Is this the car that puts Audi over the top?

[Jon S.]

Gonna see first hand just what all of the fuss is about.

I think that we are going to have the opportunity to beat
them up at Las Vegas Speedway.

Should be fun.

:D

[rost12]

Lucky ... ! :D

Please do a review of sorts and take pics!

[Mathew]

have fun

be sure to give out that mmi(?) thing a go around :D

[Jon S.]

Well, I drove the A8L at Las Vegas Speedway today,
and I must say that BMW definitely has a formidible
competitor to take on this time...

The Launch Event has been pretty cool so far.
:thumbup:

Last night we had the Launch Kick-Off
in Grand Las Vegas style; a mock-up of a
prize fight (with real professional boxers)
at The Mandalay Bay.

The Audi challenger first took on the Lexus,
and whooped his a$$. Next was MBZ, who
also went down. The Title Bout was Audi vs.
BMW... I don't have too tell you what happened...
:yikes:

Anyway, it was a cross between a Rock movie
and a Mike Tyson fight. I'll have to add pics
when I get home.

The A8L drives like a Champ, and I like
the styling and interior too; more than I
thought that I would. The only question
that remains is will the American public
be willing to shell out the $$ to own one.
:dunno:


The MMI (Multi Media Interface) is much easier
to navigate through that iDrive, btw...


Anyway, I have to run for now.

Tomorrow we have a 4 hour Road Rally in the A8L,
going to Lake Mead, Red Rocks, and other points
unknown.

BBL,
--Jon

[doeboy]

Hey Jon!

Don't forget pics if you can! :D :p

Have fun!

[bmw325]

From what I've seen, the A8 has an interior that looks like it belongs in a 70-80k car. Mercedes is marginal, and the BMW's interior is sub-par. Exterior-wise I think the Audi certainly wins. If the performance is even somewhat close to the e65 (as you've indicated), it seems like Audi has a clear winner. I'm pretty sure that's what i'd buy if I had 80k to blow on a luxury sedan.

[Jon S.]

Here are a few pics now that I've got a sec to upload them...

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/05.jpg


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/06.jpg


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/07.jpg


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/08.jpg


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/09.jpg


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/10.jpg


I am kind of reluctant to post my review, and analysis here...

Hint: BMW is in for it. So are Mercedes & Lexus too...
:eek:

[SARAFIL]

Originally posted by Jon Shafer

I am kind of reluctant to post my review, and analysis here...

Hint: BMW is in for it. So are Mercedes & Lexus too...
:eek:

Is it that good? :yikes:

I'll have to go schmooze with the Audi GSM and see if I can take one for a while when they have one available.

Looks like BMW is finally in for some real competition from Ingolstadt. And it's about time! The competition can only be good for us. It'll keep BMW on their feet and let them know that they can't afford a mess up by Bangle.

I wonder if a car like this would get my dad to finally set aside his hate of the Audi brand after his nightmares with them in the 80s?

Any interior pics, Jon?

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Originally posted by SARAFIL
Is it that good? :yikes:

I'll have to go schmooze with the Audi GSM and see if I can take one for a while when they have one available.

Looks like BMW is finally in for some real competition from Ingolstadt. And it's about time! The competition can only be good for us. It'll keep BMW on their feet and let them know that they can't afford a mess up by Bangle.

I wonder if a car like this would get my dad to finally set aside his hate of the Audi brand after his nightmares with them in the 80s?

Any interior pics, Jon?

Man... A better car than the 745. :yikes:

I'll have to drive one sometime.

[SARAFIL]

Originally posted by Nick325xiT 5spd
Man... A better car than the 745. :yikes:

I'll have to drive one sometime.

I still get an evil grin whenever I get out of a 745. I can't believe that a car that size can drive that well. If Audi has been able to take that further, they deserve a :clap: and BMW needs a :spank:. Get back to work BMW!!! Bravo, Audi.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Originally posted by SARAFIL
I still get an evil grin whenever I get out of a 745. I can't believe that a car that size can drive that well. If Audi has been able to take that further, they deserve a :clap: and BMW needs a :spank:. Get back to work BMW!!! Bravo, Audi.

After 80 miles behind the wheel of one, I'm convinced.... I think I might even give up three pedals to drive one of those day to day. :eek:

If the A8L is as good as it sounds, i might get my Mom into one, though. I seriously doubt she'll ever get past the user interface of the 745.

(Not that it's in the cards...)

[rost12]

Originally posted by Jon Shafer
I am kind of reluctant to post my review, and analysis here...

Hint: BMW is in for it. So are Mercedes & Lexus too...
:eek:

C'mon, Jon, bring it! :)

[Jon S.]

You know, I wish that I had more time to spend
on taking pictures of this incredible car.

The Audi Academy Team kept us very busy with
driving events and product clinics.

