New Audi A8 revealed ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Audi A8 among other significant improvements once again takes lightweight construction to an entirely new level in this high-end segment. The Audi A8 3.0 TFSI with the normal wheelbase has a curb weight of just 1,830 kilograms for models with all-wheel drive. The body is made almost entirely of aluminum; an Audi Space Frame (ASF) design, it weighs just 231 kilograms.

The A8 L gains an additional 13 centimeters in both length and wheelbase. Both body variants feature a new trunk layout for easier loading. Additional noise damping measures reduce the already low interior noise level even further.

The dynamic design of the big sedan has become even more expressive. The engine hood, the single frame grille and the front bumper are even more sculptured; the lower edge of the headlight units is straight.

LED headlights are standard in all models with a V8 engine. Audi also offers optional headlights featuring Matrix LED technology, in which the high-beam comprises of 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation.

The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation. In combination with the optional Navigation plus with MMI touch, the system recognizes route data contained in the navigation system, such as curves and road classifications.

Audi is offering the refreshed A8 model with two gasoline and two diesel engines. These are the supercharged 3.0 TFSI with 310PS, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI with 435PS, the highly efficient 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 258PS and the extremely high-torque 4.2 TDI clean diesel, which produces 385PS and 850 Nm of torque.

These variants are joined by three additional models. The top-of-the-line model is the luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro. Its gasoline engine is particularly short and lightweight thanks to its W layout. Displacing 6.3 liters, it produces 500PS. 

New in the A8 are Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, and the park assist system with 360 degree display, which handles steering when parking. 

The heads-up display, which is also new, projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windshield. The night vision assistant can now also recognize larger animals in addition to pedestrians.

The new Audi A8 is scheduled to arrive at German dealerships in November. Despite the upgraded trim level (standard LED headlights in all V8 models) and the powerful engines, prices for the flagship sedan are changing only slightly.