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What To Know About The 2020 Audi S8 Based On Spy Shots
Audi showrooms will soon feature a new generation of Audi A8 and with it comes a new S8 as well. There’s no exact date on when the S8 will debut, although we’re looking at the possibility of it being introduced to the market later this year or early next. There is a higher likelihood that we will be seeing it in showrooms next year though as a 2020 model.
Based on the spy shots from Motor1, S8 prototypes are still being dressed like the A8 but the quad-tip exhaust and uprated brakes give it away. So, what we’re seeing in the photos is the sportier S version. The final design will most possibly have a new styling in front and in the rear. There might also be a revised grille, if reports are to be believed.
For what’s under the hood, we’re pretty sure we’ll see the same unit in the current model. It’s going to be a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 mounted up front and paired with four-wheel drive through an 8-speed automatic transmission. It should be able to produce north of 520 horsepower, which is the current output of the outgoing S8 model.
There are plans for a new S8 Plus model, though it may not even go by that name. Some reports are throwing the name S8 e-tron instead. The “S8 Plus” (we’ll call it by that name for now) will have the plug-in hybrid powertrain seen in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (the reason behind the e-tron name). That powertrain will supposedly deliver more than the 605 horsepower being produced by the outgoing S8 Plus.
The fourth-generation A8 will remain to be Audi’s flagship sedan. The whole fleet is designed using Volkswagen Group’s latest MLB platform, which will allow for weight savings and advanced electronic driver assistance technologies, including self-driving capabilities. Expect the A8, the S8, and the S8 Plus to be introduced soon.
What We Know So Far About The 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon
USA customers are clamoring for the 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon. However, it doesn’t look like we’re going to see this performance wagon from Audi.
It has been an important week for the industry. This past week alone, we have seen the likes of the 2018 Volvo V90, the 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo. These are all wonderful in their own little ways and Americans love seeing these European brands in dealerships, but we’re missing out on the Audi Avant.
The 2019 Audi A6 was recently photographed in all its camouflaged glory. It made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show to replace a competent but aging model. Though there was no word from Audi about the fate of the S6, but it will likely follow the A6.
Americans will most likely miss out on the Avant, though we doubt very much that we’re not going to see at least the sedan variant. Right now, we’ve got the Volvo, Jaguar, and Mercedes wagons here. There’s a big market for wagons in the United States, so we’re here crossing our fingers that we’ll see the Avant sometime.
Audi has yet to reveal what it plans for the S6, engine-wise. All we know is that the current S6 uses a version of Audi’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It produces 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models have the quattro all-wheel drive. The next-generation S6 will most likely shed off the V-8 engine and downsize into one that would be more fuel efficient. We’re hoping to see a variant of RS4’s new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6.
Audi S6 Avant Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the Audi S6 Avant provided by Carscoops in the gallery below:
5 Things You Might Not Know Yet About The 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe
The 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe is amazing. It can produce 444 horsepower that puts it in the same level as the BMW M4, the Cadillac ATS-V, the Lexus RC F, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 coupes. This was achieved after it traded its highly reliable V-8 engine for a smooth twin-turbocharged V6. Now, it’s a lot less raw but still packs enough power for eager drivers to try it out.
1. Engine Is Lighter
Even though it packs a heavier punch, the 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 engine is about 66 pounds lighter than the previous 450-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 engine. This coupe’s weight is evenly distributed, thanks to its ability to carry 54 percent of its mass on its front axle.
2. Power In The Crankshafts
Audi said that the RS5 and the Panamera use the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 engine, though they are configured differently through using different crankshafts. According to Audi, the compression rate of the RS5 is a lower 10.0:1 against the Porsche’s 10.5:1. The Audi’s production is a lot more powerful, too, than the Panamera’s 440 horses and 405 pound-feet of torque.
3. Smooth Transmission
The RS5 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with a traditional torque converter. This might sound a tad bit duller on paper, but it operates smoother than other transmission system. When you shift it yourself, the transmission could hold gears until you decide to change shift. In manual mode, the car can perform this shift on its own.
4. Oil Cooler Positioned Right
The RS5’s flat oil cooler is placed ahead of the radiator, which means that the horizontal position allows the biturbo V-6’s oil to remain cool and not get too hot. It can also generate 6.6 pounds of downforce at 62 mph.
5. Torque Vectoring Rear Differential
The RS5’s torque vectoring rear differential is an option in other countries but in the US, this will come standard. Audi said the differential will be able to transfer every ounce of maximum engine torque sent to the rear axle to either the left or right rear wheel.
3 Things We Learned From The 2020 Audi Q3 Spy Shots
Audi is working on its next-generation Q3 crossover, we all know that, but these spy shots revealed where in the development process is Audi right now. Well, it looks like everything is on schedule and we’ll see the next-generation Q3 as a 2020 model this 2019 in distributors’ showrooms.
