2 011 Audi TT and TTS - Official Photos and Info

How do the Germans update an icon? Gradually, of course. Although it hasn’t quite achieved the level of, say, Porsche’s 911 or the VW Beetle, the Audi TT is a design icon nonetheless—just a bit younger. As a style-first, sport-infused incarnation of the Audi A3/VW GTI platform, the TT would be no more remarkable if not for its rounded overhang areas, Bauhaus-inspired geometry, and chopped roofline.

Although the TT dons fresh duds for 2011, none of its essential characteristics change. Heck, nothing changes much at all. What has changed are the headlamps of base TT 2.0 TFSI coupes and roadsters, which now adopt the winged-detail, LED-underscored headlamps first seen on the more potent TTS model, which was introduced last year. The lower air intakes have become more squared-off and three-dimensional in form, but the single-frame grille remains, albeit with glossy horizontal vanes. Out back is a new rear valance with two round exhaust tips but little else we haven’t seen before. Minor changes of even less note have been made inside the TT—just some new aluminum trim on the steering wheel and center console and a few piano-black pieces elsewhere. What you can’t see is the fact that the sport button will now modify both the steering assist and exhaust note for a meatier feel and sound.

TTS Torque For All

Under the skin, the TT 2.0 TFSI now comes with a zestier turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger with 211 hp (up from 201) and a very potent 258 lb-ft of torque (up from 207), mated exclusively to Audi’s S tronic dual-clutch automated manual and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Gone are the front-wheel-drive TT and the manual transmission. We have high hopes for the base TT, which arrives in the first quarter of 2011. A TT 2.0T Quattro coupe we tested last year hit 60 mph in a surprisingly swift 5.7 seconds. And we expect that, with the 25-percent bump in torque, the 2011 will be even quicker.

Should the TT 2.0 TFSI get a lot quicker, it may become harder for Audi to charge a chunky premium for the impressive but pricey TTS (base price: $46,725), which has a big 265 hp but the same 258 lb-ft of torque as the new 2.0 TFSI. At 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, the TTS currently has an advantage of nearly a second over the base car. The TTS reserves performance brakes for itself, although its standard magnetorheological shocks will be optional on the base TT in 2011. And when the 2011 TTS arrives this fall, it likely will retain its advantage in the curb-appeal department thanks to some additional chrome trim in the outboard intakes and grille, and its sexy 18-inch wheels.

Sadly, the best TT, the hi-po TT RS, is still not planned for the U.S. market, in spite of our most ardent implores. With its chunky-chic aero mods, slammed suspension, and 340-hp turbocharged five-cylinder, it could help boost the TT’s standing within the hard-core sports-car set. But alas, we wait still—and likely will keep waiting until the economy makes some marked improvements.

While the TT always has been and likely will always remain based on wide, sturdy passenger-car (vs. low-slung sports-car) architecture, with each evolution, it becomes ever more credible as a sports car. We’re not sure its corporate cousin, the Porsche Boxster, has much to worry about at track days, but the TT’s 2011 changes, in concert with its carry-over combination of comfort, efficiency, and style, ought to boost the little Audi’s appeal even further.

Source: caranddriver

2011 Audi S4 Sedan

The S4 is a performance-oriented version of the A4 sedan, which debuted in its latest iteration in late 2008. The new S4 lineup does not include a convertible, since the A4 drop-top is being phased out in favor of a yet-to-be-revealed A5 convertible.

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The S4 is built around a redesigned 3.0-liter TFSI engine. The mill generates 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with the help of a supercharger. The sedan sprints to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

The engine-driven belt that powers the mechanical charger provides full thrust right from idling speed. The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum torque at 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm. In fourth gear, the vehicle accelerates from 50 to 75 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the extremely short gas paths V6 is said to feel even more responsive than a naturally-aspirated equivalent.

Performance stats aren’t the only figures improved with the new S4. Fuel economy has also increased a whopping 26 percent. The car achieves approximately 24 miles per gallon, according to Audi.

Customers can choose between a regular six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed “S-Tronic” dual-clutch transmission. The DSG can be operated in a manual mode via paddles, or in an automated mode. With its wide gear ratio spread of 8.0:1, the seven-speed gearbox promises to exploit the increased power and torque of the 3.0 TFSI.

The quattro all-wheel-drive system 40 percent of its torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels, under normal conditions. It can vary distribution within fractions of a second as needed, with as much as 100 percent of the power going to either the front or rear.

