Just got back from test driving A8 W12 6.0

[zemun2]

Got invitation 2 weeks ago via email to participate in test drive of the new A8.
That thing was just amazing, like driving a boat with sh!t load of power. Smooth, smoot and smooth, and powerfull with class.
Interior doesnt have a single flaw, you can spent hours looking for a flaw and come up empty handed.
At the end they gave me a goody bag that had palm tungsten and few more thingies..

Two thumbs up for AoA.

Cheers! D,

[FINA4]

THIS POST IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICS! [:D]

[b6usp]

Sweet, a test drive of the w12 a8 and a palm tungsten to boot. Now that is taking care of the customer.

[zemun2]

Originally posted by FINA4
THIS POST IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICS! [:D]
Pics of palm or pics of A8?

[zemun2]

http://www.infosync.no/resources/overviews/gfx/handhelds/palm_tungsten_e_01.jpg

http://www.autocentre.ua/ac/02/49/images/09/SpyAudi%20A8%20W12.jpg

[Nevaeh Speed]

Damn, I'm gonna have to test drive it when it hits my area!

I hope your just not pump'n it up!

[FINA4]

Nice!

[zemun2]

From: EventRegistration@AudiA8Experience.com Add to Address Book
To: zemun2@yahoo.com
Subject: Audi A8 Experience Invitation
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 17:54:36 -0500


http://www.audia8experience.com/evite/san_fran/images/audi_06.jpg

[zemun2]

Almost forgot, A8 was eurospec it had km/h speedometer.

[FINA4]

So you were legally allowed to drive over 100! [:D]

[zemun2]

Originally posted by FINA4
So you were legally allowed to drive over 100! [:D]
lol.
Just checked specs, damn thing has 450chp and msrp of $117,400

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/audi_a8_lw12_2005/16624/style_specs.html;_ylt=ArnCs2.5He3_O7pDTxdzctKPC8UF

[Nevaeh Speed]

Dang thats all the money I have in my piggy bank.....

[amirsafdari]

Originally posted by zemun2
Almost forgot, A8 was eurospec it had km/h speedometer.

You sure it wasnt a Canadian Model?

[zemun2]

Originally posted by amirsafdari
You sure it wasnt a Canadian Model?
No the AoA guy told me it was eurospec.

[chris@penskeaudi]

That had to be such a sweet experience

[badmyan]

I was thinking about buying one, but no '05 remain, and with a S8 on the horizon I wan tto hold off. If the S8 looks good I'll go for it instead.

[robots_are_neon]

thats a pic with the old grill, the w12 now has the updated grill

[TheBlueMartin]

I know the new RS6 is going to have an FSI verson of the Lambo V10 @ 500+ HP. Anyone know what the S8 is going to have?

[badmyan]

Most likley a tunned, normally asperated V8.

[Liam@TheGallery]

Originally posted by TheBlueMartin
I know the new RS6 is going to have an FSI verson of the Lambo V10 @ 500+ HP. Anyone know what the S8 is going to have?

If the RS6 gets a V10 I'll eat my car piece by piece cuz I don't know where they are going to fit it.. S8? Maybe but I really think it will be a V8. for the same reason.

[Imperial]

V10 in an A6? That would be a tight squeeze. I can see it in the S8, though. Oh man, I reaaaallly cannot wait to see what Audi'll do with the S8. I hope they pull it off well [:D]

[Liam@TheGallery]

I would love to see a V10 in the S8. I just dont see where its going to fit. There is about 1.5" between the back of the radiator and the front of the motor in the V8.

http://www.livinginyourdreams.com/images/DSC00145.jpg

[TheBlueMartin]

I can say for sure Audi has prepped to handle a 5.0FSI motor, but I dont know what it will be in. The Lambo 5.0 is set on the 4.2 cylinder configuration, just using an extra 2 cylinder (and of couse block and crank changes). They used it in the LeMans show car (in BiTurbo form), and BMW has the new M5 V10. So it does make sense in this competitive of a market.

[Ming]

What else would fit? W12 is slightly shorter than the V8 and is currently in proven use in Bentley Continental GT coupe. Only other choice is Motodyne supercharged V8. haha

[badmyan]

That war is best kept over in AW.


Originally posted by Ming
What else would fit? W12 is slightly shorter than the V8 and is currently in proven use in Bentley Continental GT coupe. Only other choice is Motodyne supercharged V8. haha

[jason1st]

Originally posted by badmyan
That war is best kept over in AW.

Man, I wish it would move over here. Am I the only one who thinks AW is difficult to read?

[jason1st]

And, This may be a stupid question but why would the 12 fit and not the 10?

[TheBlueMartin]

Originally posted by jason1st
And, This may be a stupid question but why would the 12 fit and not the 10? Man, I wish it would move over here. Am I the only one who thinks AW is difficult to read?

The engines up for debate are a V10 and a W12. The compact nature of the W engine makes it wider and shorter. Just think of two VR6s side by side. The 5.0L V10 is essentially a 4.2 with an extra two cylinders. it would be narrower, but longer.

