Audi has revealed the flagship of its A8 range – the new S8 – packing a mild-hybrid 563bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and an innovative new suspension system. Unlike the recently revealed S6 and S7, which now make use of diesel engines, the S8 retains the large-capacity petrol V8 shared with Porsche and Bentley. It puts out 563bhp and 590lb ft of torque, although the firm has yet to release performance details beyond a 155mph limited top speed. Audi’s 48V mild-hybrid system is also brought in, featuring a starter alternator and small lithium ion battery to allow coasting and extended stop-start use, boosting efficiency in addition to cylinder deactivation. Another new system is so-called ‘predictive active suspension’. It adds electromechanical actuators to the adaptive air suspension system that can lift or push down each wheel separately, claimed to greatly reduce pitch and roll while allowing comfort levels on a par with the standard A8. To enhance refinement, an active noise cancellation system helps to mask wind and road noise. Rear-wheel steering also features alongside Audi’s sport differential, which transfers torque between the rear wheels during fast cornering and comes as standard. Ventilated carbon-ceramic brakes can be optioned, with up to 21in alloy wheels available to customers. Styling-wise, the S8 features unique detailing on the bumpers, sills and mirror housings and new twin exhaust pipes, while a black styling pack is also available. The A8’s standard ‘comfort customised contour seats’ get a sporty makeover with pneumatically adjustable side bolsters. Active noise cancellation uses the speaker system to mitigate road and wind noise for a more comfortable ride, and the S8 retains all the driver assistance systems found in the A8 for stop-start adaptive cruise control. Car-to-X connected technology can also display traffic light countdown timers in supported cities. Audi has yet to confirm UK pricing, which is expected to approach £100,000 before
Origin: New Audi S8 receives 563bhp mild-hybrid petrol V8
Audi
Autocar confidential: Volkswagen plans wireless updates, Audi gives us the heads-up and more
In this week’s wander through the backstage area of motoring, we find out why Hyundai engineers need to get off the bus, how Audi’s changing cockpit design, and more. VW’s breath of fresh air Volkswagen’s ID range of electric cars have been designed to be upgradable during their lifespan but, while over-the-air remote updates are possible, VW sales boss Jürgen Stackmann says such upgrades will probably be done at a dealer to begin with. “We need to be absolutely sure of (over-the-air upgrades),” he said. “We are not a start-up company, so we can’t take those risks.” The future of Audi’s dash design Audi’s signature Virtual Cockpit will eventually be replaced by an augmented head-up display and voice control, according to design boss Marc Lichte. Hinted at on the Q4 E-tron concept, which will make production in 2021, Lichte said: “Virtual Cockpit will become much smaller and we will have an augmented head-up display. Maybe in 10 years we’ll have less displays because HUD will control everything by voice.” Hyundai-Kia stops the bus “Too many of our engineers come to work on the bus,” says Hyundai and Kia design boss Luc Donckerwolke of his colleagues at the Namyang research and development centre. He says it limits their experience of driving the products they develop. Polestar times it right The shift to electrification has opened a window of opportunity for new brands to establish themselves – but it will only be brief, according to Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “There is often a moment between launching too early or too late, but it is only a moment and the way the market is developing I’m more convinced it is right now,” he
Origin: Autocar confidential: Volkswagen plans wireless updates, Audi gives us the heads-up and more
Audi accused of using four defeat devices in V6 diesel
The German transport ministry has identified up to four different emission defeat devices in software code used by Audi’s V6 diesel engine, according to separate reports published by Germany’s Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt. The various defeat devices are claimed to have been developed by Audi to provide models fitted with its turbocharged 3.0-litre engine with lower emission readings during government mandated tests on rolling roads under controlled conditions than actual results on public roads. The various defeat devices are said to have been used in vehicles produced up to the beginning of 2018, more than two years after US authorities made public findings that Audi parent company, Volkswagen, had used similar illegal software functions in various diesel models. The German transport ministry issued Audi with a forced recall of various models fitted with the V6 diesel engine in January 2019, confirming up to 200,000 vehicles in Germany were suspected of using an illegal software function the German car