The Audi A8’s Electric Turbos

The next-generation Audi A8 is expected to hit showrooms next year, offering electric turbocharged engines, plug-in and non-plug-in hybrid power and self-driving technology, as well as a new styling direction to complete the luxury car’s package.

Stefan Knirsch, Audi’s new Head of Technical Development, said that the innovative new A8 will feature a 48v electrical system, as well as an electrically-powered compressor to improve low-rev responsiveness and replenish the electrical system – this ‘electric turbo’ technology would work in both hybrid and non-hybrid models, boosting engine performance and efficiency.

Technology including Audi’s electromechanical Active Roll Control is set to feature, plus the brand is looking into the integration of organic LEDs, enabling ‘new forms of expression and differentiation’ according to Ricky Hudi, Audi’s Head of Electronics.

Hudi added, ‘We are already working on a new gesture control system as an advanced development.’ Soon, temperature, telephone and multimedia functions will be operated using gesture control rather than conventional buttons.

Piloted driving is set to be included on the new A8 too, using various sensors, scanners and hi-resolution video cameras to constantly monitor the car’s surroundings. The system will also be able to guide the A8 safely through traffic jams at speeds of up to 37mph.

The Audi Prologue concept was unveiled at the LA Motor Show last year, showcasing the marque’s new design language – and the new A8 will be the first production model to follow this. Bolder styling, exaggerated proportions and a new take on the trademark wide-mouthed grille all feature, as designed by Marc Lichte, Audi’s new Head of Design.