CUSTOMERS of East Kent Audi have been to the launch of the new A8 which made its public debut at the recent Paris Motor Show.

The luxury, sporting saloon is Audi’s flagship model and bristles with pioneering technology, including unique air suspension.

Dealership business manager Geoff Halvorsen hosted a group of customers for a preview of the new model in the French capital before it goes on sale in the UK for the first time next May.

The latest A8 is an all-new car which Audi is branding as a revolutionary sporting dimension in the luxury car market.

Its eye-catching lines are shaped in lightweight aluminium and it is powered by either a 3.7 or 4.2 V8 engine to deliver effortless performance.

Behind the wheel, the A8 also offers the very latest technology in driver aids including a MMI multi media interface and advanced keyless access.

It has a new six-speed automatic Tiptronic with steering wheel mounted controls for finger tip, clutchless manual gear changes if wanted. It has the latest version of Audi’s renown Quattro four-wheel-drive system.

A unique standard feature is the air suspension which provides the optimum ride and handling characteristics for all conditions.

It is able to continuously vary damper settings, depending on the road conditions and road-holding demands. The driver can also select from three pre-determined settings.

Prices have yet to be announced but are expected to be in line with the out-going model.