maker labelled as a “Motoraufwärmfunktion” or engine warm-up function. This so-called Motoraufwärmfunktion is, in fact, a secret defeat device used to manipulate emission results, say representatives of the German transport ministry. Models from Volkswagen and Porsche were also affected. Information in an addendum to the German transport ministry report obtained by Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt identifies a further three defeat devices. Three additional defeat devices were not deemed illegal despite the report suggesting they facilitated functions leading to emission manipulation. In the report, the various defeat devices are listed as A, B, C and D, according to Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt. However, the German transport ministry states only one can be identified as being illegal, suggesting Audi was free to voluntarily remove the other three functions from its software code as part of the recall announced earlier this year. Both Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt report it is apparent from the report that the German transport ministry did not undertake testing leading to the discovery of the defeat devices but relied upon information provided by
Origin: Audi accused of using four defeat devices in V6 diesel
Audi used four defeat devices in V6 diesel
The German transport ministry has identified up to four different emission defeat devices in software code used by Audi’s V6 diesel engine, according to separate reports published by Germany’s Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt. The various defeat devices are claimed to have been developed by Audi to provide models fitted with its turbocharged 3.0-litre engine with lower emission readings during government mandated tests on rolling roads under controlled conditions than actual results on public roads. The various defeat devices are said to have been used in vehicles produced up to the beginning of 2018, over two years after US authorities made public findings that Audi parent company, Volkswagen, had used similar illegal software functions in various diesel models. The German transport ministry issued Audi with a forced recall of various models fitted with the V6 diesel engine in January 2019, confirming up to 200,000 vehicles in Germany were suspected of using an illegal software function the German car maker labelled as a “Motoraufwärmfunktion” or engine warm-up function. This so-called Motoraufwärmfunktion is, in fact, a secret defeat device used to manipulate emission results, say representatives of the German transport ministry. Models from Volkswagen and Porsche were also affected. Information in an addendum to the German transport ministry report obtained by Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt identifies a further three defeat devices. Three additional defeat devices were not deemed illegal despite the report suggesting they facilitated functions leading to emission manipulation. In the report, the various defeat devices are listed as A, B, C and D, according to Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt. However, the German transport ministry states only one can be identified as being illegal, suggesting Audi was free to voluntarily remove the other three functions from its software code as part of the recall announced earlier this year. Both Bayerischen Rundfunk and Handelsblatt report it is apparent from the report that the German transport ministry did not undertake testing leading to the discovery of the defeat devices but relied upon information provided by
Origin: Audi used four defeat devices in V6 diesel
The new 2020 Audi Q7 packs visual and technical updates
With big SUVs having become the cash cows of auto manufacturers around the world, any full-sheet redesign is now approached with the same amount of caution one would afford a lump of plutonium that has just shown up in your lettuce crisper.For the next model year, the Audi Q7 finds itself the recipient of several high-profile changes and more than a few subtle ones.Leading the way is an exterior design that marches lock-step with the rest of Audis lineup. Some accuse the German automaker of simply producing different lengths of the same sausage but it is a methodology that works.Instantly recognizable and instantly desirable for a wide swath of the population the new Q7 bears the Audi corporate octagon-shaped grille bookended by a pair of expressive headlights. Those peepers will be HD Matrix LEDs with frickin’ lasers in some models across the pond, but it is not yet clear if that tech will make it to Canada.It should have a dose of Audi handling, too. All-wheel steering is optionally available, allowing the rear wheels turn by up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction at low speed, which increases agility. On the highway these wheels steer slightly in the same direction to promote stability.In its home market, diesel engines will be paired with a mild hybrid system but we dont know if there are any powertrain changes in the pipe for customers in this country.Currently, the Q7 packs a supercharged V6 making 329 horsepower, but it is worth noting that this new cars close cousin, the Q8, deploys a turbocharged V6 with direct injection and an eight-speed Tiptronic.As for the interior, one could make a case that Ingolstadt is on the verge of trading its four rings for four hexagons, as the shape appears everywhere. The tablet-style screen is gone, replaced by twin integrated touch-sensitive interfaces similar to whats shown up in the A6 and other Audis.Expect the new Q7 to appear on dealer lots towards the end of this