The S-Tronic transmission is also complemented by Audi’s Drive Select feature, which enables the driver to select between “comfort,” “auto” or “dynamic” modes. These modes affect shift speed, throttle response, and the speed-sensitive steering. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth mode is available which the driver can program according to his or her own preferences.

Last but not least among the mechanical changes is a new rear differential controlled by an array of sensors and a high-speed computer. It can purportedly redirect power as needed in under 100 milliseconds.

A sport new interior, xenon headlights, a more aggressive body kit, and 18-inch wheels are all standard. Adaptive cruise control, Bang & Olufsen audio, and MMI are optional.

Source: leftlanenews

2011 Audi S4 Review

Review

The 2011 Audi S4 is a performance focused vehicle with a price tag to match. With a base MSRP of $46,600, this car is less your typical daily driver and more your head turning power house. The 3.0 liter engine produces an impressive 333 horsepower with 325 foot pounds of torque, aided by a supercharger. With all this power, the 2011 Audi S4 still manages to give its driver a fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway, a 26% improvement over the previous year.
Transmission and Handling of the 2011 Audi S4

The S4 is available in both 6 speed manual transmissions and 7 speed auto-shift manual transmissions, both of which come with overdrive. The S4 features all wheel drive with independent front and rear multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar. Available options include an electro-mechanical limited slip differential, ride control, and adaptive suspension for maximum vehicle stability and control. As for steering, the S4 comes standard with rack and pinion steering with hydraulic speed sensitive power-assisted steering so the driver always feels in control of the vehicle and yet receives greater assistance at ultra low speeds for ease in parking and similar applications.

The 7 speed “S-Tronic” transmission will also allow drivers to choose between comfort, auto, or dynamic modes to enhance the entire driving and handling experience. These modes will vary the speed shifting response, the speed-sensitive steering, and the response of the throttle. It is also worth noting that the “S-Tronic” dual-clutch transmission can be driven either as a manual via paddles or an automatic, so driving experience can change in an instant given the mood of the driver.
A Look Under the Hood

A supercharged 3.0 liter V6 engine that produces 333 horsepower and still meets all EPA emissions regulations is something special. The S4 operates on gasoline, however does require premium grade. Although the S4 is capable of 27 mpg on the highway, the combined estimated fuel economy is about 21 mpg, which could be considered poor by some. Keep in mind, however, that for the power this engine puts out, the fuel economy really isn’t that bad considering.
Style and Design

To put it bluntly, the S4 is a darn good-looking vehicle. A chrome grill, rocker panel extensions, and sleek curves make this four door sedan a car anyone would be proud to be seen in. The general styling hasn’t changed much in keeping with previous years, but Audi has made the new S4 somewhat lighter, weighing in at about 3,847 pounds compared to the 3,984 pounds of the 2010 model. Competitive vehicles include the BMW M3, the Cadillac CTS-V, the Lexus IS-F, and the Mercedes C63 AMG.
Interior Options and Safety Features

Leather sport seats with heated power front seats and driver and passenger lumbar support make riding in the S4 both stylish and comfortable. Navigation and premium sound systems are available for upgrade, as well as 19″ wheels and a rear back up camera with parking sensors. Programmable memory seats are available for more than one driver, and a DVD player can be added for entertainment.

In terms of safety, the S4 features 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, front, side, and curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring, rear child locks, and rear LATCH provisions for child seats to name a few. To date, the 2011 Audi S4 has no crash safety ratings available as they have not yet been performed.
Owning a 2011 Audi S4

Overall, the new S4 is a well performing vehicle with pretty good fuel economy for its class. To be behind the wheel is to feel prestigious and there is no doubt one will receive many looks of appreciation from others wishing they had the same car.

Source: automobile

2011 Audi Q7 Review

The 2011 Audi Q7 has a price range of between 45,700 – $61,000 depending on what it comes with and what model is chosen. These cars are all sport utility vehicles, but people can choose different models such as, the Tdi, premium, and prestige, which are all incredible vehicles. The warranties available with the purchase price are 4 yr. / 50000 mi. The factory warranty covers the drive train, engine, and roadside assistance just to name a few. The 2011 Audi Q7 has a passenger seating capacity of up to seven people, which means it is great for larger families.

