Upcoming Audi A8 to spot road irregularities and self-adjust the suspension

Ahead of its official world debut at the Audi Summit in Barcelona on 11 July, Audi disclosed that the new A8 will be equipped with an active suspension that will automatically adjust before going over a pothole. Audi added that the cameras will monitor the road ahead and send information to the air-suspension to adjust itself for a smooth ride.

Expected to considerably enhance the A8’s stability, Audi states that the system uses electric motors positioned on each wheel which will collectively be powered by a 48V electrical system. Additionally, a four-wheel steering system promises to make the new A8 more agile, thanks to a turning circle smaller than that of the A4!

The best part though, is that Audi’s new A8 will also be fitted with a number of sensors around the car, which will be capable of detecting an oncoming collision. When a crash is expected to occur, the suspension’s actuators will raise the A8’s body on the exposed side by up to 80mm within half a second. This helps direct the impact force to the car’s stronger parts like the floor structure, and in the process, reduce load impact on the passengers by 50 per cent.