NEW 2018 Audi A8 l 4.0t Sport HD

NEW 2018 Audi A8 l 4.0t Sport Platform: When Wolfgang Dürheimer was chief of R&D at Audi, there was talk about using the Porsche Panamera’s MSB rear-wheel-drive platform, but the A8 D5 will be built on an enlarged, four-wheel-drive, and primarily aluminum version of the modular-longitudinal MLB Evo architecture. Expect the new A8 to contain a plethora of minor electrical miracles, including novel safety features and self-driving capability. Powertrain: In the rest of the world, the A8 will come powered by everything from a turbo four to an electric motor. Here in the States, we’ll get a lineup similar to today’s: a twin-turbo V-6, two versions of a turbocharged V-8, and a twin-turbocharged W-12. A diesel option might be available, emphasis on “might.” And a fully electric A8 is a possibility in the coming years since the A8 shares its architecture with the all-electric next-gen VW Phaeton. Competition: BMW 7-series, Cadillac CT8, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-class, Tesla Model S, VW Phaeton. What Might Go Wrong: Once the sportiest entry in the luxury segment, the A8 is losing its edge. The new model needs to push Audi design and big-car dynamics forward. Estimated Arrival and Price: Global launch in early 2017, with a U.S.-market intro later that year as a 2018 model. It will remain in the $80,000-to-$130,000 range.caranddriver