Audi: R8 goes topless

2011 AUDI A8

The new A8 luxury four-door sedan is more aggressive and much larger than the previous version. Longer (5,137 millimetres) and wider (1,949 mm) than its immediate competition, the new A8 is lower for a more sporting silhouette.

That attitude is backed up with performance. Not only is the A8's latest aluminum space frame torsionally stiffer than before, it's also lighter. Factor in the increased output from the 372-horsepower 4.2-litre FSI V8 and the all-wheel-drive A8 scampers to 100 kilometres an hour in just 5.7 seconds.
Audi: R8 To go along with that performance are a number of luxury and functional touches. A camera-based system allows the A8 to auto-dim its LED headlights. The automatic climate control system has four separate climate zones and the 12-way-adjustable front seats can be exchanged for a pair of 22-way seats that are ventilated as well as heated and can be had with a pneumatic massager.

The A8's audio system is a 1,400-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo with 19 speakers.

AUDI R8 SPYDER 5.2 FSI QUATTRO

2011 Audi A8 to Come Google-Ready

Unveiled in Miami just a few weeks ago, the 2011 Audi A8 will hit the U.S. market in late 2010. The latest word from Audi is that the European version will come stocked with in-car Googling. Several Google features will be integrated into the new multimedia interface, which is already one of the more intriguing aspects of the new flagship.

Audi plans on offering Google services beyond what are available from other car manufacturers such as BMW. Functionality will extend to Google-based mapping, service locating and Google Earth waypoints. Users will also be able to send locations from a computer to the car’s email address to streamline route mapping. Google services will be accessible via voice or the MMI’s touchpad.