And yes, I dont like AW either because of the layout. Its gotten easier the more I use it, but I still dont care for it.

[Imperial]

No, you're not the only one who thinks that AW is hard to read, haha. And bring the war over here, why not? Always up for a good battle, heh.

The 12 fits because it's a very compact engine due to it's VV design. The 10 probably wouldn't fit because it's a V-engine and actually longer than the 12, despite having 2 less cylinders. Now I might be wrong, but I'm 95% sure that I'm on point with that. Now if they did in fact take that turbo'd VV12 from the Continental GT and put it into the S8 (or RS8 as the nomenclature may dictate), then THAT would make for a helluva car. That'd be AMG territory there. A 5.0FSI motor would be VERY interesting as well, though...

[Liam@TheGallery]

Originally posted by TheBlueMartin
The engines up for debate are a V10 and a W12. The compact nature of the W engine makes it wider and shorter. Just think of two VR6s side by side. The 5.0L V10 is essentially a 4.2 with an extra two cylinders. it would be narrower, but longer.

And yes, I dont like AW either because of the layout. Its gotten easier the more I use it, but I still dont care for it.

I could very easily be wrong but I just do not see a V10 engine in a D3 chassis. What I also do not see happening is the S8 being a W12 variant either. With the A8 L W12 starting at $117k, putting a more powerful engine in the S8 and charging less for it would be a marketing and sales disaster for the flagship vehicle. I think it will be a slightly larger displacement V8.

[badmyan]

I also think the S8 will be a V8.

[TheBlueMartin]

Originally posted by AtlasD3Miami
I could very easily be wrong but I just do not see a V10 engine in a D3 chassis. What I also do not see happening is the S8 being a W12 variant either. With the A8 L W12 starting at $117k, putting a more powerful engine in the S8 and charging less for it would be a marketing and sales disaster for the flagship vehicle. I think it will be a slightly larger displacement V8.

I dont know measurements of either engine (although a quick search of the Conti GT could find the W12 specs), but room it takes to put the plumbing in for FOUR TURBOS with intercoolers would be massive, and that W12 looks like it barely fits as is. Also, putting the GT motor in a A8 puts you with more luxury with 4 doors and a faster car for less money than a Conti GT. Thats bad marketing. The current W12 A8L is also aimed at being a powerful, small 'limo' if you will. The S8 should be a lighter, faster, more stripped down sportier car.
If they squeeze a high-rev V10 in a short wheel base A8, trim some fat (no TVs in the headrests, wood trim everywhere, ect..), drop the suspension and add some low profile 20"s, you have a totally different car than the current W12.


Originally posted by Imperial
A 5.0FSI motor would be VERY interesting as well, though....

I can guarantee there will be a 5.0L FSI motor in some Audi or VW in the very near future. I cant say why or how I know, but I will bet my beloved 4.2 that there will. [;)] (sorry if that sounds childish)

[Liam@TheGallery]

I dont know measurements of either engine (although a quick search of the Conti GT could find the W12 specs), but room it takes to put the plumbing in for FOUR TURBOS with intercoolers would be massive, and that W12 looks like it barely fits as is. Also, putting the GT motor in a A8 puts you with more luxury with 4 doors and a faster car for less money than a Conti GT. Thats bad marketing. The current W12 A8L is also aimed at being a powerful, small 'limo' if you will. The S8 should be a lighter, faster, more stripped down sportier car.

Continental GT is a different platform than the A8. A TT W12 would be great but then who is going to pay $150k+ for an S8. The D2 S8 was around $80k and was positioned below the D2 W12.

[jason1st]

I gotta get the S8 when it comes out. It would be perfect. Will they have them on the lot or will it be something you need to specail order?

[TheBlueMartin]

The W12 is all special order, so Im sure the S8 will be along the same lines, since it should be over the $100K mark.

[jason1st]

Can't be much over $100K if the W12 is $115.

and it can't be more than an S55 or the new M5 for that matter..

[Imperial]

Originally posted by TheBlueMartin
The S8 should be a lighter, faster, more stripped down sportier car.
If they squeeze a high-rev V10 in a short wheel base A8, trim some fat (no TVs in the headrests, wood trim everywhere, ect..), drop the suspension and add some low profile 20"s, you have a totally different car than the current W12.

Okay, let's be realistic here. You just used the words "Audi" and "lighter" "trim some fat" and "stripped down" in the same sentence. We're both talking about the same Audi family, right? [;)] Honestly, I'd like to see Audi try and shed a few (hundred) pounds out of most their cars here and there. I know I know, Audi's are inherently luxury cars and if I wanted a light and quick car I'd get something else, but still, a little weight loss here and there can't hurt, right?

A lighter and sportier D3 with a V10 or a tuned V8 would be an excellent call for an S8. It'd be just different enough from the A8's so as to aim for the appropriate crowd.