1. No Surprises In Q3’s Exterior
There are no surprises in the design of Audi’s compact crossover SUV, the spy shots revealed. Based on the images, the next-generation Q3 will resemble a scaled-down version of the latest Q5, though this one will have a more dynamically proportioned body. To further highlight the difference, the current-generation Q3 was seen on the road together with the upcoming Q3.
The crossover SUV will use the same and familiar MQB platform design used by the VW Group in almost all of its compact cars and non-premium midsize models.
2. Plug-in Hybrid A Possibility
The new-generation Q3 will be powered by turbocharged inline-4 engines, but there is also a possibility of seeing a plug-in hybrid option. Expectations are high, too, that Audi will have the same RS Q3 in the works. With 400 horsepower from a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5, there should be no question that this one would be a favorite.
The good news? Audi Sport might offer the RQ3 in the United States market this time around. Remember, the US market has been adamant it wants the same preference that Audi has for the European market.
3. Electric-Powered Cars In The Pipeline
The redesigned Q3 is just one of the five new SUVs that Audi is working on. There are others in the horizon, such as the electronic e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, as well as the coupe-like Q4 and Q8. There are also rumors that Audi is working on a Q1 subcompact SUV based on the next-generation A1.
4 Things You Have To Know About The 2019 Audi RS9 Coupe
Three decades ago, Audi couldn’t even be uttered in the same breath as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. But in the 1990s and 2000s, the Ingolstadt-based company produced premium cars such as the A4, A6, A8, and Q7. But even though it has upgraded its lineup, Audi couldn’t even compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Thankfully, that’s about to change now with the 2019 Audi RS9 Coupe.
1. Exterior
The A9 will be based on the A8’s design and since we’ve already seen what that looks like, we have a pretty comfortable simulation of how “muscular” the A9 will be. Expect to see the same massive grille, muscular engine hood, angular headlamps, and big vents on each corner of the bumper.
Because it’s an RS model, the intakes are larger and will occupy almost the entire area under the headlamps as seen in the rendering of TopSpeed above. An RS9 badge will be on a more aggressive nose. In terms of exterior, the upcoming RS9 should have a similar elegant design to the Mercedes-AMG S63 and the BMW M8.
2. Interior
The interior will be based heavily on the standard A9, which means it is similar to the A8 with the addition of a sportier design such as a carbon-fiber trim and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The interior of the RS9 will most likely have the same horizontal lines as the A8, which means a wide look and smooth, clean surfaces.
The legroom will be similar to the sedan but since this is a coupe, the shoulder room and the headroom will decrease because of the roofline. The tech package will include the latest infotainment system such as the Apple CarPlay, the Android Auto, and the new AI traffic jam pilot.
3. Drivetrain
There is no word on what the RS9 will have under its hood, but we can expect it to have either a 4.0-liter V-8 engine or a bigger 6.0-liter W-12. The W-12 produces 600 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. But if it wants to give Mercedes-AMG S63 and the BMW M8 some real competition, it should aim for 610 horses at the minimum.
4. Prices
We are just guessing here, but the Audi RS9 will probably retail with a price tag of $200,000 and above.
4 Things We Can Expect From The First Ever 2018 Audi RS8
Since the RS-badged Audi came out in the 1990s, people have been clamoring for a high-performance version of its A8. But until now, we have yet to see an RS8 model, which can compete with the likes of the AMG S63, the S65, and the BMW M7.
Without the RS model, Audi would be left behind by its competition in the market. Hopefully, the brand is tired of trailing behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and would eventually work on their RS-badged A8. Above are renderings of what the Audi RS8 could look like when and if it’s launched in 2018.
1. Exterior
There is no hint whatsoever about how the styling of the RS8 would look like, but it’s safe to assume that the appearance and design of the RS8 would be very similar with other RS-badged vehicles. The A8 would still be the basis for how the RS8 would look like, although the latter would have a more aggressive front and rear fascias. The grille would have a honeycomb mesh with the RS8 badge, of course, and the headlamps will get black vents on the edges.
Both the bumper and the side vents will have a sportier styling. Except for the double-five spoke wheels in black chrome, there is not much change on the sides.
2. Interior
The Audi A8 sports a newer continuous air vent design with a simplistic and clutter-free instrument panel. The cabin will have horizontal lines all over that would give it a wider look with a cleaner and smoother surface on the center. The RS8 will follow this styling, though it would be sportier, of course. Audi would probably use darker colors for the RS model.
The tech package would include the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the new AI traffic jam pilot, and a remote parking system.
3. Drivetrain
It’s hard to think about what will power the Audi RS8, but expect the automaker to come after something that could give the high-performance vehicle an output of at least 620 horses. This would make it compete with the Mercedes-AMG S63 and the BMW M760Li. Hopefully, Audi can go more than 620.
4. Prices
The RS8 will cost more than the outgoing S8 Plus, that’s for sure. That means on the upward trend of $114,900.
4 Things To Expect From The 2019 Audi e-tron Quattro
During the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, we have seen a concept form of what would be Audi e-tron Quattro. These spy shots are to be considered a treat after more than a year of waiting for any glimpse of the e-tron Quattro prototype. This all-electric production car will compete directly with the Tesla Model 3, a celebrated electric vehicle currently making waves in the US’ electric car market.
