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.”