All of these changes likely represent the final stage of development before an all-new Audi A8 appears, possibly as early as 2009 (if the rumours are to be believed). The prospective new model will likely share more familial design cues drawn from the new A5 coupe and A4 sedan, the latter recently unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Improvements Under the Skin
Further refinements to the A8 line have resulted from time spent in the wind tunnel and on the test track. The aerodynamic work brought about improvements in wind noise levels in all models, while the S8 benefits from revised suspension settings. All models are available with the manufacturer's side assist (to help spot cars in blind spots) and lane assist systems (the steering wheel vibrates if the car veers out of its lane).
So, on the surface of it, not much appears to be new here, but as Karsten Ruwoldt, Manager of Product Planning for Audi Canada, puts it: "There's been a lot of fine-tuning work done. People don't see it, but it's there."
Out on the road, the powerful S8 proved to be even more fun to drive than last year's version. With its prodigious V10 (450 hp; 395 lb-ft of torque), the Audi is capable of rocketing to 100 km/h in roughly 4.8 seconds, a fairly stunning figure for a large sedan.
The secret to the car's success is the fact that the mighty engine is slotted into an all-aluminum chassis that weighs less than that of the average midsize sedan. Power is distributed through a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission with paddle shifters. (Fun.)
In the handling department, the S8 again features adaptive air suspension that has been tuned specifically to meet the car's sportier objectives. For this year's model, the suspension has been further tuned to deliver a more responsive ride.
This work has been worth the effort; the S8 literally flies over imperfections in the road with no shudder or hesitation. In fact, this super-sedan offers one of the finest balances between roadholding and shock absorption found on the road today.
The ride and handling are so good, however, this served to highlight the fact that the steering - more direct in the S8 than in the other versions - still lacks the solid feel of other sports sedans out there.
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| The L designates the elongated version. |
Improvements Under the Skin
Further refinements to the A8 line have resulted from time spent in the wind tunnel and on the test track. The aerodynamic work brought about improvements in wind noise levels in all models, while the S8 benefits from revised suspension settings. All models are available with the manufacturer's side assist (to help spot cars in blind spots) and lane assist systems (the steering wheel vibrates if the car veers out of its lane).
So, on the surface of it, not much appears to be new here, but as Karsten Ruwoldt, Manager of Product Planning for Audi Canada, puts it: "There's been a lot of fine-tuning work done. People don't see it, but it's there."
Out on the road, the powerful S8 proved to be even more fun to drive than last year's version. With its prodigious V10 (450 hp; 395 lb-ft of torque), the Audi is capable of rocketing to 100 km/h in roughly 4.8 seconds, a fairly stunning figure for a large sedan.
The secret to the car's success is the fact that the mighty engine is slotted into an all-aluminum chassis that weighs less than that of the average midsize sedan. Power is distributed through a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission with paddle shifters. (Fun.)
In the handling department, the S8 again features adaptive air suspension that has been tuned specifically to meet the car's sportier objectives. For this year's model, the suspension has been further tuned to deliver a more responsive ride.
This work has been worth the effort; the S8 literally flies over imperfections in the road with no shudder or hesitation. In fact, this super-sedan offers one of the finest balances between roadholding and shock absorption found on the road today.
The ride and handling are so good, however, this served to highlight the fact that the steering - more direct in the S8 than in the other versions - still lacks the solid feel of other sports sedans out there.
 |
| The engine is fitted into an aluminum chassis. |