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Audi A8
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Comments
I'm going to fly down to New Orleans this weekend just for fun. I haven't been there since the hurricane and figure it's time to see one of my favorite cities again.
CULater...
This car has served my wife and I well, so much in fact that I talked her out of ordering a '07 S63 in favor of a S8, and saved $50k in the process. We'll have a early December delivery.
The W-12 is purring along without even a hiccup. How's everything emaus, Tony. BTW, thanks Tony for your 2 cents over on the HELM'S board. Losers, can you believe that non-sense?
..and the name is Eric...
(e)
You've probably noticed that there are few Audi enthusiasts participating. I'm glad you are joining in. You are most welcome there.
My only complaint with the manufacturers are that you go in expecting to spend say seventy thousand and end up over eighty if you get the things you want....They are all pretty bad on that front, except Bentley
I have 3 friends who recently got into my newly acquired 2005 W12 and they were blown away. Half the fun of owning this car is seeing the reaction to it from others who have never been in one. I was one myself. Until about 6 weeks ago, I had not seen or checked out Audi in at least 20 years. I had a really bad experience in '84 and I wrote the brand off . . . but how things have changed.
The moment friend #1 saw it, he offered to buy my car for what I paid for it. After he drove my Audi, he admitted he was in the market for a Maserati but the Audi test drive changed his mind.
Friend #2 is in the market for 7 series BMW but test driving my Audi has given him pause as well.
Then friend #3 who is very impressed but he's like so many So Californians . . . if it's not MB or BMW, it's nothing.
I quite enjoy the exclusivity (even if it is through other's ignorance!)
I purchased my first Audi, a 1999 A8, because at that time it was the only luxury car with standard four wheel drive, an all aluminum frame and body, Tiptronic, and a square jawed handsome body that seemed not to age. And I liked the reverse snobbism that comes with knowing I will not see many of them. I never regretted my decision. What a wonderful driver. It was a kick just driving down the boulevard to my office.
I am now the proud owner of a new A8 and fully expect to enjoy it just as much. As reliable as Lexus? No. But that's why God invented warranties. Driving the Lexus is like driving a Barcalounger, but don't get me started on Lexus.
The Lexus so isolates the driver from all external inputs that there is no soul to it. Wonderful appliance, does its job as well as any car out there, but with no spirit. Give me options.
I've had them, and altho wholly terrific to own due to it's known reliablity, it's absolutely lifeless. I found that in my last Lexus ('98 LS400), the car's immpecable finish and craftsmanship at the time was second to none. But way too isolated, and the current gen no better in offering more of an engaging drive. Too diluted shall we say.
On the other hand, my W-12 splits the difference, regardless as to what some may have a person believe. It floats down the road like a true luxo-barge. But when things gets twisty, the German-engineering shows up big time. The car is so planted and rides so good, despite the 20" wheels and ultra low 35 series tires. The build quality and interior finish is unparalled. And mine too has been absolutely trouble-free(DRL's notwithstanding). And I can't wait for the wife's S8 to come later this year.
Next time I am in my garage, I will kick the tire of my lowly A8.
Good for you. Good for your wife.
Good Luck
A couple weeks ago I went to Verizon store with the Audi compatibility list (http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/bluetooth.pdf)in hand and showed it to the rep. I told him my RAZR phone, which was only 8 weeks old at the time, needed the firmware checked to see if it had version G_0E.40.57R installed as per the compatibility list. He checked and sure enough it didn't. He called somebody in Verizon technical services who told him the new software would be ready in about 4 or 5 weeks. So Verizon rep gave me his cell number and asked me to call him in about 4 weeks so he could check on the software's release. Everything sounds good to this point until I called him yesterday and the cell number I got was wrong so I'll have to go back into store when the time comes.
By the way, my Verizon RAZR is the V3c model as opposed to the V3 model shown on the Audi A8 compatibility list. I don't know if that makes any difference or not. I did speak with an Audi A8 Advocate at AudiUSA a month ago and was told Audi has not checked out every phone out there and likely never would because there are just too many new models coming on market all the time. She told me to ask a rep in the wireless store to please accompany me to the car to see if any of their bluetooth models worked. I decided to post my question on this forum consequently because I was hoping some owner out there might have the answer through experience. Thanks for your response.
