Fourth generation Audi A8

For many years, the Audi A8 has became the Audi that sets the other Audis apart because while most Audis became more of a average peoples' luxury car, the A8 is special because for generations, it has became the big saloon used by action stars as demonstrated in car chases from The Living Daylights, Transporter, Taken, and Ronin. Now, with the new, fourth-generation A8, is it still the Audi that action stars nicked to get through desperate chases?

2018 Audi A8L

2018 Audi A8

First and foremost, let's investigate what's going on with the new Audi A8, starting with the design and by the looks of it, the design was inspired by the prologue concept car, just to make it look like it's ready for filming for another action flick, although it did made a surprise appearance in the Spider-Man Homecoming flick for product placement reasons, but for the average motorist, there's something to worry about the new design and one such hint is the lamps that behave like a set of Christmas lights you saw them hanging at home.

The HD Matrix LED headlights now comes with laser lighting which can really bounce back when it hits things that reflect its lights and then the OLED rear lamps that is as frightening as the rear lamps of the Mustang when lights flash sequentially. To put it all together, the lighting is all Knight Rider-ish but for the average motorist, they should look away in case a car like this passes by and starts flashing its lights, which is now became the lighter equivalent of truck coal rolling behind a Prius.

2018 Audi A8 interior

2018 Audi A8L interior

The new A8 comes with two different bodystyles; a standard size A8 and a longer sized A8L. No matter the variant, the new interior boasts a rather exquisite taste compared to the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. On the driver's side, you will notice that the dashboard's heavily occupied by touch screens much like the Range Rover Velar and while it looks very nice for a luxury saloon, it can be downright complicating if your hands are either smothered with dirt or still wet even when you cleaned your hands with an industrial-sized hand sanitizer. For someone knowledgeable enough to understand how these works, the new A8's dashboard can deliver the same experience as the Surface Pro and let's hope it won't have that error message like the ones you unexpectedly saw in the shopping malls because that would be a major embarrassment.

On the passenger side, if you go for the A8L, you'll have plenty to reasons to sit in the sweet spot where you can toy around with the rear-seat entertainment system, the air-con, the massager, everything at the touch of the rear seat remote operating unit which has the same size as a smartphone. The end result is someone with an "out on a limo" feeling to be humbled among the envy of his inferior siblings who never agree to his policies.

2018 Audi A8

2018 Audi A8L

At the start, the new A8 is priced at EUR 90,600, with the A8 L starting at EUR 94,100, and it comes with two new 3.0L V6 turbo engines; a diesel and a 340PS petrol engine. There will be more powerful V8 variants to follow as well as the flagship W12 that produces 585PS and comes with a special cylinder deactivation technology to save fuel. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and a 48-volt electrical system that works enough for the engines' idle stop and go function.

Drivability, the new A8 features an adaptively damped air suspension as standard and it can be set to either Comfort or Dynamic, depending on driving conditions. It also has an electric actuators that can lift either each of the wheel or the whole car for better body control. Of course, the new A8 does come with the predictive suspension that can adapt through different road conditions but it hasn't finished until next year so we have to wait. In the meantime, we have to make do with the standard suspension setup that works either a proper luxury saloon or a getaway car while suffering dreary understeering. I know that because even though Audi made the new A8 slightly lighter than the previous model thanks to its combined use of aluminum, steel, magnesium and carbon fiber reinforced polymer, the handling feels like it's been slightly improved at all and even with the sport differential, it still feels like it. Even Audi's new four-wheel steering won't budge this big saloon well like how predecessors act like stuntmen in action films.

I know, the new A8 wants to be the next hero car for the next breed of action heroes but there's a major hindrance to its action hero car status because Audi has deployed the most safest features on a car like this. At start, the new A8 can only possess Level 2 Autonomy (Combined Function Automation) and because the A8's trump card in safety, the Traffic Jam Pilot, is a Level 3 Autonomy (Limited Self-Driving Automation), it's not quite ready until next year but I should point out that this clever feature works well in case of nightmarish traffic conditions like you experienced in Metro Manila but there's going to be some paperwork before this Level 3 feature goes on sale to newer A8s. Because the new A8 will host over 40 driver assistance systems, the status of being an action hero car is now gone and it's now...just a plain Audi you don't want to hang out with.

You should know, the new A8 is the first to incorporate a new naming scheme for their trim models, like for example, the 340PS V6 turbo petrol engine-powered A8 will be designated as the 55. while the lesser V6 diesel produces less than three hundred is designated as 50. Sounds confusing but let's not get bogged down with it because with the new A8 hosts a wide array of safety features, it lost its action hero status and it became just an Audi. Perhaps no wonder that in the Spider-Man Homecoming film, a driving instructor teaches Peter Parker how to drive this thing and it does almost nothing at all to show that the A8 is still the car of choice for Hollywood heroes. Sigh, welcome back to being an Audi, you luxo-barge. And to think that while its predecessors are like stuntmen in films like Ronin, Transporter 2 and 3, and Taken, the new A8 goes on a totally different path because of its autonomy but while it has the risk you're willing to take, the A8 still works really rather well in both ways and you will still be appreciated with what Audi done to their flagship saloon.

