2013 Minneapolis Auto Show, March 9th – 17th

It is that time of year again for those of you in or around the Minneapolis area.  The 40th annual Minneapolis Auto Show runs March 9th through the 17th.

We’ll likely be doing a photo recap of the show as we’ve done in prior years.

A coupon for $2 off your admission is available to download / print at http://twincitiesautoshow.com/coupon

The New Audi S8 for Model Year 2013

2013 Audi S8 Image Gallery

• The most powerful sedan in Audi of America’s history features an all-new 4.0 liter twin-turbo engine generating 520 hp

• Innovative efficiency technologies though active Audi cylinder on demand ™
• Audi S8 signifies the next chapter of our engine downsizing strategy yielding more power and efficiency

The new Audi S8 elevates the level of refined performance in the flagship Audi A8 lineup, while advancing the Audi S8 lineage into its third generation. Building on the already agile A8, which utilizes Audi ASF® aluminum space frame technology to achieve a lightweight vehicle chassis, the S8 delivers more performance through its new 4.0 liter twin-turbo engine, responsive sport air suspension, high performance brake system and performance-inspired design elements.

Performance

The all-new 4.0 TFSI® brings the engine downsizing strategy already seen in other Audi vehicle segments to the high-performance class. Twin turbo-charging gives the V8 outstanding power at 520 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque to propel the S8 from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph. The innovative cylinder head design packages the turbochargers and intercooler between the V-bank to provide shorter exhaust paths to the twin scroll turbochargers for impressive engine response. Compared to the previous S8 V10 engine, the new S8 delivers 16 percent more power — yet consumes 27 percent less fuel. Mated to the eight-speed automatic Tiptronic® transmission that delivers responsive shifts and two overdrive top gears, the S8 powertrain provides effortless acceleration and efficiency.

New fuel efficiency measures include Audi cylinder on demand technology that deactivates four of the eight cylinders at lower loads, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent at moderate highway speeds. When the V8 engine switches to V4 mode, the active noise cancellation system negates undesirable changes in engine/exhaust sound. Active engine mounts further dampen vibrations at lower frequencies to make the Audi cylinder on demand technology transition imperceptible to the vehicle’s occupants. Combined with drive by wire throttle and modern engine design, these collective technical innovations demonstrate the Audi philosophy of delivering impressive performance and improved efficiency.

In order to complement the power of the S8, the chassis comes standard with a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension adjustable to three levels. These work in conjunction with dynamic steering to deliver enhanced handling and steering response with the refined ride comfort drivers expect in a premium sedan.

The Audi drive select system actively adjusts steering, suspension, engine and transmission performance as well as the sport differential. The driver can select among Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes.

The S8 is fitted with high performance ventilated disc brakes, with matte black painted calipers that carry the S8 logo. The front six piston calipers are matched to perforated 15.7-inch diameter rotors. At the rear, generous 14-inch rotors are joined to single piston calipers.

Exterior
Exterior model differentiation for the new S8 includes purposeful S model design elements, including a new twin-blade horizontal slats design of the Singleframe® grille, lower bumper side air intakes and rear diffuser. The S8 also includes aluminum optic mirrors, larger rocker sill moldings and the trademark S model four outlet, and dual rear exhaust that emits a sound commensurate to its 520 horsepower engine. Daytona Gray and Prism Silver are exclusive exterior colors, enhanced by standard S8 specific 21-inch wheels befitting a prestigious performance sedan.

Interior

The interior comes standard with carbon atlas trim on the upper inlays and shift lever as well as a sporty three-spoke sport steering wheel. White-on-gray instrument cluster displays, S8 logo on gauges, door sills and analog clock complement the interior trim, while the S8 welcome message in the instrument cluster and Audi MMI® screen greets enthusiast drivers. Front seating adjusts 22 ways with standard heating, ventilation and massage functions. Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive diamond cross-stitch pattern provide racing-inspired craftsmanship. The S8 shares several other A8 interior colors in addition to an exclusive Lunar Silver that includes Gray contrast stitching and piping. Customers can choose decorative inlays available in a choice of four materials that include carbon atlas, matte brushed aluminum, fine grain Ash natural brown wood or layered Oak wood.

Driver Assistance

New to the S8 is the available top view camera system. Cameras are located on the front and rear of the vehicle to give the driver the confidence to park in any environment.

Audi offers several advanced technology features for S8, including Audi adaptive cruise control with “stop & go” and “brake guard” capability, which can detect stationary vehicles and apply full braking below 19 mph. Driving in the S8 also is enhanced by Audi lane assist, which warns the driver if the vehicle begins to drift outside of the lane markings without activating the turn signal. Other technology features available on the 2013 S8 are the Audi side assist, night vision assistant, and Audi pre sense plus technologies. The Audi S8 incorporates driver assistance technologies to make the driving experience easier and more enjoyable.

Audi connect
Audi connect™ enables first-to-market Google Earth™ integration, which redefines the navigation experience. The realistic, panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite and aerial imagery provide drivers with a better navigation experience. Audi connect with Google Earth also improves visual orientation with a “camera zoom” feature that allows closer views of surroundings or destinations. Added to the high resolution of Google Earth imagery is an overlay of street mapping data provided through Audi MMI Navigation plus and real-time traffic information available via SiriusXM Traffic subscription (four-year subscription now is standard). Audi connect also provides an industry-first factory vehicle integration of Wi-Fi service. This unprecedented mobile hot spot capability for passengers allows connections for up to eight Wi-Fi devices and permits passengers to connect to the Internet to read email, surf the Web, stream music, play games, etc. The Google Voice™ Local Search also is a first as part of Audi connect to enable more intuitive requests for points of interest as well as to provide access to up-to- date information. Other features include real-time information, such as weather, fuel prices and streaming news feeds.