1. Exterior
When it comes to its appearance, the 2019 Audi e-tron Quattro did not deviate much from the concept form. Don’t get us wrong, the actual prototype looked better, thanks to a chiseled front grille that has a cleaner facade and a front and rear with “futuristic” LED lights. The sizing and proportions remain true to a crossover segment and thus confirm the same size we saw on the concept.
The roof is designed to be similar to a coupe, but that’s where it stops because Audi is planning to release a Sportback a year after the launch of this car.
2. Interior
Reports are pointing out that the cabin of the e-tron Quattro will be very similar to the new A8. That means we can expect horizontal lines, a futuristic ambiance, and multiple touchscreens. Since the new A8 promised to use autonomous-driving technologies, the e-tron Quattro should follow its lead and further expand on this self-driving technology.
3. Powertrains
The first versions of the e-tron Quattro will use one electric motor in the front and two in the rear. It would have an output of 429 horsepower. There is no word yet on the range of the e-tron Quattro but based on the concept, it should be able to reach 310 miles on one cycle. In the months following the release, there should be an option for an entry-level model with one motor at the front and one at the rear, as well as a more powerful version.
4. Pricing and release date
The e-tron Quattro should sell around $80,000. Unlike previous reports, it won’t be called the Q6 and would also be launched sometime next year with a US market release in late 2018.
3 Things To Know About The Stylish And Powerful 2018 Audi RS5
When cars appear to be stylish, sophisticated, and powerful all at the same time, we tend to look at it warily and ask what the catch is. In the 2018 Audi RS5, there is no catch to speak of. There is only that unique blend of a sporty interior and an engine fit for a race car.
1. Sporty, Stylish, and Refined
Audi’s RS concept is based on the Audi Sport division, which focuses on high-performance Audis that can tackle both the race track and the road. But to separate it from the S models such as the S4 and S5, Audi went beyond that with the RS5. Based on the new A5 coupe, the redesigned RS5 is a four-seat, two-door model that has an aggressive styling and sharper features.
To reiterate that, the RS5 has a more muscular overall body design and wider wheel arches thanks to the five-spoke forged aluminum 20-inch wheels.
2. Modest but Modern Interior
The interior is nothing too special, except for the fact that Audi went all the way to make this as comfortable and luxurious as possible. There’s no eye-popping elements here as the RS5 comes in an all-black cabin with the diamond-quilted seats wrapped in leather with contrast red stitching. There’s also a flat-bottomed steering wheel, but that’s all about it.
3. Power, Muscle, and Speed
The RS5 comes packed with a second turbo to its 2.9-liter V-6 engine that boosts the coupe to a stunning 450 horsepower and 442 lb ft of torque. Even if it’s used in high altitude, there’s no denying that the RS5 is a wonder of the auto world. Fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RS5 can go from 0 to 60 mph in a flash—in 3.9 seconds no less. It has a top speed of 174mph, in case you want to crank it up.
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.
Audi A8 Appears in Spider-Man: Homecoming Premiere
Last Wednesday in Hollywood, California, the much-awaited movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming” made its world premiere. Capitalizing on that event was Audi with a live preview of its next-generation luxury sedan, the 2019 Audi A8.
Audi has been very secretive about the the A8. As we have said in our previous report, the car replaces the A6. The auto will be heavily-based on the 8-Series Concept shown at the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
In the photo above that was featured in Business Insider, the superhero Spider-Man is seen posing on the hood of the Audi A8. Despite the heavy camouflage of the prototype, it already gives us a better picture of the luxury car’s design.
The A8 appears to be sporting a new grille design as well as more advanced headlamps. A subtle adjustment in the styling of the bumper compared to the A6 is also evident. From the camouflaged prototype in the event, the A8 looks like it has a lot of features that we should be excited about.
According to the source, the A8 will be officially unveiled at the Audi Summit that will be held on Barcelona, Spain on July 11. For those who cannot wait for the debut of the car, rest assured that we will be on the lookout for possible leaks before its public launching.
The A8 will hit showrooms by next year. It will bear a 2019 model year.
The report said that the A8 will center on its maker’s active suspension system and it will have a mild hybrid setup. The car will be one of the automaker’s first vehicles to offer a fully-active, electromechanical suspension paired with a 48-volt electric power source.
All A8 models will likely carry six, eight or 12-cylinder engines. Partnered with an electric motor to deliver a hybrid power, the auto is expected to get a lot of horsepower.
In terms of technology, one of the key highlights of the A8 is Audi’s new infotainment technology, which will be more advanced than the brand’s virtual cockpit interface.
In addition, the on-board cameras of the car located in front can process new information and road conditions up to 18 times per second. The system will guide each corner of the car individually with its series wheel-mounted electric motors.
Lastly, the A8 comes with a rear-wheel steering function to deliver better high-speed stability and improve its maneuvering at low-speeds.