which to recline and the option of a new 500PS W12 FSI petrol engine makes its world debut at the Beijing Motor Show next week. UK prices will start from approximately £58,000 and orders will be taken from late July.

Audi has stretched the bounds of luxury saloon comfort even further in the new long wheel base version of its flagship A8 saloon, which incorporates an additional 130mm of wheelbase and body length, the latter concentrated at the rear to provide even more exceptional passenger accommodation. Making its world public debut at the Beijing Motor Show (April 27-May 2), and due to open for UK order in late July priced from around £58,000, the new Audi A8 L will also be further refined by an extensively reworked version of the twelve cylinder W12 petrol engine offering further improved power and efficiency.

The 130mm increase takes the length of the new A8 L to 5,267 millimeters, and the wheelbase has grown by the same amount to 3,122mm. Lightweight aluminium employed for all elements bar the safety boosting high strength steel B pillars ensures that the extended Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, like its standard wheelbase counterpart, weighs around 40 per cent less than an all-steel equivalent.

Power will come courtesy of four engines – the 3.0-litre TDI (250PS), the 4.2-litre TDI (350PS), the 4.2-litre FSI (372PS) and, exclusively for the long wheelbase model, the W12, which in its latest application has been bored out from 6.0-litres to 6.3-litres, and incorporates FSI direct petrol injection in the interest of optimum economy and emissions control. Maximum power has increased by 50PS over the previous version to 500PS, and the 45Nm higher torque peak of 625 Nm arrives at 3,250 rpm.

12 per cent economy improvement
As a result, the A8 L W12 can cruise serenely to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds, and continue to a seemingly effortless governed top speed of 155mph. And with the help of FSI technology, fuel economy belies these figures, with up to 23.5mpg achievable according to the combined cycle test – a 12 per cent improvement over the outgoing model which results in CO2 output of 278g/km.

Thanks to its cylinder arrangement, which forms the ‘W’ shape that gives this model its name, the W12 engine is exceptionally compact at just over 50cm in length and 70cm in both width and height, and its overall weight of 247kg is also impressively low helped by high aluminium content.

The two camshafts within each of the engine’s aluminium cylinder heads operate 48 valves by way of low-friction roller cam followers, and are themselves driven by chains from an intermediate shaft. The cylinder heads themselves have been extensively modified to enable FSI technology to be incorporated, and as a result fuel is injected into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 130 bar, giving a high 11.8:1 compression ratio that boosts power output and efficiency.

New efficiency measures
The crankshaft and timing chains have also been reworked to reduce friction, and a recuperation system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost when the car is braked. An innovative thermal management system also shuts down the coolant circuit for a time after the cold engine has been started. This warms up the engine oil more rapidly and shortens the operating period in which friction is still high.

Efficiency is also boosted further still by the new eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and quickly, with the individual gears closely spaced but with a generous overall spread from low to high. Gear shifts are performed electronically (“shift by wire”) via the yacht-style selector lever or steering wheel paddles.

The centre differential, the main component in the quattro permanent all-wheel drive train, allots up to 60 per cent of the torque flow to the rear axle and 40 per cent to the front in regular driving conditions. If driving conditions warrant it, up to 60 per cent of the torque can be sent to the front, or 80 per cent to the rear. An optional sport differential can split this torque input actively between the left and right rear wheels. Its responses can be fine-tuned, along with throttle response, steering assistance and transmission shift points, at the touch of a button via the built-in Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system.

Thanks to its advanced adaptive air springs, aluminium-intensive suspension and latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive, the long-wheelbase Audi A8 manages to combine the polished ride refinement expected of a luxury car with handling poise and agility that would normally characterize performance saloons from one or two classes below.

130mm more space to recline
The full extra length of the A8 L benefits rear-seat passengers, who are able to enter even more easily through wider doors which, in the W12 version, feature power assisted closure. Rear passenger comfort is also further improved by standard seat heating, an upgraded climate control system which enables precise temperature modulation in the two rear ‘zones’ and electrically operated rear window and side window blinds. In the W12, comfort is taken to even greater extremes by replacing the standard rear seat arrangement with two individual sculpted rear seats which can be heated and ventilated and feature fore/aft adjustable bases and angle adjustable backrests.

Travel is made even more effortless and pleasurable in the A8 L W12 by double glazing, even more extensive use of Fine Nappa leather taking in everything from the glove compartment lid to the area surrounding the MMI controls, a CD changer playable through a BOSE audio system and a sophisticated Bluetooth mobile phone connection system that enables occupants to access selected content from the internet. All-LED headlights, 19-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels and a powered sunroof are also features that set the top flight model apart from other A8 L versions.

As expected of an Audi, the A8 L also has pioneering innovation on board: the standard MMI navigation plus system, which operates with the aid of a high-capacity hard disk, has a touch-sensitive control panel known as MMI touch. The driver inputs his or her navigation destination or a telephone number simply by writing the letters or numerals on the pad with a finger. Acoustic feedback makes this possible without taking one’s eyes of the road.

The navigation system cooperates with the assistance and safety systems in an innovative way. It registers the topography of the road in advance and makes this data available to the control units for the automatic transmission, headlights and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function. Thanks to their advanced intelligence, these systems can identify complex scenarios and offer the driver support in good time.

The Audi side assist system, which helps the driver to change lanes, and Audi lane assist which detects any departure from the chosen lane, also have new and additional performance features.

The night view assistant uses a thermal imaging camera to identify pedestrians on the road ahead of the car. If it considers the situation to be potentially dangerous, the image of the person on the road is shown in red and a warning signal is heard. The Audi pre sense safety system is also closely linked to the assistance systems. It is available in several stages: the full version brakes the car automatically in order to minimize the consequences of a nose-to-tail collision.

For Audi A8 lease options and Audi A8 contract hire for company cars contact Audi Nationwide

There’s no shortage of Vorsprung durch Technik with this new model.

Known for its all-aluminium spaceframe construction and luxo-barge looks, the A8 sells modestly around the world and is admired both for its meticulous interior and its all-weather traction.

It’s ironic, then, that the most popular A8 model in Britain will be the front-wheel-drive model powered by the smallest diesel engine, which will sell mainly to the chauffeur market. The back seat is the closest that most of us will ever get to driving the new A8.

This simply highlights the fact that the Audi A8 is the ideal company car for higher branch executives.

Engines at launch will include two 90-degree V8s; a 366bhp/328lb ft, 4.2-litre FSI petrol unit and a 345bhp/590lb ft, 4.2-litre TDI turbodiesel unit. Audi retains its aluminium featherweight stance and this new A8 goes on sale in right-hand drive in May with prices starting at £54,760.

Launch models will use the standard wheelbase and quattro four-wheel drive as well as debuting the latest ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

There is also a new rear axle for the quattro models, with Haldex-type clutch packs on each side of the differential to deliver torque between the rear wheels for additional traction and something all new to the previously strait-laced A8.

While you are holding the slithering monster at an impossible angle of drift, you might also want to admire the improvements to the excellent Multi-Media Interface (MMI).

This now includes a touch pad, which recognises a driver’s finger tracing out letters to dial destinations into the satellite navigation system.

Capable of recognising Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Cyrillic alphabets, the driver traces a letter on the pad, which appears on the MMI screen with voice confirmation.

The system also combines with Google Maps via a 3G internet link to allow the selection of destinations not included in the navigation system’s memory.

MMI also reads the road ahead like a rally co-driver.

It prepares for the more severe bends by swivelling the light emitting diode (LED) headlamp beams into the corner before the driver has moved the steering wheel, it also prepares the gearbox for a change down and will disengage the cruise control system.

As the A8 also knows which country it is in, it will also automatically switch the headlamps from left-to-right dipping and back again.

From the back seat, however, little of this need bother you at chauffeuring speeds. Savour instead the immaculate interior, the exquisitely stitched leather upholstery, the myriad and brilliant surface changes and the voluptuous comfort of the generous seat.

Pull down the centre arm rest and play with your individual heater controls, or scroll through the downloaded CDs on the player, or perhaps just plug in your MP3 player. The ride comfort is cushion-like, but never nauseous.

At speeds up to highly illegal, there is no discernible wind noise and the big tyres are also dialled out of your listening horizon.

You can feel and hear the mighty 3.0-litre diesel, especially when James floors the throttle, but it’s not at all unpleasant, merely the confirmation that this is a car of substance, concealing iron-fist performance beneath a kid-glove interior.

Once again emphasizing the fact that the Audi A8 is the ideal company car for CEOs, Directors and high end business managers.

The gearbox is never lost for a ratio and slurs the changes without becoming impaired in slush.

Read the complete review here.

For Audi A8 Contract Hire and Leasing options contact Audi Nationwide

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!

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.

For the second consecutive year, Audi’s luxury salon the Audi A8 was named Green Luxury Car of the year by the What Car? Green Awards highlighting Audi’s ongoing process of optimising fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Once again the Audi A8 2.8 FSI triumphed in the premium sector over stiffer competition from newly developed technologies from its competitors. Despite all these newly introduced technologies the Audi A8 2.8 FSI continues to have the lowest CO2 and NOx emissions in its segment as well as unique diesel combustion free of particulates.

The Audi A8 2.8 FSI sprints form 0-62 mph in exact 8 seconds with a top speed of 147mph while maintaining fuel efficiency at 34mpg and an impressive CO2 emission of 199g/km which means you won’t have to pay 3% company car tax penalty levied on diesel engines.

The success of such highly efficient cars is only possible thanks to three key factors only found in Audi Cars; first we have the FSI direct injection technology feeding the engine with incredible precision and negligible waste, then Audi’s high tech multitronic automatic transmission channels the power without the need of a fuel-sapping torque converter and finally we have the exclusive aluminium body which minimises overall weight creating the first two factors perfect conditions in which to perform.

To cut a long story short, here is what the What Car? team wrote to justify their decision of favouring the Audi A8 for the second consecutive year:

“Step forward, for the second year in a row, the aluminium-bodied Audi A8, which emits less than 200g/km of CO2 and can manage an impressive 34.0mpg on average. These are produced by a smooth V6 petrol engine, too, so if you’re swinging by the school to pick up the children, you don’t have to worry about any of those nasty particulates blowing into the playground. It also means that you don’t have to pay the 3% company car tax penalty levied on diesel engines, and NOx emissions are also very low.”