I could abandon my “man cave” and the NAD audio equipment therein for the A8’s colossal sound stage. I don’t think I’ve ever heard superior audio quality in a vehicle. But there was an additional sound system, hushed as it was, that I admired.
V8 emits genteel notes
This is an exceptionally quiet car yet there is just enough V8-authored soundtrack to remove any doubt of a lesser beast beneath the hood. The engine of which I speak is Audi’s remarkably refined 4.2-litre FSI DOHC V8, which has been bumped to 372 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm. Torque is rated at 328 pound-feet @ 3,500 rpm.
Magnifying the engine’s output is Audi’s highly proficient 8-speed Tiptronic autobox. Shift paddles are included as standard equipment, and they effectively add a dose of sportiness to the immense pleasure derived behind the A8’s 4-spoke leather-wrapped wheel—and the immensity is multi-faceted.
Many ways to marvel
After taking-in the A8’s impeccable cabin, the “marvel factor” transits to the vehicle’s sublime operational refinement and polished performance. It’s difficult to convert the silky smoothness of the powerful V8 into words on a screen.
This engine manages to blend adroitness and a desire to rev with an uncanny degree of decorum and precision. And with a selection of eight cogs to choose from, the engine’s potential is always within reach. Shifts occur predictably, faultlessly and swiftly when an order for immediate acceleration is dispatched.
Audi assigns a 0-100kph time of 5.7 seconds to the lithe A8. Although I didn’t confirm this statement, I can certainly confirm the rapidity of the vehicle. In all acceleration scenarios, it impresses. And thanks to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive traction, wheelspin is never an issue that compromises.
Also never compromising is the A8’s ride quality and handling competency.
Sweet underpinnings
The 2011 A8 rides upon an adaptive air suspension setup that’s capable of maximizing the large vehicle’s ride potential while keeping it stable composed and glued to the road. Driver selectable settings emphasize either ride comfort or handling dynamics. I found the “comfort” setting to be ideal. Ride quality was outstanding in this setting yet the big sedan’s handling capability seemed little diminished.
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| The 4.2-litre FSI DOHC V8 engine has been bumped to 372 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm. Torque is rated at 328 pound-feet @ 3,500 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
V8 emits genteel notes
This is an exceptionally quiet car yet there is just enough V8-authored soundtrack to remove any doubt of a lesser beast beneath the hood. The engine of which I speak is Audi’s remarkably refined 4.2-litre FSI DOHC V8, which has been bumped to 372 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm. Torque is rated at 328 pound-feet @ 3,500 rpm.
Magnifying the engine’s output is Audi’s highly proficient 8-speed Tiptronic autobox. Shift paddles are included as standard equipment, and they effectively add a dose of sportiness to the immense pleasure derived behind the A8’s 4-spoke leather-wrapped wheel—and the immensity is multi-faceted.
Many ways to marvel
After taking-in the A8’s impeccable cabin, the “marvel factor” transits to the vehicle’s sublime operational refinement and polished performance. It’s difficult to convert the silky smoothness of the powerful V8 into words on a screen.
This engine manages to blend adroitness and a desire to rev with an uncanny degree of decorum and precision. And with a selection of eight cogs to choose from, the engine’s potential is always within reach. Shifts occur predictably, faultlessly and swiftly when an order for immediate acceleration is dispatched.
Audi assigns a 0-100kph time of 5.7 seconds to the lithe A8. Although I didn’t confirm this statement, I can certainly confirm the rapidity of the vehicle. In all acceleration scenarios, it impresses. And thanks to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive traction, wheelspin is never an issue that compromises.
Also never compromising is the A8’s ride quality and handling competency.
Sweet underpinnings
The 2011 A8 rides upon an adaptive air suspension setup that’s capable of maximizing the large vehicle’s ride potential while keeping it stable composed and glued to the road. Driver selectable settings emphasize either ride comfort or handling dynamics. I found the “comfort” setting to be ideal. Ride quality was outstanding in this setting yet the big sedan’s handling capability seemed little diminished.
 |
| The 2011 A8 rides upon an adaptive air suspension setup that’s capable of maximizing the large vehicle’s ride potential. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |