Daily Archives: July 12, 2017
A Closer Look At The 2019 Audi A8
The unveiled 2019 Audi A8, which will go on sale in 2018, may be a little conservative when it comes to its exteriors looks, but the technology is super advanced. This fourth-generation A8 is the oldest among its peers, but there is still significant interest on what Audi can still possibly do with this particular line.
A redesigned version of the flagship sedan was launched on Tuesday during a special event in Barcelona, Spain. It’s nothing special from the outside, but Audi fitted it with a “Level 3” self-driving capability. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a Level 3 self-driving technology is when a car can take complete control in specific situations, with the driver being able to take over after a short warning period.
Level 3 Artificial Intelligence
The major technological feature of the 2019 Audi A8 is the AI-based software that it comes fitted with. The system not only controls the self-driving capability of the vehicle, but also acts as an “electronic concierge” of some sorts. This is the first software announced to have a Level 3 capability since the most advanced software the public has seen so far is a Level 2 self-driving capability.
A Level 2 software requires the driver to monitor the situation and to take over in an instance in case of an emergency.
Included in the A8, the Level 3 system can take over during “some” parking situations and self-drive during traffic jams on uninterrupted roads like highways. The system can provide a speed up to 37mph, allowing ample time for the driver to take over if something goes wrong. Under these situations, the driver can use the phone or read a book while the system has taken over.
The possibility of sleeping in a car under a self-driving situation is still not possible, though, unless a Level 4 is realized. Experts are predicting that a Level 4 car may be available by next decade while a Level 5, where there is no driver needed, would have to take some more time.
Roush P-51 Mustang Powers Through With 727 Horses
The Roush P-51 Mustang is certainly not the best among the muscle cars in current production because that belongs to the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350/GT350R. However, one cannot deny that the 727 horsepower guaranteed by the performance car is unparalleled.
According to CarAndDriver, that power comes from a 2.3-liter TVS supercharger with a stage 2 upgrade paired with Ford’s standard 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine. To keep everything within balance, Ford fitted the P-51 with a heavy duty TrakPak half shafts and three-way adjustable coilovers.
It also comes packed with rotors and pads for the Brembo brakes and 19-inch TrakPak wheels from Weld. The wheels are fitted with Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires.
Exterior
There are some alterations on the exterior of the P-51 such as a new front fascia with bigger upper and lower openings that promise to provide better air flow. It also has a front lower splitter made of carbon fiber, a chin spoiler, and heat extractors.
For added aesthetics, Ford fitted the P-51 with wide hood scoop, rocker skirts, scoops on the side and rear windows, and a decklid spoiler made of carbon fiber. If you will notice, the spoiler, the grille lighting, custom hood paint, and front splitter are all very specific to this model. Some of the other details are already present in most Ford models.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, the upgrades are entirely minimal. What Ford did is to fit the P-51 with a myriad of badges and plaques, including a Red ball shift knob, billet pedals, a “bomber-jacket-inspired” Amaretto Tuscany leather, and a custom gauge cluster overlay.
Price
The Roush P-51 package is priced at $42,500, excluding the cost of the Mustang GT itself, of course. There are only 51 units of the Roush being produced, so you have to get your hands early on one. For those who won’t be making the cut, you can always defer to the Shelby GT500.