I will watch for any responses or updates on this subject. I would like to be able to end my calls at the MMI rather than fishing in my pocket for the phone as I drive.
Thanks
SWB has better handling than the larger ones, crisper turn-in, overall sharper handling. In city traffic, the shorter size makes a noticeable difference. Unless you carry passengers often, why put another 5" in the rear passenger area and an additional 200+ lbs. of weight on the car. The back seating area does not need it and handling suffers.
As far as the design goes, I predict the car will look less outdated in a few years than the large BMW and MBZ. But, in my opinion, the new Mercedes is already hideously ugly.
Demerits are logical. Because of the increased length, parking an L model is more of a "chore", and this is why Audi gave us parking sensors f/r. The body isn't as tightly wound at glance as the shorter models. And the rear doors are heavier. But thanks to Audi, I have power soft door closers.
It's interesting to me that when Audi introduced the new LWB in the US, it was the only one available. The SWB came much later. So, the LWB came to be thought of as the "NORMAL" size. With the prior model, as well as most other makes, The L version is usually released later or at the same time. By releasing the SWB later, it came to be known as the "SHORT" version, rather than "STANDARD."
It's all in the perception.
As far as gas prices go, I thought our LA prices would be the highest, but I guess not. I paid about the same price you mentioned, today. In the traffic I drive in, mileage numbers of around 12-15 MPG are typical. But, you don't pay the price of an A8 and worry about mileage.
All things considered, it sounds as if you like your car. Glad to hear it.
I have found that the gas up in the mountains is higher than any other place other than Miami---which beat everything usually.....I drove back to Charleston and the gauge says I got exactly 27 mpg at eighty and with the ac on...Tomorrow I`m going to fill it up and see how many gallons---my first real test---...Even in traffic I get around seventeen, again according to the gauge, so you must have really alot of quick start and go situations...and I really like the car, and the seats are really comfortable Tony
Well, as we know now, VW has quietly taken the car off the market. However, look for VW to offer some of the same features on an existing line, such as the Passat. Future Passats will be larger and more luxurious.
I know this is not the forum for VW discussions, but I was careful to mention the Audi A8 above. So I guess it is okay.
Big picture....the car's great, 4 of my friends purchased TT's, A6's and A8's after being in mine.....but a transmission should last more than 75K, Mr. Audi. Ironically, my wife's Vanden Plas has been more reliable. Transmissions like Audi's and MB's must be why Toyota is poised for global domination......I'll be shopping the Lexus store with a longer attention span next time.
BTW, you can still get a new Phaeton even after they're all gone....according to Car and Driver, it's called a Bentley...but it's a few bucks more.
What's more compelling is that this is a 6.0L, 450hp engine compared to the more compact 4.2L 335hp V-8. But I'm grateful for the economy that it get's because @ 14/19, the wifes former CLS55 was more like SUV numbers.
The W-12 is still purring along, without a hitch(knock on wood). We got confirmation from AudiUSA that the manufacturer has received our specs for the new S8 for a Oct/Nov delivery.
As for the Phaeton, this car could've really been something only if VW would've first marketed it right, and second gave it more expressive and distinctive styling as only Lexus gets away with the whole conservative thing. The interior package was Audi-grade nice, and the powertrains were exact clones(with 30 less hp in the W-12). So the packaging was spot-on, and I think people were eager to look. But VW stepped to far out of it's sensible-shoes mould and into a whole new paradigm that America and the rest of the world wasn't ready for. And yes, those emblems were way to big. They're more at home on a Toureg than a Phaeton. A small VW emblem on the grille up front would've sufficed. So all is not loss with VW's attack on the up market. The Passat will move upmarket(E/5-Series competitor) and the next addition of the upper luxury V-Dub will ride on the next gen A8, possibly in '08/'09.
Now, when I drive Mulholland Drive to and from my home, it's another matter. Both the MPH and the MPG go up, along with my adrenaline levels. Anyone familiar with LA has heard of Mullholland and its twisty corners.
But, who cares about mileage on these cars anyway, except as a conversation starter. As my single malt drinking friends like to say, "I spill more than that."
And yes I've heard of the twisty Mulholland Drive. I've driven it a many times trying to snoop on celebrities in your neck of the woods(Hey does Demi Moore among other celebs still live up there?). I'm on the west coast ofetn here lately trying to get my Newport Beach(Balboa Estates) home sold and checking on my other business ventures.