The 2011 Audi Q7 comes equipped with a 280 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and includes a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with all wheel drive for easy driving. The Q7 can also be upgraded for a little more cash to the 4.2-liter V8 quattro, which has an impressive 350-horse power capability. These Q7 models also come equipped with Bose surround sound and leather interior, but people can upgrade to more leather and options for about $5,850 more than the base model they are looking at. These strong vehicles have a towing capacity of 5,500 for the V6 and around 6,600 pounds for the stronger V8 models.

The 2011 Audi Q7 has a front impact and passenger impact rating of 5 which is the best available. The Q7 has many safety features such as, Front Head Airbag, Front Side Airbag, Child Seat Lower Anchorage, Upper Seatbelts, Lap belts, and Traction Control just to name a few. This is definitely one of the safest rides on the road today and families can feel safe while riding with their loved ones. The fuel tank holds approximately 26.4 gallons of gas and the Q7 V6 averages around 25 highway miles per gallon of gas, which means drivers can go about 550-600 miles before refueling. The V-8 models get around 18 highway miles per gallon, but with the big gas tank, they will still be able to ride about 400-450 miles on the highway before refueling is required. The 2011 Audi Q7 is one of the safest and most reliable vehicles available on the road today. If anyone is looking for a good quality family car with a high safety rating this is definitely the one.

Source: ezinearticles

Audi A8

The Audi A8 is a four-door four/five-seat large luxury car built by the German automaker Audi, to replace the Audi V8 as its flagship model. First brought to the market in 1994, most versions of the A8 have featured Audi’s ‘trademark’ quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a multitronic or tiptronic automatic transmissions. The two previous generations of the A8 have been produced in both short and long wheelbase form, and are built on successions of the Volkswagen Group D platform series. The latest generation A8 is built on the D4 platform.

Source: en.wikipedia

Audi A3 (2011) with pictures and wallpapers

The Audi A3 and A3 Sportback are the sporty models in the compact segment. The upscale equipment and trim underscores their elegant style. Audi optionally equips its two premium compact models with highly developed technologies such as the S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the Audi magnetic ride suspension system and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. All of the engines combine powerful and sporty performance with low fuel consumption. The Audi A3 1.6 TDI sets efficiency standards with CO2 emissions as low as 99 grams per km (159.33 g/mile).

Body and interior

The sporty elegance of the three-door Audi A3 and the five-door A3 Sportback is already evident in the design. The optional xenon plus headlights are combined with LED daytime running lights. The single-frame grille element and the trims on the B-posts are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts and there are chrome strips in the door handles (except on the S3). All versions of the Audi A3 have a diffuser insert with a distinctive spoiler lip in the rear. Light guide rods in the in the tail lights of the A3 Sportback form a distinctive contour; the three-door model features tinted tail lights.

Sporty elegance infuses the interior of the Audi A3, as well. The instruments feature faces backed in gray, and a flat-bottomed, leather sport steering wheel is available as an option. The air vents are framed in black rings while the optional navigation system sports a high-gloss bezel. There are gleaming aluminum-look trim inserts on the center console, mirror adjuster switch and window lifter buttons. In models equipped with a manual transmission, a shift indicator in the driver information system (standard beginning with the Ambition trim line) complements the operating concept. The front-wheel-drive A3 provides a generous 350 to 1,080 liters (12.36 to 38.14 cu ft) of trunk capacity, with the front-wheel-drive Audi A3 Sportback offering even
more: 370 to 1,100 liters (13.07 to 38.85 cu ft).

Drivetrain

There are eight powerplants in the broad engine lineup for the Audi A3 and the A3 Sportback – four gasoline and four diesel units. All are cutting-edge four-cylinder units featuring turbocharging and direct injection and badged as TFSI and TDI. They offer all the qualities of Audi engine technology – efficiency, refinement, power and high torque.

Audi uses a recuperation system and a start-stop system with five of the eight engines. The start-stop system, which works with both the manual and the S tronic dual-clutch transmissions, deactivates the engine when the car is at rest and restarts it when the clutch is engaged or the brakes are released. The recuperation systems is standard with all engines.

The entry-level gasoline engine is the 1.2 TFSI; it exemplifies the merits of Audi’s downsizing strategy – the substitution of turbocharging for displacement. The four-cylinder unit develops 77 kW (105 hp) and a hefty 175 Nm of torque (129.07 lb-ft) from its small displacement of 1,197 cc, yet averages just 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (42.77 US mpg). The most powerful spark ignition engine for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback is the 2.0 TFSI with an output of 147 kW (200 hp).

