This is the fourth generation A8 - Audi's flagship car - has a revised user interface, but it looks basically the same. He continues to have the automaker's almost an aluminum body / chassis structure, few Americans ever understood or fully appreciated. He does this four-door is very stiff and lighter than most competitors.
A8 is still a big guy, about 4,400 pounds, partly due to its all-wheel-drive hardware, and has a longer wheelbase and overall length. It is also wider.
The new A8 4.2 comes in Standard ($ 78 050) or extended-wheelbase ($ 84,000) forms, and is powered by a sophisticated 372-horsepower V-8 is enhanced with a new system of direct fuel injection, which helps to increase power to 372 with 350 rating 2010 model. Both versions have the comfort, convenience and safety features expected in a luxury sedan.
Optional safety features adaptive cruise control to prevent rear-end collisions and enhance night vision.
There are many tempting - and often costly - the comfort and convenience options. They include the $ 6300 Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system and $ 2,300 convenience package with such items as power trunk lid and rear view camera.
Silky smooth V-8 also has more torque and works with the new responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps to enable an estimated fuel economy at 27 miles per gallon on the highway - perfect for this type of car - and a respectable 17 miles per gallon in the city.
Automatic can be shifted manually. But with all the data transfer rate, the majority who want to pass on their own soon wonder why they bother.
One of the few shortcomings of the car is a shift selector lever that is not moving forward and backward through tabs like a regular selector and can make it easy to select the wrong gear if the driver is not paying attention.
The car does 0-60 miles / h in about 5 seconds left in just a normal drive, and feels as though it would be more comfortable cruising the European non-highway speed limit of 100 miles / hr, than messing around on freeways or highways U.S. 65 -75 miles / h. This is usually a sign of excellent. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 155 miles / hr
Advanced adaptive air suspension provides a smooth ride and flat cornering, and a well-weighted steering straight, with good road feel. A8 is managed as a less nimble car. Large 19-inch wheels are standard, but 20-inch available for $ 1,200. Brakes powerful.
Model with 12-cylinder engine generating 500 horsepower and is likely to cost more than $ 100,000, is said to be, but enough is not it? A8 is designed mainly for older, sophisticated buyers premium sedan, but not for fast drivers. Even the seats are formed more to give long-distance comfort than the added support for the winding of the turns. Seats can be be ordered with the message, heating and ventilation features.
I tested the $ 78,050 regular-wheelbase A8, which left me wondering why anyone would want an extended wheelbase version, if they do not expect NFL players to throw the football in the back seat.
Nevertheless, a large as it is, regular-wheelbase A8 rear seat has a rigid area of the center, which only allows comfortable seating for two. Best folding armrest seat of a large center. Individual rear seats are options.
Revised, quiet interior is wider, bright and airy. The huge steering wheel can be easily gripped and lighting devices can be quickly read. Engine start / stop button and high-tech features include a navigation system with touch panel. To enter a destination or a phone number, just draw the letters or numbers on the control panel with a finger.
My test car had the power to open and closed trunk of a feature that is useful, but the big chest was wide, but rather high opening.
Audi is more than a name for himself here, where he had long lagged behind Mercedes and BMW in terms of status. However, Audi continues to come up with a wide range of new and improved attractive models such as the A8, which attract more and more Americans to its stores.
Dan Jedlicka is a former automotive writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. To learn more about his reviews on the site: www.danjedlicka.com.
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