First drive: 2008 Audi A8 re-fresh

Agent001 submitted on 09/03/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 5:30 PM
from: www.carmagazine.co.uk

Tags: 2008, Audi A8

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2008

Audi A8

First drive: 2008 Audi A8 re-fresh

Fair enough – the cosmetic changes aren't that exciting. In fact, they're really rather difficult to spot, being limited to some new front grille colours, re-arranged LEDs in the tail-lights, and new LED indicator strips in the door mirrors. Plus a different alloy wheel or two (or four for the sake of cosmetics).

But under the skin, Audi's been busier tweaking the mechanicals to make an already refined car even quieter. It's also rustled up some extra equipment, added some toys to the options list, and – stop the press – boosted the engine range by dropping in a new 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine.

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Rupert - 9/3/2007 5:45:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

This 2.8 V6 is now the cleanest engine in its class, with CO2 emissions under 200g/km, a first for this sector.

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Rupert - 9/3/2007 8:08:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

And yes, that is lower than the LS600h.

Rupert - 9/3/2007 8:09:10 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I thought I would continue the autospies trend of including Lexus in every single article.

Rupert - 9/3/2007 9:22:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I know...it's FWD as well with a CVT, but like I said, I'm continuing a tradition.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/3/2007 11:18:58 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Eh, I'd much, much, much rather have an A8L 4.2TDI than any other diesel/hybrid luxury sedan.

EnnNorak - 9/3/2007 8:27:58 PM

+1 Boost

A CVT in an A8 -- ridiculous! The article is a bit scant on information but I hope the A8 retains its rust-free aluminum body and that the 4.2 litre V-8 now has 4 valves per cylinder instead of 5. Five valves per cylinder may improve efficiency by a small amount but complicates the design needlessly. I'd like an A8L with the diesel. If the new 2.8 litre V-6 is in a proper 60-degree configuration, it would be a good engine for the A4 and A6. If it is still in the inherently-out-of-balance 90-degree configuration, I don't want it.

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/3/2007 11:19:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yes, the A8 is still aluminum. It's a bit naive of you to question that- this is only a slight refresh, not a redesign. They wouldn't completely change the construction process for a model that's essentially the same as last year's.

Heyhuub - 9/4/2007 1:12:33 AM

+1 Boost

The 2.8 is already availeble in the A6

Lexus - 9/3/2007 8:39:16 PM

-1 Boost

Rupert, you forgot to mention that this Audi A8 only has 207 bhp. That really pathetic if you ask me, come you probably full load of money this, and only has 207 bhp.

The about Audi and other German brands is that they NEVER seen to have a complete package like the Japanese brands. The Lexus LS600hl not only has low emission but, higest level of luxury, quality, realiability and also 380 hp.

This Audi A8 seen to only has low emission, what about the quality? what about the low horse power? come on even the a Kia or Hyundai produce more hp than this, lame attempt.

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EnnNorak - 9/3/2007 9:28:44 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus has ridiculous packaging. In the IS one can only get AWD in the 250 and RWD with LSD is only available in the 350 Sport version. What kind of customer choice is that? Have you ever tried to order a Lexus LS460 with a leather-covered steering wheel instead of the unsafe glare-causing shiny wood-trimmed steering wheel? How technically advanced is that?

S4cabriofoxone - 9/3/2007 11:22:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"The Lexus LS600hl not only has low emission but, higest level of luxury, quality, realiability and also 380 hp."

Wait, wait. Let me get this straight: you're comparing the absolutely LOWEST-level A8 model (which would probably about $55K here) to Lexus's HIGHEST-end model that costs twice as much? And telling us how much better it is? That's retarded!

The closest competitor to the LS600hL that Audi has is the A8L 4.2TDI. And not only does it get much better mileage and cost less, it's still nicer on the inside and provides similar acceleration and much better handling. Don't forget that it weighs a good 500lbs less, thanks to Lexus's counter-intuitive hybrid system.

The LS600hL is just poorly executed. I'd much rather have an LS460L, or better yet, an A8L or S550.

1evlaudi - 9/3/2007 9:41:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

hey ennNorak!
what transmission is in the LS???
Cause last time I check it is a CVT...!!!

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1evlaudi - 9/3/2007 9:45:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Hey Lexus!
what is pathetic is your spelling, are you going back to school this year, did you mommy and daddy buy all your supplies already?

Please do us a favor, don't post on Audi thread. You don't see me goint bashing Lexus in Lexus thread.
If you have something significant to say, say it. If not stay away.
If you want to spread your propanganda base on ignorance and non-facts, you can shove it you know where.

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1evlaudi - 9/3/2007 9:51:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

oops, read going...fat fingers I have, but right spelling I know
Yoda

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Lexus - 9/4/2007 12:09:18 AM

-4 Boost

1evlaudi, or should I said agent63, yeah I know it you agent63. What are you going do about it if I if I bash Audi for being inferior to Lexus? NOT a dam thing.

So get use it loser, I'm here and I'm here to stay, I have been a member of this forum since what 2002 or 2003? so back off.

I was just stating the fact that this Audi A8 does not has a complete package like the Lexus LS. What a sore loser....

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/4/2007 5:20:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"I was just stating the fact that this Audi A8 does not has a complete package like the Lexus LS."

But the thing is, that is in no way, shape or form a "fact." That is an opinion.