Origin: The new 2020 Audi Q7 packs visual and technical updates
Audi Q7 SUV mid-life update brings new engines and styling
Audi has given the Q7 a major makeover with new styling and upgraded kit to bring it in line with the rest of its SUV range – with every engine featuring electrified technology. The five or seven-seat SUV will go on sale in September with a choice of two 3.0-litre diesel engines, producing 228bhp and 282bhp respectively, and a 335bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine. All three units are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 48V mild-hybrid electrical system, which allows coasting for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. Those will be followed soon after by a plug-in hybrid petrol version – technical details of which are yet to be disclosed – and the hot SQ7, which features the same 429bhp 664lb ft 4.0-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid TDI engine used in the new SQ8. The revamped Q7 features an updated design to bring it in line with Audi’s other SUV range, including a new-look grille and new standard LED headlights. The rear features a new chrome strip that runs between the rear lights. While it sits on the same platform as before, the new Q7 is 11mm longer at 5063mm, although its wheelbase of 2994mm remains unchanged. Audi has put a major focus into the car’s interior to match the rest of the range, including the latest version of Audi’s twin touchscreen MMI infotainment system, featuring a main screen of up to 10.1in. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system is standard, with an optional head-up display available. In five-door form the Q7 has 865 litres of boot space, rising to 2050 litres with the seats folded. The new Q7 is available with optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering to boost handling, along with standard steel spring or optional air suspension. The SQ7 version has gained unique design touches including a revamped grille and chrome exhaust pipes, along with 20in wheels and upgraded brakes measuring 400mm at the front and 370mm at the rear. Carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs are available as an option. The revamped Q7 is due on sale in the UK in October, priced at around
Origin: Audi Q7 SUV mid-life update brings new engines and styling
Audi reveals hot SQ8 as new flagship SUV
Audi has revealed the new hot SQ8 as its flagship SUV, featuring a 429bhp mild hybrid turbodiesel V8 engine. The 4.0-litre biturbo unit offered in the range-topping performance version of the coupe-inspired Q8 large SUV is the most powerful V8 offered by the firm in Europe. It produces 664lb ft and powers the seven-seater from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155mph. The diesel, which automatically turns off one of the two turbochargers at low speeds to boost fuel economy, is mated to a 48V mild hybrid system, operated through a belt alternator starter connected to the crankshaft. It can generate up to 11bhp under braking, and allow the SQ8 to coast without the engine active for up to 40 seconds at speeds between 34 and 100mph. Power is driven to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with an optional advanced suspension package including a sport differential that can balance torque between the rear wheels when cornering. As standard, the car sits on adaptive air suspension, which can adjust the ride height by up to 90mm, and features electromechanical active roll stabilisation, which uses an electric motor to reduce body movement. All-wheel steering is available as an option, either by itself or as part of the advanced suspension package. The SQ8 sits on 21-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch available upon request. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available as standard. The SQ8 features a number of design tweaks from the Q8, which is closely related to the more practical Q7 and built on the VW Group’s MLB Evo platform. It gains a new S-specific grille featuring a matt silver frame and LED headlights, along with revamped air inlets and new aluminium-effect mirrors. At the rear, the diffuser is finished in a matt black colour, with quad exhausts. A black styling package will be offered to further differentiate the car. Inside, as with other S machines the SQ8 is finished in black, with a mix of leather and Alcantara, and embossed S logos in the seats. Stainless steel pedals and footrest, along with aluminium inlays on the door sills, are standard. As with the Q8, the SQ8 is offered with a twin touchscreen set-up and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which features S-specific graphics and displays. The SQ8 is due to go on sale in the UK in the coming months. Pricing has yet to be set, but will likely be an increase on the current range-topping Q8, the 55 TFSI, which costs £80,815. While the SQ8 will only be offered in the UK and Europe with the turbodiesel powerplant, largely due to the need to meet EU CO2 targets, petrol engined-versions will be offered in other