In discussing the, A8L let me start with a Aluminium
Space Frame, which incidentally, has been completely
re-engineered from the first generation A8.
Without getting too technical, suffice it to say that this
is reason numero uno to award the overall advantage
in the battle of the heavyweights to Audi. The frame
is so stiff, and has such high torsional rigidity that
on rough road surfaces it makes the 7 feel sloppy.
The entire frame weighs so little that I could lift it
all by myself (when detached from body panels, etc.).
Sure, the new Jaguar boasts an aluminum chasis, as
have others. The important distinction is that they
are all "monococque" or "unibody", and have no
strength without body panels. The space frame
is way different. You cannot appreciate what I am talking
about until you see it and drive it for yourself.

There in no "adaptive ride package" with the A8L, either.
What this car has instead is a standard adjustable
suspension system (a la allroad), with different height
and dampening settings, that can be adjusted to match
the driving conditions. At high speed, the A8 looks like
it has been "slammed" it rides so low. This not
only helps the handling, but also the aerodynamics.
The car can be lifted if the road surface requires it too -
very handy with potholes or brief ventures off of the pavement.

I'm beat, and I have to get up early again to work tomorrow.

Some other points that I will share later:

• The interior - best in class for sure. The leather is the most supple, the ergonomics outstanding... :thumbup:

• Technology - Onstar, Satellite Radio, MMI (Mutimedia Interface), "Surroundsound"; sayonara and Hasta La Vista to
its' rivals...

• Performance - even without valvetronic the new beefed
up 4.2L V-8 can keep up with all of them. Maybe even run
away from them - sure felt like it to me...
The 6-speed Tiptronic also worked really well.

• There is so much more to take about...


Never before have I driven an Audi that so clearly
outperformed its' BMW counterpart. But then again,
I haven't yet driven an E65 with the new Sport Package...
;)


What do you guys think of the styling??


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/11.jpg


http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/12.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/13.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/14.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/15.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/16.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/17.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/18.jpg

[Jon S.]

A few more pics of the event...

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/19.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/20.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/21.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/22.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/23.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/24.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/25.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/26.jpg

[Jon S.]

The last bunch...

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/27.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/28.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/29.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/30.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/31.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/32.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/33.jpg

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/34.jpg

[SARAFIL]

Originally posted by Jon Shafer
You know, I wish that I had more time to spend
on taking pictures of this incredible car.

[snip]

http://cuttermotors.com/jon_shafer/a8launch/images/18.jpg

When is the official release?

I have a feeling that my neighbor will be trading in one of his A6's (or just buy a fourth Audi :rolleyes:) for a new A8 very soon. He wanted to get an E38 a couple years ago, but he ended up in an '01 A6 because he got a killer lease deal that they were giving away and he gets some kind of tax break through his practice. Ever since the E65 came out, he's been upset at himself for not getting an E38 when he could have. I think he'll be happy.

I REALLY need to see this thing.

[SARAFIL]

Hey Jon-- what's the difference between the models with the multi-spoke (ugly) wheels and the 5-spoke design? Does one have a sport package? Or is it just an upgrade?

[Mathew]

Wow, thanks for the review and ALL the pics Jon :D

I'd like to echo the same sentiment about this being a wake up call for BMW. My dealer is doing a special opening for this, and I will go check it out.

looks like you had a good time :)

[Plaz]

Is that Valley of Fire S.P.?

http://bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=45295

[bmw325]

I love the interior and exterior. This is definitley the best of the big luxo sedans--- w/ the Jaguar XJ being my second favorite. I hope this makes BMW wake up from their Bangle nightmare. Great car! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I still get the sense that most people will not buy an Audi (especially in this segment) no matter how much better it is than its MB and BMW rivals. Atleast half of the appeal in this segment is the badge-- and Audi doesn't have it yet. Its too bad that MB and BMW can make such an inferior product and be rewarded for it. :dunno:

[XZLR8]

Great A8 pics! Thanks for taking the time to post. It was especially nice to see the silver ones - I'm in a silver car rut, it seems. I've yet to see pics of a new A8 with black interior though, which would be my preference.

I'm anxious to drive one as soon as they're at my dealer. However, I really wish the short wheelbase was coming to the states.

Maybe S8....

[bmw325]

Originally posted by XZLR8
Great A8 pics! Thanks for taking the time to post. It was especially nice to see the silver ones - I'm in a silver car rut, it seems. I've yet to see pics of a new A8 with black interior though, which would be my preference.

I'm anxious to drive one as soon as they're at my dealer. However, I really wish the short wheelbase was coming to the states.

Maybe S8....


Would you trade your 745 for an A8?

[XZLR8]

I'd be open to it, if I liked the Audi.

I rarely keep a car more than a year or two... and I always look at a "short list" of the competition before trading. My current 745 (it's the second attempt at a 745) has been wonderful thusfar. There's nothing on the market that comes close to it, as far as I'm concerned. However, once the A8 is on the market, that may be changing. That remains to be seen.

I've been a fan of Audi design for some time, to be fair. I'm a former A6 owner and a current TT owner as well, so there probably is a little bias (not to mention an established relationship with an Audi dealer).