RUMOR: Audi's All-New A8 May Make Up For Its Lackluster Exterior On The INSIDE — All-New Tech To Debut

One of the year's biggest disappointments so far has been the spy shots featuring the next-gen Audi A8. While we obviously haven't seen the real deal just yet, from what we can tell it's not going to be as groundbreaking as it was sold.

This is a big problem if it arrives looking rather lukewarm instead of as sexy as the Prologue concepts. The warmed over BMW 7-Series isn't doing as well as salespeople would have expect, at least that's what our dealer friends are telling us. Audi may be setting itself up for a similar fate.

At least there is a silver lining though. According to reports from across the pond, the all-new A8 is expected to leverage technology first seen in the Q6 e-tron that debuted at the massively huge Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This means that it's possible that the virtual dashboard is on its way.

After driving the all-new A4 and all-new Q7, I have to say I do like what the four rings is doing from a technological perspective. With the little things like the Google map integration, the camera that READS road signs and displays it in the heads-up display, the company is definitely thinking outside the box.

So, we just want to know: IF Audi uses the A8 to debut all-new interior technology and a virtual dashboard with multiple screens, will it be the car's saving grace?

**Read the FULL story by clicking "Read Article" below!

...First seen in the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro concept car, and then shown off at the CES electronics show in January, the new virtual dashboard builds upon the virtual cockpit technology already available in many of Audi’s road cars.

At present the virtual dashboard is only a concept, showing a “starkly reduced dashboard” in which a total of three digital displays are responsible for the display and control of all functions and information...

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PUGPROUD - 8/31/2016 8:39:13 PM

+12 Boost

Maybe I'm old school but this new interior looks numb and coldly efficient to me. Prefer a bit more passion in design personally.

MDarringer - 8/31/2016 9:38:41 PM

+12 Boost

That looks like it was designed during the Soviet-Era, Cold-War days because it's as featureless looking as an old Lada. Getting rid of knobs and switches for a screen, just increases the amount of time that the driver's eyes are not on the road. I actually find garish and ill-conceived.

TheSteve - 8/31/2016 10:00:40 PM

+10 Boost

Yup. For the sake of a cleaner looking (and less expensive to produce) dashboard, we'll make your car less practical for real-time interaction, introduce more complexity and more distractions.

GermanNut - 9/1/2016 10:31:28 AM

-7 Boost

MDarringer obviously failed to read the article. The article says the following:

"The first screen, positioned in the driver’s direct field of vision and serving as the instrument panel, is a very thin, curved OLED (organic light emitting diode) screen that’s 14.1in diagonally across and has a 2240x720 pixel resolution. The slightly curved surface ensures that the driver can always read the displays without glare."

"The screens operations use haptic feedback, where the user hears a noise and feels a vibration whenever they press a button. Audi electronics expert Andreas Lamprecht said this provides two key benefits over traditional touchscreens: “First, the user avoids inadvertent operation such as that which might occur as they are travelling down a bumpy road and trying to use a function.

“Second, you can feel in your fingertip if the button has worked, so there’s no need to repeatedly prod the screen, so it is less distracting.”

Unlike current Audi models, there is no rotary control knob to operate the screens’ functions. “The reason is that everyone has smart phones and is familiar with touchscreens, and we want to react to that,” said Lamprecht."

GermanNut - 8/31/2016 8:47:47 PM

-7 Boost

Considering the spy shots do not reveal the actual next generation A8, I would focus on things that we do know. It is known the Audi A8 will have fully-autonomous driving up to 39 mph and be able to park itself with the driver standing outside of the vehicle with a smartphone app.

If this fully-virtual interior technology does in fact debut on the next A8, it will enhance Audi's reputation as a technology leader.

I wouldn't get all worked up about a few exterior spy shots either. All the spy photos show a vehicle with camo and heavy padding.

MDarringer - 8/31/2016 9:40:49 PM

+3 Boost

I don't know where you buy your heroin, but given how close the A8 is to being announced, Audi would no longer be running mules without the correct sheet metal. The next A8 will be DULL and now apparently the interior is equally laughable.

The S Class is the one to beat and Audi is going in entirely the wrong direction.

TheSteve - 8/31/2016 10:32:05 PM

+7 Boost

I would gladly turn down the "technology leader" aspect of a car in favor of a better car!

The abundance of technology, or "tech for tech's sake," does not make a better car. The appropriate application of design, form, and function, regardless of tech, does.

cidflekken - 8/31/2016 11:22:08 PM

+4 Boost

You keep mentioning this "able to park itself...with a smartphone app". Don't the new E-Class and 7 Series do that today?

GermanNut - 9/1/2016 10:32:34 AM

-7 Boost

Keep thinking you know what the car will look like when all you've seen is the heavily padded and camoed test mules.

carloslassiter - 8/31/2016 10:18:26 PM

+3 Boost

I can't tell what is going on with the console. What is in that weird void?

MicrosoftUser - 8/31/2016 11:34:54 PM

+4 Boost

This interior looks very cold and bland making it unwelcoming to the driver.

MicrosoftUser - 8/31/2016 11:36:08 PM

+4 Boost

This interior looks very cold and bland making it unwelcoming to the driver.

runninglogan1 - 8/31/2016 11:55:15 PM

-3 Boost

This car is going to be awesome.

The new A8 is going to kick the S Class' ass in all comparison tests. You can take that to the bank.

TomM - 9/1/2016 2:14:15 AM

+4 Boost

Sorry - but the only comparison test that counts is SALES - and the S class will Bury it - and Mercedes will happily take that to the bank - Unless the A* comes up with some really really new and different exterior styling - something that they apparently do not have.

WHen GM basically invented the yearly styling update - it was to get people to buy more cars - because their car was identified as being older by the styling. Auto manufacturers can no longer afford major styling changes every year - and apparently AUDI cannot afford it at all - their styling is the most stagnant of any cars on the road. Now add a minimalist style interior and you get a car that will not sell in the USA. Just as the warmed over styling of the BMW 7 series has failed - so will Audi again.

IamEvilHomer - 9/1/2016 1:57:05 PM

+1 Boost

Are you saying Mercedes S-Class outsells the A8 internationally? I was not aware of that

carloslassiter - 9/1/2016 9:48:29 AM

+2 Boost

I call BS on the golf cart comment. In a recent R&T comparo, the Audi destroyed the EZGO in all areas except ease of entry, drink holders and folding windshield.

GermanNut - 9/1/2016 10:30:22 AM

-5 Boost

You people are underestimating the effect autonomous driving capability will have on buyers and even on those who can afford the S-Class/7-Series/A8.

The new A8 will not be technology for technology's sake. The interior will not be cold just to promote Audi's minimal design theme. In fact, many of you obviously failed to read the article because if you did you would realize that these technological innovations are designed to provide a safer and easier driving experience.

IamEvilHomer - 9/1/2016 1:57:36 PM

+2 Boost

You guys do know this is not the interior of the A8?

IamEvilHomer - 9/1/2016 1:58:38 PM

+2 Boost

You guys do know this is not the interior of the A8?