The TDI range extends from the 1.6 TDI developing 66 kW (90 hp) to the 2.0 TDI, with an output of 125 kW (170 hp). The most efficient engine in the lineup is the 1.6-liter TDI with 77 kW (105 hp). It is available in a variety of different versions, the most economical of which averages 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (61.90 US mpg) in a three-door Audi A3. In-detail modifications to the body and chassis contribute towards this excellent figure, which equates to CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per km (159.33 g/mile).

Source: netcarshow

Beijing 2010: 2011 Audi A8 L W12 stretches onto the stage

Measuring approximately 17.5 feet long, the 2011 Audi A8 L W12 is certainly quite grandioso. And while the 500-horsepower 12-cylinder engine and new eight-speed automatic transmission are certainly nothing to sneeze at, what’s most impressive about the long-wheelbase A8 is the rear seat accommodations. Holy mackerel.

You want gobs of leather, a full-length center console, heated and cooled seats that massage you as well as a folding ottoman for premium comfort? You got it. The A8 L’s 122.9-inch wheelbase means there’s tons of legroom (duh), and we’re seriously eager to get some R&R time in the back of this luxury barge. See for yourself in the galleries below.

Source: autoblog

Report: 2011 Audi R8 GT priced from $198000

Only 333 will be produced, so if you want a 2011 Audi R8 GT you’d better act fast. In fact, only a third of that number are slated to hit US soil. Audi has announced pricing for the R8 GT, and the limited-production sports coupe will cost you $198,000.

The most super of the R8 supercar family, the R8 GT drops weight and adds power. Audi has managed to shed 220 pounds from the standard R8 while pushing the output of the 5.2-liter V10 engine up from 525 to 560 horsepower. The car will only be offered with the single-clutch R-Tronic semi-automatic transmission. It’s a shame we won’t see an R8 GT fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, but it’s nice to see hi-po versions of popular cars arriving on our shores.

The Audi R8 GT is slated to hit dealer showrooms next summer.

Source: autoblog

2011 Audi A8 — First Drive

It’s been a long time (seven years, to be exact) since Audi re-examined its range-topping A8. But this year, the German automaker is treating its flagship to a complete makeover, and we say better late than never. Scheduled for release in the United States next fall, the all-new 2011 Audi A8 will retain its legendary strengths (i.e., an elegant interior and standard all-wheel drive), but will get a little bigger and add a host of new electronic gadgets. And, the newly designed sheet metal is both clean and strikingly muscular.

Model Lineup
When the 2011 Audi A8 makes its way to American dealerships, it will be available only as the standard-wheelbase version. The company says we can expect a long-wheelbase version to show up shortly after the base car makes it to market. Along with a little extra legroom in the rear of the car, the A8 L will likely feature a host of standard equipment that’s otherwise optional on the base A8. Expect a slightly steeper price tag, too.

Compare: 2010 Audi A8 vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. Jaguar XJ Series

Under the Hood
Audi has simplified the buying process for consumers by offering the A8 with only a 4.2-liter V8 — for now. The all-aluminum engine benefits from a number of technologies that boost both horsepower and efficiency and, as a result, the car now develops more horsepower and 3 extra lb-ft of torque compared with the current A8. The engine tops out at 372 horsepower and 328 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a variable intake valve system and reworked electronic control unit. Although larger in every direction than the 2010 A8, the new car has shed 364 pounds from its curb weight, dropping the total to 4,045 pounds.

As impressive as the extra 22 horsepower is, the really surprising figures come in the efficiency department. While the EPA numbers are still forthcoming, the car could see up to 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway if the company’s claims are accurate. Audi says the new transmission will improve the A8′s fuel economy by 15 percent compared with the existing model.

Watch Video: Audi’s Electric Sports Car Concept, the e-tron

That efficiency claim is in large part due to the 8-speed automatic transmission. There’s a gear for every speed, allowing the sizable V8 to breathe easier. Coupled to the company’s illustrious quattro all-wheel-drive system, the transmission also returns a satisfying driving experience. As in all new Audi vehicles, the quattro system has been tweaked to send 40 percent of power to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear to deliver more rear-wheel-drive characteristics.