BTW, LA's stop and go is in pale comparison to the torture we New Yorkers endure. I like to look at the guages, but I think the human brain is a lot better at calculating actual mileage.
Obvisiouly, from posting here, I am an avid Audi enthusiast and owner. Currently, in my garage is a supremely beautiful 05' A8L W12, an '05 A6 4.2 S-Line, and a great looker - an '06 A6 3.2 Avant Premium. They have all been solid like tanks with exemplary reliability and dealer service. I have owned a BMW 745iL (though I have always had and Audi in the garage) and it just cannot match my Audis in detail, ride, feel, desire, and quality. And we know it is good vehicle. I could never get over the poor quality of the interior of the 7-Series considering the price.
That said, perception always lags behind reality. My W-12 is always a topic of conversation at car washes or my detail place. Audi is the 'quiet' tier 1 premium brand and let's its vehicles do the talking. Audi will always be for those that appreciate luxury with substance, though with Audi sales growing so fast globally, it may be more common one day than we think (just look at Europe). Of course, not in the US, where Americans are hooked on BMW and MB (Lexus -why?) like a bad drug addition.
The average luxury buyer here in the States are oblivious to the A8, may it be personal reasons or the fact that they can't dare be caught driving the 4 Rings in their neighborhood. I was once an Audi nut in the 80's with addition of the innovative quattro systems. But my last Audi was plagued with porblems(what car in '87 wasn't?), and thus I left the brand for a long while. With owning Lexus, Infiniti, MB, BMW, even Cadillac in the '90's, I grew tired of the same old song, and vested back with Audi in '02 when I was hit with the chance to buy the new Bangle-Butt 745iL or the then new S8. I picked the S8 for it's rarity over the still-techno loaded Bimmer. Wise decision. The S8 was great and would've kept it had it not been for a very persistant buyer trying everything on Earth to get me to sell it. Eventually I did. So now after my last two cars(a S65 AMG and 760iL), I'm back. And with the product that Audi is rolling out over the course of the end of the decade, it'll probably remain this way. Not only are the cars awesome, but both the dealer and AudiUSA's customer service has been without peer. They do things I don't even ask for. Try that at M-B.
The A8 doesn't garner the sale the other German brands do. They don't have the bling bling quotent that the others exhibit. But they are some of the best kept secrets in the biz. And for that reason, they will continue to get my buck.
Congrats on the S8! What a remarkable car. I had a chance to see it, sit in it, and listen to the remarkable B&O sound system (it will literally blow you away!) at a private showing by Audi prior to the LA Auto Show this past January. Yet, standing outside of the S8, you cannot hear the music if all the windows are closed. Talk about tight! For my next car, my sight is set strictly on the upcoming Audi super sports car the R8. It will be expensive (above the W-12), but will definitely be rare on the road - not to mention the perfomance coming from it.
The A8 (as Automobile magazine stated once) is the most underrated luxury car in America. What a shame. It has such presence on the road. A lot of people are missing out big time! Good for us I would say. At least Prince Charles and the King of Spain own an A8 to name a few.
I'm in huge anticipation for the S8, our eventual replacement for the CLS. MB called to ask if were still satisfied with the CLS. We replied that the car was an awesome piece of machinery that we agreed to sell at a good price while we still could do so. This did not sit well with the poor guy. He did everything in his power to get us to sign-off on a new CLS63 after he heard that we'll be giving Audi another $100k.
I think that the S8 will be a much better all-around car than the CLS, particularly cabin room and all-out luxury. True, it may not be as fast as the CLS, but it will be the better car.
Eric, how's the ride????????????
I was in my friend's CLS55 this weekend, and my first impression was re-confirmed. It's much too cramped for me. While I have been used to smaller cars, this one just seemed to me a large car with a very small and cramped cabin....similar in many ways to my impression of the 845 BMW.
Anyway, in my opinion, Audi, while not KING, certainly has all the qualifications to be so.
I wash my car myself and that is the best way to observe the finish, and fit...The paint is superior to any Lexus I have had, and also the Mercedes of my wife, and even her bmw which is here current car..I think the paint is thicker, or at least it appers so...On a side note I purchased a dozen eggs for fifty eight cents...Think how much trouble went into getting them to the store etc. versus a gallon of gas for three dollars plus...Tony