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By Csaba Daradics
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Source: Audizine
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As no ABT conversion would be complete without the usual styling upgrades, the German tuner bundled a body kit comprising of a front spoiler, side skirt, a somewhat discreet boot lid spoiler and a new rear apron housing a diffuser and the new quad tail pipes.
A choice of 20- or 21-inch ABT CR alloy wheels wrapped in sport tires and an available matte black foil complete the upgrades to the AS8.
The new ABT AS8 – data and facts
ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT Power
Performance: 385 HP/283 kW (standard: 350 HP/257 kW)
ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front wing
ABT side skirts
ABT rear wing (three-part)
ABT rear skirt with exhaust covers
ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT CR wheel in 20 and 21 inches
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires
One of the first (if not the first) tuners to launch a dedicated programme for the 2011 A8 sedan is Germany's Hofele Design that will present its proposal to the public at next week's Geneva Motor Show.
Hofele Design has readied power kits for both engines that will be available at the new A8's launch. The 4.2-liter V8 petrol gets a jump from 372HP and 445Nm to 400HP and 475Nm, reducing the 0-100km/h sprint time from 5.7 seconds to 5.3 seconds.
The 4.2-liter V8 TDI diesel is bumped up from 350HP and 800Nm to 395HP and 880Nm, and now covers the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 5.2 seconds instead of the stock model's 5.5 seconds.
In both cases, fuel consumption remains unchanged over the factory models.
An adjustable sport suspension electronic module that lowers the car's ride height between 40 and 80mm, a four-pipe exhaust system and 6-caliper high-performance brakes complete the list of performance modifications.
The available body kit for the 2011 A8 includes front and rear bumpers, rocker panels, rear diffuser, a new grille (with what looks to be an S8 badge...) and a discreet boot lid spoiler.
Of course the treatment wouldn't be complete without the addition of huge 20- or 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/40 ZR20 or 265/30 ZR22 high-performance tires respectively.
Finally, Hofele Design offers various interior accessories such as a R8-style sport steering wheel with carbon-fiber inserts.
During his speech at Audi AG's annual shareholders meeting in Germany, Audi Chairman of the Board, Rupert Stadler, revealed that the automaker is planning to present the next-generation A8 in November and extend its range with the new A5 Sportback sometime in 2009. Furthermore, Stadler confirmed earlier reports that Ingolstadt based company is also working on a hybrid version of the Mercedes GLK rivaling Q5 SUV and that the A1 minicar is due for a 2010 market launch with the Q3 small SUV following in 2011.
This means that unless Audi has another surprise up its sleeves, the four-door coupe derivative of the A5 is most probably the new model that the maker said its preparing to unveil during the celebrative festivities for the firm's 100th anniversary in Germany on July 16.
The A5 Sportback is in essence the production version of the sleek-looking Sportback Concept that was first shown in Detroit in the beginning of the year. Expect to see a familiar Audi engine lineup, including the latest 2.0-liter TSI with 211HP, the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 290HP and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel cranking out 240HP.
"The A4 has attracted the largest share of customers loyal to the Audi brand. And a great number of them want to move further upward while carving out their own unique identity," said Stadler.
"The A5 Sportback is precisely what they're looking for. This vehicle will pose a genuine innovation in the B segment: a revolutionary vehicle concept offering the ideal blend of functionality and aesthetics"
As for the brand new A8 sedan (see the spy shots here), Stadler said claimed that it will be the sportiest model in its segment and that it will redefine people's notions of a luxury car's interior.
"We will also be presenting the next-generation Audi A8 and rest assured, Ladies and Gentlemen, it's going to be a sensation. The A8 remains Audi's flagship: it embodies our understanding of the word "premium"," Stadler told Audi's shareholders.
"The A8 will be the sportiest luxury sedan in its class – and set new standards with regard to interiors. Its precision and build quality are second to none. This model naturally means a great deal to us, because it played a greater role than any other car in the rise of the Audi brand. And we will unveil it to the world in a remarkable fashion in late November."
Looks can be deceiving. What appears to be a current generation Audi A8 in these photos is in fact a test mule of Ingolstadt's next generation flagship sedan that is planned to go on sale in 2011. As you can see in the spy photos, the prototype model features a newly styled dashboard that drops the current's model instrument panel layout in favor of a new design while there's also a different automatic gearbox setting and a restyled four spoke steering wheel. 
Underneath the current model's sheetmetal, the test mule hides an upgraded platform that uses more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium components in order to save weight and improve dynamics. The same architecture will most likely be used in future generation Bentley models.
Audi's new BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class adversary will be offered with a revised engine lineup that will include the S4 / S5's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 delivering an output of around 290HP in the A8. Buyers will also be offered naturally aspirated V6 and V8 petrol engines along with the usual range of 'oil burners'. It is rumored, but not confirmed, that the German firm may drop the range topping 6.0-liter W12 as well as the 5.2-liter V10 unit in the S8.
A faulty automatic transmission locking cable is to blame for the recall of 13,900 MY 1996-2003 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. According to NHTSA, the locking cable may move out of position over time therefore allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "PARK" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. Audi said that its dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece securing the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month (September 2008). For more detailed information, owners can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