I can guarantee there will be a 5.0L FSI motor in some Audi or VW in the very near future. I cant say why or how I know, but I will bet my beloved 4.2 that there will. [;)] (sorry if that sounds childish)

Well then, I'm going to have to take your word for it! And why would your betting your beloved 4.2 sound childish? Nonsense, haha!


You know, I feel that we should start sending recommendations to AUDI AG. Seriously, what better feedback group than your enthusiasts? I mean, we only want what's best for them on the whole, right? So why not listen to what we have to say? Yeah?

[jason1st]

I agree. I've voiced my opinion a lot to AOA. I'm not sure anyone there really knows anything about what is going on in the company. Nobody can ever answer my questions or even knows what I'm talking about.

AOA will send out a letter regading the Satellite radio and my local dealership will not know that it even exists. WTF.

I just let it. I'll be getting another A8. I was aware of the shortcoming of the '04 D3 when I bought so I have no been surprised.

[Liam@TheGallery]

Weight is really not an issue with the D3 as it weighs less than its competitors already (except the Jag XJ). The pricing should be in the mid to high $80k range and will not break the $100k mark at all. The current 4.2 is an amazingly quick and nimble car, even if it does have a little body roll and the W12 is faster than a Bentley CGT despite its 100 hp deficit.

http://www.livinginyourdreams.com/images/IMG_3572.jpg

[jason1st]

I agree with the mid to high $80K price range.

What's the latest release date ont he S8?

[Liam@TheGallery]

Q4 '05 - Q1 '06 for NA. It is due to be shown at Frankfurt.

[TheBlueMartin]

Originally posted by jason1st
I agree. I've voiced my opinion a lot to AOA. I'm not sure anyone there really knows anything about what is going on in the company. Nobody can ever answer my questions or even knows what I'm talking about.
I was aware of the shortcoming of the '04 D3 when I bought so I have no been surprised.

AOA seems the be the red headed step child of the VW family. They limit the choices we get in this country because of Tier rating, and their assumption on our driving habits (no manual in the RS6). AOA is here just to sell the high-end products of Audi, without any money costing design changes.
As for the shortcomings of the D3, thats the nicest thing I have ever heard about their problems. Most D3 owners that I have run into have no idea how well is does for its complexity and relatively groundbreaking features. It seems like everyone wants to compare every car to the Honda Civic. These cars break...its just something thats going to happen.


Originally posted by jason1st
Can't be much over $100K if the W12 is $115. and it can't be more than an S55 or the new M5 for that matter..

The S55, XJR, and Quattroporte are about the only cars that would be in the S8 class (unless an M7 comes out). The M5 has to be targeted by the next RS6. And as for the V10 in the M5, Im willing to bet there will be massive problems with that car. From what Ive seen of the intake set-up, its going to take a rocket scientist to figure out any problems. Having a throttle plate for each of the 10 cylinders on a street car is just mad!

[jason1st]

that M5 is bad ass though except that it looks like a 5 series BMW. However if I had a choice between an RS6 and an M5 I'd probably take the M5.

[TheBlueMartin]

Originally posted by jason1st
that M5 is bad ass though except that it looks like a 5 series BMW. However if I had a choice between an RS6 and an M5 I'd probably take the M5.

Well, even though Im diehard Audi, I would have to agree with you at this time, however the next RS6 should be tops over the M5, but that'll have to wait and see. Im hoping it gets the DSG tranny, but Im guessing thats a dream. However, Im still betting on the V10 [:D]

[Imperial]

Overall, the M5 is more of a driver's car than the current RS6. I'm a diehard Audi supporter, too, but it's just true. The RS6 is more of a quick and nimble luxo-cruiser, while the M5 is a 4-door luxury sports car, heh. The new M5 with the V10 is supposed to be impressive, but like jason1st said, it looks like a new 5-series, but worse even (like I've said, Bangle's team killed a legend).

I, too, think the new RS6 will be an even stronger competitor for the M5 (maybe even the E55, but AMG is insane, so I'm not making any bets there) as Audi seems to be putting it on to battle BMW Motorsport. I hope they learn from mistakes made regarding the last RS6. They've got GREAT potential!


GO AUDI!

[:D]


ps - i think it'd be GREAT to see DSG in the next-gen RS6, or even the S-cars as a whole, too, but I'm with TheBlueMartin, it's probably a dream [:(]

[PaulMillerAudi]

I have a W12 sitting in the middle of the showroom here...I couldn't think of any car that would be nicer to look at all day.

[TheBlueMartin]

Take a 4.2 on trade?? No money down? [:D]
j/k

[A8inPA]

i have yet to see a W12 A8.
how many have been imported to the US?
as for the S8...i am very anxious for this
car to be released.[hail]

[TheBlueMartin]

Last I heard, only 200 W12s were coming to the US, but those numbers always get bumped up when the pre-orders are all filled.

[TheBlueMartin]

I remembered this thread after starting the S8 D3 one, and thought I would bring it back up.

And for those of you who wondered where I got my 'guarantee' of a 5.0L FSI engine from, it in the Europen spec test software for the Audi Scan tools. [:D]