2005 Audi A8 Preview

While competitors have encroached on Audi's claim as the only manufacturer to offer all-wheel drive and aluminum

The new upgrades to the A8 should give it the boost it needs to continue competing against Mercedes and BMW. (Photo: Audi Canada)

construction, the A8 remains a success story for Audi. The minor specification improvements and new exterior upgrades should give the flagship model the boost it needs to continue against the likes or the evergreen Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which receives a total overhaul as of the 2006 model year, and the revised 2006 BMW 7-Series.

Ironically, while BMW seems to be making amends with many disgruntled brand loyalists still reeling from the new design language initiated when the current 7-Series hit the market in model year 2002, by softening the car's lines dropping some of the less conservative styling details, Audi is upsetting its smaller but still passionate fan-base with its controversial

Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect increases (if any) to be minimal. (Photo: Audi Canada)

new design language. Whether it will be seen as a bold move forward that jumpstarts the VW-owned luxury division into a runaway success, or the beginning of the brand's dark ages will remain to be seen.

Production of the updated A8 will begin towards the end of March, while the B&O Advanced Sound System will be available in late autumn. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect increases (if any) to be minimal.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Price Range (estimated MSRP): $94,000 - $120,000
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 335-hp, 317 lb-ft torque, 4.2L, 40-valve, DOHC V8
• Transmission: 6-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EDS
• Curb Weight: 1,995 kg (4,398 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 500 L (17.7 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 16.0 / 10.1 L/100km
• Fuel Type: premium unleaded
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
• Competitive Vehicles: BMW 750iL, Infiniti Q45, Jaguar XJR, Lexus LS 430, Mercedes-Benz S500
• Web Site: www.audicanada.ca