Apologies if this has been covered before, but does anyone know: (1) when the new model will be available in the US; (2) the basic specs for the new model; (3) whether there will be a sport model right away; and (4) whether the new "i-drive-like" gizmo will be in the new A8?

Thanks.

Mark O

1. My guess is the fall of 2003 as a 04 model.
2. My guess is A8 350Hp and S8 400/450Hp
3. Spring of 2004 or summer.
4. Unfortunately, yes.

All are guesses as Audi does not even let the dealers know the delivery date until the cars are on the dock. Slight exaggeration.

Actually the redesigned A8 and A8L are supposed to be introduced in mid July 2003 as a 2004. The redesigned A6 sedan and avant are supposed to be introduced one year after the redesigned A8 and A8L. The S variants of each will be introduced one year later and the RS variants of each one year after that. There will not be S and RS variants of the redesigned A8L. The all new four cam 32V 4.5L V8 will produce 350 hp, 360 ft/lbs of torque on the A6, A8 and A8L. This will be the standard engine for the A8 and A8L and the optional engine for the A6 in North America. The all new twin cam 24V 3.5L V6 will produce 260 hp, 265 ft/lbs of torque. This will be the standard engine for the A6 in North America. The S8 and RS8 will have an all new four cam 48V V12 engine. The V12 on the S8 will be 6L and produce 480 hp, 500 ft/lbs of torque. The V12 on the RS8 will be 6.5L and produce 520 hp, 540 ft/lbs of torque. The S6 and RS6 will have an all new four cam 40V V10 engine. The V10 on the S6 will be 5L and produce 420 hp, 435 ft/lbs of torque. The V10 on the RS6 will be 5.5L and produce 460 hp, 475 ft/lbs of torque. These are all just guesses too but they make sense to me. These guesses would probably make sense to other people on this board as well.

All of the new petrol powertrains will have a direct injection system called FSI. I don't know what FSI stands for. FSI is smaller and lighter than the fuel injection system currently used on Audi powertrains. Apparently I was right about FSI not only prohibiting the use of a 5V per cylinder head but also eliminating the need for it. Instead it uses a 4V per cylinder head. FSI increases output (both hp and torque) and fuel economy while making ULEV status much easier to achieve with all petrol powertrains (including the V10 and V12). With FSI for the petrol powertrains, turbochargers (single and twin) will be reserved for the diesel powertrains (which will NOT have FSI). FSI instead is normally aspirated only and relies on a whole bunch of state of the art technology and larger displacement for higher output (again both hp and torque). FSI incorporates a variable intake and exhaust valve timing system and an electronic valve and ignition system similar in concept to BMW's Valvetronic.

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have always had fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber.

And I don't know what FSI stands for either.<ul><li><a href="http://www.howstuffworks.com/diesel1.htm">The Diesel Cycle</a></li></ul>

But FSI (which is direct injection) is designed to run and operate like TDI even though it is normally aspirated only and petrol.

I checked with the local dealer and was told that the new A8, the 2004 model, will be available in June, 2003. Also, the dealer said they are not going to make any more A8s of the current style, only the L version and 300 2003 S8s for the US.

(according to your local dealer that is) then I would think the new (2005) A6 sedan and avant will be available in June, 2004 but I don't know for sure. I would also think the new (2004) A8L will be available in June or September, 2004 but again I don't know for sure. Of course the S variants of the new A6 sedan and avant and A8 will be available one year later and the RS variants will be available one year after the S variants.

FSI= Fuel Stratified Injection