Photo: AUDI AG

Audi S8 (D4)

Two years ago, I discovered the third generation Audi A8 and on my observation, the new Audi A8 is one of the most advanced German premium full-size sedans ever made because of its sophisticated wizardry applied from head to toe. I love its design despite being the same as the old one, I love its legroom, I love its sat-nav, I love its Google Earth feature, I love its Bang & Olufsen audio system, I love everything. This Audi A8 is all about the ART OF PROGRESS. And now, a more tamed Audi S8 is here to suppress the most of the fat, boring, middle-aged, businessmen and make them feel like a hitman.

2013 Audi S8

2013 Audi S8

On the outside, you'd expect the same A8 exterior but because this is the S version, the Golf GTi of the Audi A8 range, you can expect a beefed up exterior that feels like it was injected with steroids. It kinda feels like an evil kapre showing up hundred percent of his power and tries to shake a young adventurer half to death. Yep, like an evil kapre on steroids. That's what that is.

The old S8 had a V10 FSI engine that is somewhat a blue-collar version of the Lamborghini V10 engine expected from the Gallardo. On this new one, downsizing was occurred and now, the magnificent Lamborghini-derived V10 engine has been thrown away for good and replaced it with a 4.0 V8 TFSi engine.

Audi V8 TFSi engine

Sometimes, downsizing is bad because most car enthusiasts think that engine downsizing is more like a downgrade but you have to think again because sometimes. downsizing is good because on this new 4.0L V8 TFSi engine, it can go 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds, it has 520PS of power, 70 more than the old one, and 80lb-ft additional torque, a lot more torques, and it's quick! The reason why this new V8 engine equipped on the new D4 series Audi S8 is quicker and more powerful than the old S8 is simple, it was the twin turbos mounted on it. In reality, most European car makers have to rely on turbocharging if they want to pass stringent emission standards. Anyway, the new S8 is mated with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and it comes with an idling stop system. The fuel economy of the new S8 is 10,1 l/100km combined and CO2 emissions of 235 g/km.

With such power do come with the price. It costs 111,900 Euros and there are some options and accessories that will make it a bit complicating. Let's see...um...For a 21-inch 5-spoke rotor-design rims, that will cost 2,100 Euros. 7,800 Euros for the Audi design selection interior, 920 Euros to have the car connected with Bluetooth Connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot, 3,020 Euros for the seat massage, 490 Euros for the rear view camera, so on so forth. It takes a flappy-paddle head to spend that! What are those?! I'm confused!!!!

Available colors are Brilliantschwarz, Ibisweiß, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Havannaschwarz Metallic, Oolonggrau Metalic, Quarzgrau Metallic, Smaragdschwarz Metallic, Prismsilber Kristalleffekt, Phantomschwarz Perleffeket. Daytonagray Perleffekt, Impalabeige Perleffekt, and Nachtblau Perleffekt.

My comment:

Even though the new S8 costs 111,900 Euros and it has a turbocharged V8 engine more powerful than the old V10 engine it replaces, this new S8 will try to tempt you that the king of German premium sedans has now became a lab rat's gym. Trust me on this, if you're gone crazy with this, you are going down.

Photo: AUDI AG

One day at Barrier Audi - About the 3rd generation A8

Aggressive approach

After getting myself motivated from the Super Bowl commercial (you know, the Release the Hounds commercial), I visited the Barrier Audi dealer in Bellevue to check out the new, third-generation Audi A8. Like what they said, luxury has progressed.

Mastering the weapon

On hold

Ready

First attack

Upon getting inside, I felt I was some kind of a corporate mercenary in Berlin, but the new A8 is just the tour de force for the elite customers looking for something far advanced than the Lexus LS, BMW 7-Series, or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The dashboard looks remarkable, the MMI system doesn't look shabby, and I even tried to get a hold of its handwriting recognition!

Choose your selection

Which fits best?

The MMI is good

I need to listen to some classical music

iPod Connectivity

The MMI interface on the new A8 is exceptional. Also, I even managed to try out its iPod connectivity. Never know it offered some high tech features on this majestic premium sedan but the pricing really scrambled my mind.

WHOA! Someone left a PSP!

In case you're wondering, I got behind the wheel of the LWB variant of the new A8, but despite its long wheelbase, it's still the sharp-dressed A8 I've ever experience.