Source: editorial.autos.msn

All-new 2011 A8 Normal Wheel Base (NWB) – Key Summary Points:
• The new generation of the Audi brand’s flagship, introducing a new era in progressive excellence. Combining dynamic exterior and luxurious interior design with sporty driving characteristics, while providing the highest level of comfort and convenience equipment in the segment.
• The D4 (fourth generation flagship sedan) stands for a unique combination of aluminum space frame, MMI user interface, interior craftsmanship, quattro all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension.
• The Audi brand icon with the perfect execution of sporty, progressive, and sophisticated character.
• Differentiators from competition are sportiness, superior quality and progressiveness. Progressiveness is expressed by the A8 through technological innovation expertise and forward looking design.
• Showcases Audi design, innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence.

US-Market specific information:
• Key competitors are the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series. Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ are secondary competitors.
• NWB shown in Miami. LWB is the core model in the D Segment in the U.S., and will be revealed in 2010.
Differentiation: The NWB A8 is positioned more of the ‘driver’s car’, with sportiness and driving dynamics in focus, while the future LWB will balance prestige, sportiness and comfort.
• Segment sales and pricing will be announced in Fall 2010 shortly prior to the vehicle’s U.S. dealer launch.

Compelling Differentiators for the new Audi A8 in the D Segment fall into 3 main categories:

1. Exceptional Technology: Audi engineers developed cutting edge, innovative, and progressive technologies for the
D4:
• Audi Space Frame (latest generation all-aluminum chassis innovation). The 1997-2003 D2 A8 was the first series production car with an aluminum space frame, and the 2011 D4 continues Audi’s leadership in aluminum design and manufacturing:
o 25% increased static torsional rigidity and new welding technologies which lead to better fuel consumption and better handling coupled with benchmark-levels of passive safety (all in comparison to the 2004-2010 D3 A8).
• Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system (optional, BOSE Surround Sound is standard)
o 19 speakers, 19 channels and more than 1400 watts of B&O-patented ICE-Power output for a theater – like sound experience (previous 2004-2010 D3 A8 had 1000 watts in the B&O system).
o The system was designed and developed as part of the design process of the D4 to ensure organic integration. Audi and B&O: two great design brands working together for an exceptional experience.
• Industry-first full-LED front headlamps with high and low beam, daytime running lights, cornering lights and turn signals.
o Audi’s leadership in lighting technology has turned the headlights into a true design element.
• quattro with Sports differential (optional) with continuously variable torque distribution on the rear axle
o Noticeably reduces understeer and increases driving agility and traction.
o The A8 is the only car in segment with all-wheel-drive standard, and the only car with the torque-vectoring differential available.
• Driver Assistance Systems:
o Latest-generation driver assistance systems; Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, Night vision assistant with pedestrian detection highlighting, Audi lane assist, Audi side assist.
o New generation of ESP stability control with electronic all-wheel-drive torque vectoring. Integrated with Dynamic steering and quattro Sport differential when equipped. Cleans the brake discs and pre-fills the brake system pressure when accelerator released abruptly, improving brake reaction times.
o Audi braking guard (in combination with ACC)warns the driver of critical situations with warning sound and then braking jolt
o Automatic emergency braking (in combination with ACC and side assist) is autonomously carried out in the case of an unavoidable collision to minimize the impact.
• Audi pre sense (standard) in preparation of an accident:
o Reversible belt tensioners; if instability is detected, holds passengers in the optimal seating position.
o Adjustment of seats to optimal seating position.
o Closing sunroof and side windows to help shield the passenger compartment.
o Air suspension shock absorbers adjusted to improve braking and performance.
o Two-stage activation of partial braking
o Hazard warning lights activated

2. The Search for Perfection – in developing the D4, Audi spared no expense or effort to make the perfect luxury-performance sedan:
• Fit and finish, interior and exterior. Audi engineers are always challenged to find the optimized solution to design challenges.
o One example of this design focus and effort on the D4 is the so-called “Koenigsfuge”, where the door and the dashboard meet.
4 different materials and design lines meet at this joint (wood inlay, aluminum inlay, leather dash, and plastics) and must line up on the door and the dashboard for the interior design to flow around the passengers. A compromised solution could have been to change the design to simplify manufacturing, but Audi showcases its quality in the A8 in many such ways.
• Next-generation MMI 3G+ Multi Media Interface with innovative ‘MMI Touch’.
o The industry-first MMI Touch recognizes handwriting for entering Navigation destinations, and is backlit to allow it to change to a pointer for map functions, a number pad for radio functions and can be used to scroll lists in the MMI. This system recognizes Cyrillic (Russia), Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Korean characters
These language capabilities will only be offered for each respective country, but nevertheless the system is a sign of the Audi international approach toward luxury vehicle development.
o Audi’s ‘joy of use’ concept for the MMI Touch provides the optimal solution for driver-car interaction.
• Night vision assistant (optional) with thermal-imaging camera (infrared).
o Shown in the driver information display, the pedestrian detection software highlights people and animals and determines if a critical situation is imminent.
o While Audi was not the first to market with this feature, the A8 brings the optimal solution with intelligent pedestrian detection and dynamic range adjustment based on vehicle speed.