So, you say, the LS is a "complete package" and the A8 is not? Let me counter with a few things:

• Unlike the Lexus, the Audi A8 has superior handling and performance capabilities

• The A8 has a much wider range of engines, especially in Europe and Asia

• You can have your cake and eat it, too, with the 4.2TDI model

• AWD is available across the lineup and in most cases is standard equipment

• Audi only employs the highest-quality materials for their flagship sedan. Lexus uses the same digitized clock as in the Toyota Camry, a vinyl dash and spray-painted "chrome" buttons

• Lexus bundles everything in annoying packages, whereas you can individually option your A8, with custom colors and materials from the factory

• The A8, in its fourth year, still looks amazing

Have I proven my point? "Complete packages" can take on many different forms. It depends what YOU are looking for in YOUR complete package- it's not a one-size-fits-all concept.

I love the LS460. What's not to like? But both models have advantages and disadvantages; no car is perfect. Not even the Mercedes S-Class-- it's a gas-guzzler.

Rupert - 9/4/2007 6:05:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Lexus,

Every package has flaws.
An LS doesn't handle so well and has limited choice of options and engines.

A 7 series is odd-looking (IMO) and doesn't have as good an interior.

An A8 is expensive to insure and repair, and has a less respected badge in the US.

An S class is very expensive, drinks fuel and has odd wheelarches. (running out of bad things to say about the S)

But on the other hand

The LS is very reliable and has very good fit, finish and refinement, plus a first-in-class hybrid and some clever electronics.

The 7 handles brilliantly, has great engines (All are stars from the 3.0d to the 5.8 V12) and has pioneering technology like iDrive

And A8 has a fantastic interior, uses the best materials inside, has good fuel economy and is a good balance between refinement and handling, plus AWD security and stability.

The S class has the best badge, a good interior, lots of power and amazing refinement and good use of (expensive) materials, like real aluminium buttons, and the best individualisation program.

As you can see, nothing is perfect, but everything has its good points.

You stating as "fact" that the LS is a more complete package is not fact, it is an opinion based on your needs and wants. If I lived somewhere where engines over 4.5 litres were banned an LS is most certainly not a complete package is it! :) The LS is YOUR complete package, not mine, not S4's, not lots of people's, but it is yours and many others'.

1evlaudi - 9/4/2007 12:51:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

boohoo!
no I am not agent63, don't know who that is...
hold on, you are telling me that you have been bashing Audi and making a fool out of yourself since that long... Man what is wrong with you???

and there is no need to be pesonal, I am sorry if I hurt your feelings, I told you you might be a sore loser, that is by no mean calling you "a loser". name calling is the strentgh of the weak, are you weak mr Lexus?

Are you mad because I reminded you that Lexus is not perfect?, are you irratated because I proved over and over that Lexus is not the best brand in the world?, are you so narrow minded that you think that the US are the world?, are you so ignorant that you still try to convince yourself that a Lexus is not a Toyota?, as I proved in the R8 post that they are. Are you so self centered that you can not see that Lexus is nothing than a marketing concept?, are you you paid by Toyota? because it is not conceivable for me that you can be so obsessed with this one non-brand and that you can spew out all those non-facts and non-senses without retribution.

So do you want to get personal Mr. Toyota, because, I don't care about you, and I am not going to back off.

Did I hurt your feelings kiddo?

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1evlaudi - 9/4/2007 1:16:33 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

As far as your arguement of this A8 not comparing to the toyota excelsior, I'll say that you are kinda right, this is an entry base, and, if you had taken the time to read the article, you will have learned(what a concept...to learn something!!!)that this specific Audi has the advantage of a tax break in the UK, and oh! it emits less CO2 that the LS600h... But, but,but, it doesn't compare with it, how could that be?
so, while the LS is definitively the flagship of Lexus and it will compare with the A8L and W12 for the Ls600, it is good for one to be open minded and realize that there is more to the automobile world than America, and like BMW and M-B, Audi has entry level cars, both gas and diesel for every single model in their line up.

Only in the eyes of a narrow minded individual this A8 will look like a lesser car and will try to compare it to their flagship. Those 2, even if of the same size and segment do not compare...

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JUGNU - 9/4/2007 8:55:37 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Audi fools first of all this LS600hL and Audi 2.8 V6 talk is started by Rupert.

He even admitted it that he is just saying to start another series of Lexus bashings.

"I thought I would continue the autospies trend of including Lexus in every single article."

He is the idiot who compared the CO2 emissions of the lowest A8 with top of the line LS.(but didn't said that LS600hL produce nearly double power.Ignorant)

It's like saying BMW 520i is cleaner than the Audi S6.
but what about the power differnece.Fools

JUGNU

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S4cabriofoxone - 9/4/2007 5:12:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

HE WAS JOKING.

Anyway, the LS600hL is their ONLY clean LS model, because there are no low-end cleaner versions. So that argument is moot. It's nothing like saying the 520i is cleaner than the S6; it's pitting two of the cleanest luxury sedans against each other. But there are pricing conflicts; the Lexus is about twice the price and should not be compared.

If you care that much about gas mileage (you wouldn't if you bought an LS600hL), get an A8L 4.2TDI. It can go 600 miles on one tank.

Rupert - 9/4/2007 6:08:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Actually Jugnu, I was making a point, a point that houston was managing to include Lexus in a discussion about Maybach. So I thought "Why not? It will keep me entertained".
And it did.

I was stating a simple fact, that if you want the lest polluting luxury saloon, the enter the A8 2.8, not the LS hybrid.

1evlaudi - 9/4/2007 5:31:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

foxone scores...

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1evlaudi - 9/4/2007 7:11:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

rupert thank you! I am glad to see that somebody has a brain...

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