Origin: Audi reveals hot SQ8 as new flagship SUV
Infotainment face-off: Audi MMI vs. Mercedes-Benz MBUX
David Booth: Who knew in 2001, BMW’s release of iDrive would usher in a new era in automotive entertainment. The very first “infotainment” system was much flawed, extremely cantankerous — I can remember having to call a BMW service technician one time to open the damned doors just because I hit the wrong sequence of buttons — and intensely complicated. The future, if computer-controlled infotainment was indeed the future, seemed so terribly forbidding. Fast forward 18 years and touchscreens, voice control, and now even gesture control are not just accepted technologies, but differentiators in the Millennial-seeking marketplace. With powertrains becoming ever more homogenous — pretty much every manufacturer relies on small, turbocharged engines for most of its models’ motivation — the new car battleground is now digital, every automaker looking for that magical combination of simplicity, power, and most of all, entertainment. We’ve started paying as much attention to what powers the entertainment system as we do the rear wheels, and this is our first head-to-head shootout between onboard computers featuring the two latest entries — Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system and Audi’s MMI Touch — from two of the automakers who’ve made the most progress in bringing the connected world to the automotive dashboard. Clayton Seams: That’s right. For the sake of this test, we are going to pretty much ignore the cars these systems come in, and focus solely on the infotainment. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a brand new model in Canada, and with it comes the equally new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system — they hate it when you pronounce it “em-bucks. Unlike some cars that have screens seemingly dropped here and there throughout the interior, the Mercedes uses twin 10.25-inch screens back-to-back in one rectangular display spanning much of the dashboard. The gauges and all infotainment functions are espoused in those two screens. One way MBUX sets itself apart from others is the sheer variety of ways you can control it, with no less than four methods. With your hands at the nine-and-three positions on the steering wheel, you’ll find a mirrored set of controls at each hand made up of three buttons. The “back” and “home” buttons are pretty standard, but the centre one is interesting; it’s touch-sensitive, like the centre key of an older BlackBerry. You can scroll across the button as well as click it to make selections. The left set of buttons controls the left screen and the right set controls the right screen. Moving down to the centre console, beneath a handy wrist pad, you’ll find a track pad. This allows you to scroll and click around the right screen; I found it touchy, so it’s best to use it in park rather than in traffic. Additionally, the main display is a touchscreen and works in a way that won’t be shocking to anyone who has used a smartphone or tablet. DB: As opposed to the giant leap forward Mercedes wants MBUX to be, the A7’s new man-machine interface is an evolution of Audi’s traditional MMI, but what an evolution. With three screens — if you include the Virtual Cockpit that is mostly a gauge set but can double as a navigation map — Audi divvies up its screens into modules. The Virtual Cockpit, as mentioned, is your basic digitized gauge cluster, but with the ability to display a big map when the navigation system gets serious. The upper of the two touchscreens is devoted to traditional infotainment functions such as audio, Bluetooth and controlling the navigation. Meanwhile, the lower screen is reserved for more pedestrian decisions, like the air conditioning fan speed and seat heaters. This is where the two systems start differentiating themselves — and, indeed, Audi is employing a fairly unique philosophy here by having the very same buttons that physically controlled previous generations MMIs — think the automatic start/stop switch, the button that raised and lowered the active rear spoiler, etc. — have been transposed almost identically onto a touchscreen. Think of it as an unfamiliar world (the digital interface) made familiar. That’s mighty important to some of the, shall we say, more experienced folk who can afford upscale Audis. CS: While Audi is taking a small step for buttonry, Mercedes is making a giant leap forward in voice command technology. Simply saying “Hey Mercedes” or “Mercedes” will fire up a Siri-like assistant that can help you with everything, from turning on the seat heaters to finding nearby hotels. The system is pretty darn smart. For example, if you want to turn up the heat, you don’t have to say “Hey Mercedes, raise cabin temperature by three degrees.” A simple “I’m cold” will suffice, and MBUX will know what you mean. Say “I’m hungry” and it will show you nearby restaurants. “I’m hungry for soup” will show you only restaurants near you that serve soup, and on and on. The system uses a cloud-based server so, if the internet holds the answer, you’ll hear it. Ask
