Audi A8

In many parts of the world Audi is by far taking the lead from its top class competitors like Mercedes Benz and BMW. The 2008 Audi A8 is definitely in a different league and goes above any traditional luxury. This car has been upgraded from the A8 that was first brought out back in 1994. It was then the first car in the world to have been built on an aluminum platform, known as the Audi Space Frame (ASF). The A8 for 2008 has been updated to improve the suspension of the vehicle, the soundproofing, the steering as well as technology offering of the flagship model.

There are four different versions available in the Audi A8 model. It is available in A8, A8 L, A8 L W12 and then there is the S8. All of these models have the same chassis except for any of the "L" models as they have an extra 5-inch wheelbase, which results in passengers in the rear gaining extra room.

The Audi A8 and the A8 L are available in a V8 engine that is a luxury full size sedan. It comes standard with:

• Valcona leather seats

• dashboard inlays are both aluminum and wood

• front seats are heated and are power adjustable

• xenon headlamps

• voice controlled DVD navigation

Both models have electronic shock absorption control with air suspension, and they come standard with 18-inch alloy rims.

The Audi A8 L W12 is a 12-cylinder and has a 450-hp W12 engine and is only available with a long wheel base platform. This particular model comes standard with more luxury features:

• rear power seating

• side and rear power sunshades

• rear passenger control their temperature

• insulated glass in the doors for all doors which reduces any noise levels

This model has the same suspension design as the A8 as well as the A8 L but it comes standard with 19-inch alloy rims.

All these A8 models have been built with ASF. The use of the old steel chassis is now being replaced by the use of hybrid-welded laser-MIG aluminum. It is used for the castings, the panels and the profiles. With the car being built in aluminum, the Audi A8 model is now as much as several hundred pounds lighter than it would be if constructed in steel. By using the ASF the A8 has got a chassis more rigid than before, the vehicle handling is better, the crash performance has improved and to top it off the fuel economy is far better.

For the 2008 models there is a choice of three different engines. The Audi A8 and the A8 L both have a 4.2 liter V8 engine with 325 lb. Ft. of torque and 350 hp. The Audi A8 L W12 has a 6 liter W12 engine with 420 hp and 428 lb. Ft. of torque. All these models come standard with the Audi quattro's four wheel drive and include the automatic transmission which is a 6 speed Tiptronic that have both Sport Program and DSP features.

The Air Suspension is Audi's very own design and it balances the comfort of the ride with great sporty handling. This system uses air sprung struts that are controlled by electromagnetic valves that adjust each shock absorber. It is left up to the driver to either leave it in total automatic mode or he can select one of four suspension settings for different ride heights.

Technology of this vehicle

Audi has added "side assist". This is a system based on radar that monitors any blind spots and will let the driver know if there is any other traffic near.

The "lane assist" will let the driver know if the vehicle is moving from the lane without him realizing. The driver is warned by the steering wheel vibrating.

You can't go wrong with the entertainment system in the 2008 A8. It comes standard with a BOSE surround sound 12 speaker system with a satellite radio that is capable of WMA/MP3 playback. Or you can go for the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system that has a 6 disc CD changer.

Safety Features

Both driver and passenger are protected by front and knee air bags. There are air bags mounted on the sides for additional protection that are fitted both for front and rear passengers. There is Tethers and Lower Anchorage so the Children are safe, this feature is standard in the A8 model, and so is the monitoring system of the tire pressure. The vehicle also comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm system.

Price

The cost of the 2008 Audi A8 models range from $70,680 to $120,100.

This model has safety, technology as well as class altogether in one package that makes this vehicle a very attractive model for this year.