Audi draws A8 facelift

Audi has released four official sketches of the facelifted A8 limousine that will be revealed for the first time in just two days (August 21), before its global public debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show.

Leading the list of changes for the midlife makeover of Audi’s luxury flagship, which is expected on sale in Australia in both standard A8 and higher-performance S8 forms early next year, is the ground-breaking new Matrix lighting system already revealed by Audi.

As evidenced by these sketches and Automedia spy shots we published last month, the all-LED lighting technology will be wrapped in new headlights for the A8.

While a new front bumper, grille and rear-end punctuated by revised exhaust outlets will also be part of the A8 facelift, which will be Audi’s answer to the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW’s upcoming 7 Series redesign, the Matrix lighting system represents the next level of automotive LED technology.

The system includes 25-diode headlight clusters, 18-diode indicator strips that illuminate sequentially in the direction of turning and 24-diode tail-lights.

Currently priced from $188,000, the existing all-quattro A8 range includes short- and long-wheelbase 3.0-litre V6 and 4.2-litre V8 turbo-diesel models, the latter topping the line-up at $248,700.

Although the only new addition to the A8 engine is likely to be Audi’s new 4.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol V8, the facelift is also expected to bring a subtly revised interior including restyled instruments and new infotainment and internet connectivity technologies.

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