The Audi A8 and S8 have been teased ahead of the duo’s world premiere next week.
Shown in the clip hidden under covers with only a grille, cross-drilled ceramic brake package and headlight partially shown, the luxury pair is all but confirmed for the August 21 reveal, with speculation further supported by one of the car’s ‘S8′ number plates (pictured top).
While little has been revealed about the new cars, the changes over the current models are thought to be mostly cosmetic with the facelift covering subtle design tweaks and new lighting technologies.
Already known to incorporate Audi‘s Matrix LED lighting system, the German manufacturer has announced the headlight cluster – which comprises 25 light-emitting diodes – will use also use an innovative LED indicator.
Lighting up sequentially in the direction of turning, the indicator strip contains 18 LEDs subdivided into seven blocks.
The new tail-lights are made up of 24 LEDs split into eight segments that also indicate turning direction. Audi says during operation, the flashing indicator blocks are sequentially activated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards in the selected direction. After 150 milliseconds, all segments are bright and for another 250 milliseconds illuminate with full intensity.
The Matrix LED headlights also link to the cars’ navigation-based cornering light system and night vision assist – the latter using a ‘marker light’ in dark conditions to warn drivers of pedestrians in the immediate vicinity.
Sitting above the 258kW/800Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel V8-powered A8 (currently a $248,700 proposition), the 382kW/650Nm S8 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. The petrol unit helps shift the 1975kg limo from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.2 seconds – 0.1sec faster than the marque’s V8-powered R8 supercar.
Audi has confirmed the upgraded A8 will take to the stage at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show on September 10. The fresh-faced S8 will join the A8 in the local line-up in early 2014 following a backflip from Audi Australia.
