'Self-Drive' A8 snapped

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: SB-Medien

10th September 2009

Our photographers have spied a camouflaged update to Audi's executive saloon, the A8... but did it spot them before they spotted it? This latest prototype is equipped with a 'self-drive' system that utilises two cameras mounted in the fog-light housings and one on the rear view mirror designed to scan the road ahead for potential hazards.

Although details are scarce our photographers believe that the cameras will feed images to an internal computer which will then work out the direction and proximity of objects on the road and then steer the car around them. Unlike a system showcased by Honda on its Legend and Accord, the Audi's system is thought to play a far greater role in the driving experience as opposed to just helping tired drivers stay in the right lane.

Meanwhile, despite the heavy BMW-style camouflage a couple of exterior tweaks to enlarge the front grille and replace the traditional rear lights with LED's can be seen. Under the skin, the new A8 will keep the aluminium monocoque construction that made previous iterations so nimble.

Powertrains are expected to come in petrol, diesel and hybrid variants with the latter of the three utilising Audi's 3.0-litre V6 and a 38kW battery in the spare tyre well. New more fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines will take advantage of energy recuperation and start/stop technology to boost economy figures.

The refreshed A8 will hit showroom floors sometime during 2010 but the 'self-drive' technology isn't likely to make it onto Audi models until 2012.

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