Every master needs a weapon

It makes me feel like a commander when getting inside the new A8. Looks like this is great before hearing the Kenny G. LOL The new A8 escaped the confinement of old luxury and luxury has progressed. A brilliant masterpiece created by Audi.

Third-Generation Audi A8 L

2011 Audi A8L

As you may know, the Audi A8 is Audi's flagship premium sedan and the first sedan to be equipped with the special navigation system that has Google Earth on it. I really like how the A8 feels like because only a combat businessman can wield the true art of Audi's prestigious premium sedan that welcomes the year 2010 with a bang. Now, there is an addition to the prestigious A8 sedan that makes it the king of A8s. Enter the new Audi A8 L.

L stands for "Long" referring to its long wheel base. Using the third-generation Audi A8 as a base, the A8 L is the stretched version of the Audi A8, suitable for the corporate warriors looking for some sense of comfort.

2011 Audi A8L interior

For a corporate mercenary, the new A8 L is designed for comfort amidst the corporate battlefield. The executive rear seat is an exclusivity on the A8L, providing comfort and hospitality for the corporate mercenary to take time to relax on the road. This interior is way more comfortable than the Toyota Crown Majesta because of the high tech features on the rear. On the driver's side, a wide array of features such as a handwriting recognition, Google Earth navigation, and automatic climate control are added to ensure an user-friendly convenience unlike any other premium sedans. The most fun part on the Audi A8 L is the wi-fi interface. You can use your Wi-Fi gadgets to surf the internet while riding on the Audi A8L. Have fun Facebook-ing and twitter-ing everywhere!

Just like the short wheel base Audi A8, the Audi A8L offers four different engines; from two petrol engines (3.0L TFSi, 4.2L TFSi) and two diesel engines (3.0L TDi, 4.2L TDi). Coming soon is the A8L exclusive; a 6.0L W12 quattro that will be the top tier A8L as we know it. Most of them are equipped with the standard quattro all-wheel drive technology.

My thoughts about the A8L:

A sovereign treat for the corporate mercenary, the Audi A8L provides exceptional comfort and can be a suitable car of choice for wealthy people who want to escape the corporate battlefield. It can be a perfect limousine or a powerful war machine, whatever floats your boat.

I really hope that PGA Cars brings the new Audi A8 to the Philippines soon so most of the Philippine wealthy people can indulge the comfort inside the Audi A8 and A8L.

Photo: Audi AG

The new A8's body is a true "Militaires Sans Frontieres"

Since the Audi A8 hit European showrooms since early 2010, this premium flagship sedan became the talk of the town. And yes, this was my all time favorite premium sedan of 2010 since the Hyundai Equus and the Toyota Crown Majesta of last year.

It seems now, the new, third-generation Audi A8 received an award for best body, or in other words, won the Euro Car Body Award during the 12th International Car-Body Benchmarking Conference. 

Scoop: http://germancarscene.com/2010/11/18/audi-a8-wins-euro-car-body-award/

Congrats to the Ingolstadt automaker for making the new A8 a true corporate mercenary fitted for the next generation of executive warriors from Europe. Hope PGA Cars grab the new A8 to the Philippines soon.

Third-Generation Audi A8

2011 Audi A8

Most Audi fans decided to give an all-out love-it-or-hate-it description about Audi's list of new cars coming this year; these were the ultra-luxury A8 premium sedan, a stylish compact known as the A1, the Spyder model for the R8, with the top dropped, a hybrid variant for the Q5 crossover, and the Porsche Panamera-killing A7. There will be more to come but I shall start talking about the first car to hit this year, the Audi A8.

One look of the new A8 reminds me of something that is somewhat familiar at its appearance. The third-generation A8's design looks somewhat a combination of the A4 compact sedan and the previous-generation A8, all combined into one unique package.

Although I must say, others might think it looks stale, but some people think it is best to look at the new design. From a fresh start, the new A8 has a choice among the 4.2L FSI V8 engine, 3.0L V6 TDI diesel engine, and the 4.2L TDI diesel engine. Most of them are rigged with a 7-speed S-tronic or a 8-speed tiptronic transmission. When the 4.2 FSI engine is a good start, I always prefer a 4.2 TDI diesel engine because of the capability of the diesel turbo engine on this premium German sedan.

As for the interior, I might think it is the same as the previous A8, but the interior design is truly a modern living for adults. In addition, it is armed with conveniences such as Internet connectivity via GPRS, cruise control, lane departure warning system, night vision system, blind spot monitor, pre-crash safety system, and two of the world's first technologies such as the human-machine interface which memorizes the drivers' input between the phone and the navigation system, equipped with Google Earth system.

What has been great about the A8: New technology features, Google Earth-enabled navigation system, grown-up comfort

What has not so great about the A8: Stale design, others think it is somewhat a facelift


Photo: Audi