On the heels of a late-year Hybrid debut for Europe, Audi takes 2013 by storm with the beginnings of a more fuel-efficient flagship A8 for the U.S.—but disappointingly, Audi left the Hybrid over the pond. So far the company is exceptionally tight-lipped about upcoming changes to the rest of the lineup, but what we do know is Audi will add a diesel V6 and replace the 4.2-liter V8 with a 3-liter V6 good for very similar power, but with a smaller tag and an 8-speed automatic attached.
The new 3.0T gas-powered models are supercharged, rather than turbocharged as the name would suggest, and should offer pretty much the same standard and optional features as their 2012 counterparts, according to Audi. Yes, that means there is also a turbodiesel in the works. Rest assured, the L-designated long-wheelbase edition will be offered right off the bat, and it's a pretty safe bet that the behemoth A8 L 6.3 added for 2012 will continue firing on all 12 cylinders at least until the 2014 refresh.
There is one big change in store, though, and that will be Audi's first application of its fuel-saving Start/Stop technology in the States with the 2013 A8's new 3-liter lineup, turbodiesel and all. The gas-powered variant of this setup is good for 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and though there's no official word from Audi on the States-side turbodiesel, the European version puts out 254 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque (and Audi is known to increase output for this side of the pond).
Since the A8 is a scant 150 pounds heavier than other applications of the same engine—its special aluminum frame almost negating weight added for the Quattro all-wheel-drive system—the zip-to-60 time could drop below 5 seconds, but again Audi has nothing to say on that just yet. Audi hasn't mentioned if the improved performance and Start/Stop technology cancel each other out in terms of fuel efficiency, but nothing was mentioned about overall improved economy either, so that too remains a big question.
Just what Audi intends to refresh in 2014 is another one of those wondering points, given so many changes for 2013 and no complaints on its understated style whatsoever. The A8 is Audi's flagship, so no amount of speculation will do its future any justice—if Audi is going to change its game, the A8 is where it'll do it first. Expect the unexpected, especially with so much competition moving toward more "extra terrestrial" styles. Audi may stay the course of understated style given its recent flailing forays into front-end redesign, but maybe the company is ready to fire that guy and move on. Only time will tell.
I would like to know about what is needed other than insurance at the time of purchase, I would like to have temporary plates if I purchase this vehicle and transfer my Commissioner Plates over to the Audi from my Rolls Royce within the next thirty days.
I am looking for a luxury sedan, but already have a Lexus in my driveway and want something different. I am currently looking at a 2013 Audi A8 3.0 with around 100,000 miles. Any thoughts on how long the car will last before a major fault?
My 2013 A8L v6 won't turn off. The start/stop engine button is dark (not illuminated) Help
Just bought a 2013 Audi A8L. However, the dealership from which it was shipped, failed to let the car's brains know it was there & installed; therefore, brains did not know to keep battery charged. A day later and car didn't start! It's now back at my dealership waiting on an "advanced battery" to arrive from GERMANY for God's sake to be installed and properly synched with car's brains---or something like that. Also, my user guide is in my vehicle at dealership, and the loaner A8L does not have one in glove compartment. I mean really . . .
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · CD changer: 6 · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: rear
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 15.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08 · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: aluminum · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat: ventilated · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse