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Audi A8/S8 Refresh
After a series of teasers, Audi has finally revealed the facelifted 2014 A8/S8 range.
In terms of design, we characterize the styling as being evolutionary thanks to the slightly revised front bumper, front grille and a more sculpted hood. Audi is offering the revised A8 with standard LED headlights for V8-powered models sold in Germany, but for more money clients can opt for the Matrix LED headlights that have 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Audi is also introducing sequentially illuminated LED turn signals with 18 LEDs in the headlights and 24 LEDs in the taillights.
At the back we notice the flatter LED taillights, along with a reworked bumper that incorporates two rhomboid tailpipes (except for the S8). There are new chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames rounding off the list of exterior changes. Audi says the 2014 A8 is available with twelve paint schemes, (including five new ones), while alloys are available in sizes of up to 21 inches.
Moving on to engine lineup, in Germany it will be sold with a 3.0-liter TFSI delivering 310 HP (228 kW), a V8 4.0-liter TFSI twin-turbo with 435 HP (320 kW), along with a 3.0-liter TDI outputting 258 HP (190 kW) and a 4.2-liter TDI rated at 385 HP (283 kW). We should also mention the A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-liter mill churning 500 HP (368 kW) and the S8 that delivers 520 HP (380 kW) from its 4.0-liter TFSI.
The 2014 Audi A8 Hybrid makes use of a lithium-ion battery, 2.0-liter TFSI and an electric motor to provide a combined output of 245 HP (180 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. The conventional engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor powers the rear axle.
Performance-wise, the 4.0 TFSI A8 quattro does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, making it 0.3 slower than the hotter S8. The hybrid model can run solely on electric power for about 1.86 miles (3 km) during which it can hit a top speed of 62 mph.
The 2014 Audi A8 fitted with the aforementioned 3.0 TDI will have a fuel consumption of 5.9 liters / 100 km (39.8 mpg US or 47.8 mpg UK). The thirstier A8 L W12 quattro consumes 11.7 liters / 100 km (20.1 mpg US or 24.1 mpg UK), while the S8 needs 10.1 liters / 100 km (23.2 mpg US or 27.9 mpg UK). The hybrid version averages 6.3 liters / 100 km (37.3 mpg US or 44.8 mpg UK).
Moving inside the cabin and there are ventilated front seats with massage function, along with individual electrically-adjustable rear seats optionally available for the A8 and A8 L. The latter can also be configured with a continuous, leather-wrapped center console, as well as other optional goodies like four-zone automatic AC and relaxation seat with power footrest.
For the mid-cycle refresh Audi has also upgraded various safety systems like active lane assist, head-up display and night vision assistant. On the entertainment front there is a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a rear seat entertainment system featuring a DVD player, two screens and Bluetooth headphones.
In terms of design, we characterize the styling as being evolutionary thanks to the slightly revised front bumper, front grille and a more sculpted hood. Audi is offering the revised A8 with standard LED headlights for V8-powered models sold in Germany, but for more money clients can opt for the Matrix LED headlights that have 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Audi is also introducing sequentially illuminated LED turn signals with 18 LEDs in the headlights and 24 LEDs in the taillights.
At the back we notice the flatter LED taillights, along with a reworked bumper that incorporates two rhomboid tailpipes (except for the S8). There are new chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames rounding off the list of exterior changes. Audi says the 2014 A8 is available with twelve paint schemes, (including five new ones), while alloys are available in sizes of up to 21 inches.
Moving on to engine lineup, in Germany it will be sold with a 3.0-liter TFSI delivering 310 HP (228 kW), a V8 4.0-liter TFSI twin-turbo with 435 HP (320 kW), along with a 3.0-liter TDI outputting 258 HP (190 kW) and a 4.2-liter TDI rated at 385 HP (283 kW). We should also mention the A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-liter mill churning 500 HP (368 kW) and the S8 that delivers 520 HP (380 kW) from its 4.0-liter TFSI.
The 2014 Audi A8 Hybrid makes use of a lithium-ion battery, 2.0-liter TFSI and an electric motor to provide a combined output of 245 HP (180 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. The conventional engine drives the front wheels while the electric motor powers the rear axle.
Performance-wise, the 4.0 TFSI A8 quattro does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, making it 0.3 slower than the hotter S8. The hybrid model can run solely on electric power for about 1.86 miles (3 km) during which it can hit a top speed of 62 mph.
The 2014 Audi A8 fitted with the aforementioned 3.0 TDI will have a fuel consumption of 5.9 liters / 100 km (39.8 mpg US or 47.8 mpg UK). The thirstier A8 L W12 quattro consumes 11.7 liters / 100 km (20.1 mpg US or 24.1 mpg UK), while the S8 needs 10.1 liters / 100 km (23.2 mpg US or 27.9 mpg UK). The hybrid version averages 6.3 liters / 100 km (37.3 mpg US or 44.8 mpg UK).
Moving inside the cabin and there are ventilated front seats with massage function, along with individual electrically-adjustable rear seats optionally available for the A8 and A8 L. The latter can also be configured with a continuous, leather-wrapped center console, as well as other optional goodies like four-zone automatic AC and relaxation seat with power footrest.
For the mid-cycle refresh Audi has also upgraded various safety systems like active lane assist, head-up display and night vision assistant. On the entertainment front there is a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a rear seat entertainment system featuring a DVD player, two screens and Bluetooth headphones.
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