Origin: Infotainment face-off: Audi MMI vs. Mercedes-Benz MBUX
Audi RS5 returns to range with free-breathing 444bhp V6
Audi has reintroduced the RS5 to its range of performance vehicles, in both Coupé and four-door Sportback forms, as a limited-run special edition. The two-door has been unavailable for the past year due to delays in the model undergoing the new WLTP efficiency tests, while the Sportback is making its market debut following a launch in March 2018. Just 250 of each bodystyle will be sold, exclusively in Audi Sport Edition trim, which is priced from £68,985. An Audi spokesperson said these 500 units are likely to be the final RS5 models sold before a particulate filter is installed as part of a range update in 2020. For now, the RS5’s twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine produces an unchanged 444bhp and 443lb ft, with drive sent to both axles via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both models are said to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 3.9sec. Top speed is unconfirmed but likely to remain an electronically limited 174mph. The Coupé manages 30.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and the Sportback 29.7mpg, with corresponding CO2 outputs of 213g/km and 215g/km. In Audi Sport Edition form, the RS5 features Anthracite 20in alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, gloss black exterior trim and a performance exhaust system. Inside, the seats are finished in Alcantara and leather, with LED ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blindspot monitoring and a panoramic sunroof fitted as standard. The return of the RS5 comes as Audi begins to bring its entire range back to market following a 3.5% drop in profits last year as newly implemented WLTP regulations forced the withdrawal of each for testing. The German brand’s range of S-badged performance models has undergone a significant transformation, with the S4, S5, S6 and S7 making the switch to a 48V-assisted, turbocharged diesel V6. Speaking at the firm’s annual press conference in March, board member Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler said that Audi couldn’t “afford to develop cars which do not respond to our customers’ wishes” but remained keen to preserve its “sporty
Origin: Audi RS5 returns to range with free-breathing 444bhp V6
Audi recalls first electric vehicle in U.S. on battery fire risk
The 2019 Audi e-Tron, the luxury automakers first fully electric series-production model, will be in Canadian showrooms in the spring and pricing starts in the $90,000 neighbourhood.Audi Canada Volkswagens luxury brand Audi is recalling its first all-electric vehicle due to the risk of a battery fire. The company issued a voluntary recall of approximately 540 E-Tron SUV models sold in the U.S. because of a risk that moisture can seep into the battery cell through a wiring harness glitch, spokesman Mark Dahncke said. The company isn’t aware of any fires or injuries because of the flaw, which affects a total of 1,644 models, he said. The E-Tron, which went on sale in the U.S. in April, is Audi’s first fully-electric car and one in a wave of contenders from traditional automakers looking to challenge Tesla’s dominance of the segment. While electric vehicles are no more prone to accidents or fires than gasoline-powered cars – and might be less so, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – the lithium-ion battery technology that powers them is still evolving, and there is no consensus on safe system design. Audi said there have been five instances globally where a battery fault light turned on because of the moisture issue. It began contacting E-Tron owners in the U.S. last week, prior to a warning from federal safety regulators, and should have a repair available by August. “We are applying an abundance of caution as no such incidents have been reported globally,” the company said in a statement. Audi said it’s offering E-Tron owners loaner vehicles and an $800 cash card to cover gas or incidentals during the recall period, as well as free roadside assistance. There are still E-Trons unaffected by the recall available for sale, it
Origin: Audi recalls first electric vehicle in U.S. on battery fire risk
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