Search:

2008 Audi A8 - Sedan and L W12

 

a8sedan1.jpgThe 2008 A8 is a 4-door, up to 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Sedan to the L W12.

Upon introduction, the Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 350-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. The L W12 is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 450-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2008 A8 is freshened for 2008.
Ever the most advanced car in the company’s lineup, the flagship Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan meant to appeal to wealthy consumers looking for maximum luxury and space. Although competing models from the premium German and Japanese marques may sell in greater numbers, the A8 does possess a distinct advantage because of its aluminum frame and body panels. Significantly lighter than a traditional steel frame, the Audi Space Frame (ASF), as it’s called, helps offset the bulk of the car’s quattro all-wheel-drive system; the A8’s competitors are primarily rear-wheel drive.

Thanks to the quattro system, winter-weather capability is one of the A8’s strengths. Luxurious accommodations are another, though the current model, which dates to 2004, is considerably more opulent and feature-laden than the original sedan. In addition, the Audi A8 is available in regular- and long-wheelbase sizes. In long-wheelbase form, it’s called the A8 L and can be had with V8 or W12 power.

As redesigns go, Audi’s 2004 overhaul of the A8 is likely one of the most successful on record. The current generation Audi A8 offers a near perfect blend of luxury, performance, amenities and style, and is one of our favorite full-size luxury sedans. Cabin furnishings are best-in-class, and thanks to Audi’s logically designed Multi Media Interface (MMI), accessing the car’s numerous audio, climate and navigation functions is as simple as it gets in the luxury car world. Rear-seat room is adequate in the regular-wheelbase model; while opting for the A8 L model, which has a 6-inch-longer wheelbase, provides more than enough legroom for a pair of 6-footers.

Standard Engine for Sedan:
4.2L V8, 32 valve, 350 hp @ 6800 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
16 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features for Sedan:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmable Equalizer
Standard Features for L W-12:
6.0L W12, 48 valve, 450 hp @ 6200 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
15 mpg city / 21 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features L W-12:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmable Equalizer



a6avant1.jpgAudi improved its midsize sedan across the board, with the possible exception of the new familial grille treatment. Adding a substantial 3.2 inches between the wheels but less than half that in overall length, the new 2005 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro now stretches out 193.5 inches and offers impressive handling and performance when equipped with the V-8 and Sport suspension options. A full list of standard in-car gadgets complements top-notch materials and design to make the A6’s cabin among the best in the business. Options such as the navigation system and satellite radio are integrated nicely into the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) and allow the use of voice commands, enhancing the overall driving experience rather than overwhelming the driver with potential distractions. We found the MMI particularly usable, even though it lacks a touch screen, but some of the A6’s amenities require time spent studying the owner’s manual.
Accessible systems
Audi continues to produce interiors that rank among the best available in the sport-luxury realm. High-quality materials such as real wood, brushed aluminum, and Volterra leather give an air of relaxed elegance, while well-designed electronic controls mean the car’s impressive performance can be tapped with minimal distractions from the dashboard. Steering-wheel controls consist of two scrollwheels and a mode button that let you select satellite and broadcast radio stations and CD tracks from scrolling lists. Redundant displays in the center of the gauge cluster and on the MMI screen help keep the focus on the road.

Standard Engine:
4.2L V8, 32 valve, 350 hp @ 6800 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features:
Sideguard(TM) Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmed Equalizer



a6.jpgThe Audi A6 continues the firm’s legacy of dynamic excellence and exceptional comfort. The A6 is packed with technology, enhancing convenience and driving dynamics. The attention to detail inside and out is impressive.

The 2008 A6 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, or luxury wagon, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 3.2 to the 4.2 with Tiptronic.

Upon introduction, the 3.2 is equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, V6, 255-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 4.2 with Tiptronic is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 350-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2008 A6 is freshened for 2008.

Standard Engine:
3.2L V6, 24 valve, 255 hp @ 6500 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 61

Standard Features:
Sideguard(TM) Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmed Equalizer



q7.jpgThe 2008 Q7 is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 3.6 quattro to the 4.2 quattro Premium.

Upon introduction, the 3.6 quattro is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The 4.2 quattro Premium is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 350-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2008 Q7 is a carryover from 2007.
Audi introduced its first SUV, the Q7, just last year. Despite its tardiness, the Q7 is packed to its 18-inch wheels with luxury goodies and the type of exceptional quality that has characterized Audis for more than a decade. A crossover SUV, the Q7 is a distant cousin of the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, but it has (among many other things) been lengthened by more than a foot to accommodate a third row of seats. With this added size, the Audi is even heavier than its brethren, which are already big-boned in their own right. The Q7 does have generous maximum cargo capacity, so at least the girth translates into some utility.
What it also translates into is a premium-brand SUV crammed with luxury niceties and tech-based convenience features. For 2008, more of those niceties are standard on the three trim levels (the 4.2 has been dropped in favor of the 4.2 Premium only), including leather upholstery, six-CD changer and 18-inch wheels. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system is still standard on all Q7s, while the V8-powered 4.2 Premium can be equipped with an adaptive air suspension that improves the big Audi’s handling and steering responses. Buyers can also choose between V6 and V8 engines.

Though its subpar acceleration (yes, even with the V8), fuel economy and third-row accommodations should give you pause, the 2008 Audi Q7 is otherwise very impressive. We’ve put thousands of miles on our long-term Q7 test vehicle and remain impressed by its collection of luxury features, versatile and beautifully crafted interior and agile handling. This largest Audi is ideal for family-oriented daily use and long-distance drives — provided you don’t have too many children. But we also suggest taking a look at the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, a roomier vehicle that the Q7 matches most closely and that we also hold in high regard.
Standard Engine:
4.2L V8, 32 valve, 350 hp @ 6800 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
12 mpg city / 17 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 39

Standard Features:
Sideguard(R) Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
Electronic Brake Assistance
Subwoofer



a6avant.jpgIf you are looking for a car with exemplary dynamism and comfort, you must check out the 2008 Audi A6 Avant. The car is all set to become the viable alternative to BMW 5 Series. Have a look at the engine specifications first. The 2008 Audi A6 Avant is equipped with 3.2-liter dohc 24v V6 engine proficient in churning out 255 horsepower at 6500 RPM and 244 pound-feet of torque at 3250 RPM. The engine performance has further been improved with 6-speed automatic transmission system with Tiptronic facility. You can also opt for 7-speed multitronic CVT transmission system. With the help of 6-speed automatic transmission system, the 2008 Audi A6 Avant generates fabulous fuel economy - 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on highways.

The power glass sunroof and heated front seats are also optional. The 006 Audi A6 Avant has been developed in Germany. The car ensures safety of its occupants with active front head airbags, two-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, head airbags, ABS, ESP, EBD, Brake Assist etc. You can also opt for dual rear seat-mounted side airbags. The 2008 Audi A6 Avant is just ideal for a five-member family.

The car has also got some useful standard features such as tire-pressure monitor, leather seating surfaces, tilt and telescope steering wheel, 12-way power and heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control with filter, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD 6-disc changer, cruise control, leather-covered steering wheel, anti-theft system, illuminated vanity mirrors, Servotronic power rack-and-pinion steering, rear window and side mirror defogger, wood interior trim, variable intermittent wipers with heatable washers, electromechanical parking brake etc. You can also opt for Premium Package comprising of auto-dimming and electrically folding exterior mirrors, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, Bose premium sound system etc.
Standard Engine:
3.2L V6, 24 valve, 255 hp @ 6500 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy
Green Rating: 60

Standard Features:
Sideguard(TM) Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Diversity Radio Antenna