3. A New Dimension in Look and Feel – the style, design and driving experience of the D4 takes the driver and passengers to a level never before experienced in a luxury car:
• Exterior design is clear and logical Audi design with focus on dynamics, generous proportions and elegance.
• Interior design focus was to give the sense of spaciousness, intuitive control, comfort and luxury. Elements
within the interior were designed to take up as little room as possible, e.g. the MMI screen which folds away. The wrap-around ‘skyliner’ design gives a sense of roominess while connecting the driver and passengers, and the ambient lighting gives a feeling of ‘lightness’ to the interior and a ‘floating’ center console.
• New shift-by-wire gearshift lever in the style of a yacht throttle lever serves as an ergonomic hand rest for operating the MMI and gives the feeling of the ‘center of power and control’ at the driver’s fingertips.
• Audi drive select (standard) allows the driver to change the character of the car to their desires, and means that there is no compromise between a sporty and comfortable car.
o Adjustments include suspension, steering, accelerator, transmission, sport differential, cornering light and seat belt tensioner. Modes: Dynamic / Comfort / Auto / Individual.

Drivetrain Highlights:
• Optimized 4.2 FSI V8 specifications:
o FSI direct injection
o Audi Valvelift System (AVS) variable intake valve lift
o 8-speed transmission for improved fuel economy, responsiveness and driving comfort
o 372 hp (D3 A8 had 350 hp)
o 328 lb-ft (D3 A8 had 325 lb-ft torque)
o 0-100km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds
o 15% improvement in fuel consumption estimated vs. current A8 (EPA figures TBD)
o quattro ® AWD – latest generation with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40/60)

Frequently Asked Questions for the U.S. market:

Where will the A8 be manufactured? It will be built in Neckarsulm, Baden Wuertemberg, Germany. This is the same location where the R8, A6, and A5 / S5 Cabriolet are manufactured.

When will the A8 go on sale in the U.S.? The all-new 2011 model year A8 will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2010. (simultaneous with the LWB version, which will be announced to the public by mid 2010)

How much does the A8 cost? While we are not prepared to discuss the price of the new A8 at this early stage, it can be expected that it will maintain its relative position in the market, with even more product substance and technology.

How many A8′s does Audi plan to sell in the U.S. per year? The D3 A8 reached almost 6,000 units (5,943 in 2004) and just under 7% segment share. However, the premium luxury segment is under tremendous pressure now (-46% YTD 2009). Even so, Audi plans to increase market share relative to the D3 with this exciting new flagship.

Besides the A8 NWB shown here in Miami, what other A8 models are planned for the United States? Today we are introducing the new A8,and its first model will be the V8 NWB model. Other models will follow to create a full A8 model line including performance, prestige and alternate-fuel variants.

How much does the A8 weigh? Official figures/specifications for the A8 are not yet available, however, the new A8 will weigh about the same as the current A8, even though the car is bigger (3 in. longer, 2 in. wider) and has more standard equipment (8-speed auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go, power trunk, etc.) Versus competitors: ~50lbs less than S Class RWD, and >200lbs less than S Class AWD; >200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and >400lbs less than 7 Series AWD.

Who are the A8 customers? A8 customers are highly affluent consumers with a median income close to $500,000, and are most likely worth over $1,000,000. Median age is around 58, which is similar to the BMW 7 Series, and younger than the S Class and Lexus LS. They are highly educated, with almost half having a post-graduate level degree, and are mostly married with few children still in the household. They enjoy traveling, both domestic (e.g. skiing/spa) and international (e.g. Italy/France). Typical publications that they enjoy include the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, The Economist and Barron’s.

Source: jalopnik