What? 1,826 kg (4,026 lb) is relatively light? While the new A8 has gained a few pounds the 7-Series it competes with is still 159 kg (350 lbs) heavier, base model to base model. To achieve this advantage the new model continues along the course of its D2 predecessor incorporating all-aluminum space frame architecture. The new design has allowed for a more efficient production process eliminating chassis and body parts by a significant 25%. For example, eight castings were previously needed for each B-pillar. Now a single casting does the job. Such new efficiencies have reduced the necessity of hand assembly down to less than 15% of the manufacturing process. The result is a body with the rigidity of a Catholic school headmaster, or to be more precise, a 60% improvement in torsional strength.
Its taut structure, light weight and all-wheel drive traction translates into superb handling dynamics. Like the previous generation A8, the new car reportedly feels much smaller than the exterior dimension specifications insinuate. The new air suspension system uses an 800-megahertz processor to adapt to constantly changing road surfaces and external conditions. With three separate presets the driver is capable of determining a luxuriously comfortable, firm but compliant or stiffly sprung ride quality. That said it can be left to sort out the best setting automatically, probably the smartest choice.
Like the 3.7-L V8, Canadians will most likely only see the long-wheelbase A8, with the high-performance S8 receiving the shorter wheelbase version when it arrives two years after the A8's spring 2003 launch. Expect more power than the current 360-hp S8, probably slightly beyond the new RS6's 450-hp.