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2008 Audi A8 Performance Review

July 28, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

amazingly nimble
Automobile.com

an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed
Cars.com

Nearly silent engine emits sophisticated, muted growl
ConsumerGuide

solid rush of power is always on tap
Edmunds

stately and sophisticated...with underlying sportiness
Forbes Autos

stump-pulling torque and wonderfully tactile power
Motor Trend

If you're seeking a difference between 2007 and the 2008 Audi A8, performance is where you'll find it.

The 2008 Audi A8 remains powered by a 350-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 on the standard A8 and extended-length A8 L, while a 450-hp 12-cylinder engine sits in the bay of the top-of-the-range A8 L W12. (The high-performance S8, with its V-10 engine and more aggressive equipment, is covered in a separate review.)

With 330 hp in the A8, Audi’s 40-valve 4.2-liter V-8 offers an extra 20 hp over last year's model according to Automobile.com, as well as an extra 15 pound-feet of low-end torque. Audi claims the A8 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just over 6 seconds; the top speed is limited to 155 mph. The longer-wheelbase, 12-cylinder version isn’t necessarily faster: Motor Trend says the direct-injection V-8 engine "gives up little to the V-12" and squeezes out up to 18 mpg on the highway.

Both versions of the 2008 Audi A8 use a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which according to Forbes Autos can be "taken through the gears like a manual." “You get an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed,” Cars.com reports, “but considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades. Fortunately, those downshifts are smooth and prompt.”

The 2008 Audi A8's variable-ratio, variable-assist steering system has been recalibrated to yield more road feel, and the air suspension has been retuned. The adjustable suspension can "induce unsettling wallow when at softer settings" according to ConsumerGuideAuto, though the A8 Audi rides on 19-inch wheels. Cars.com had a different experience, one much more in tune with what TheCarConnection.com’s editors have found: “On narrow two-lane roads, this full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. It stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs,” they wrote. Motor Trend notes that the Audi A8’s new steering is “great, with perfect feel and weight, but…we didn't know the old steering ratio needed replacing.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Audi A8 can please the most rabid performance hound, and it shows a softer side, too.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:amazingly nimbleAutomobile.coman abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushedCars.comNearly silent engine emits sophisticated, muted growlConsumerGuidesolid rush of power is always on tapEdmundsstately and sophisticated...with underlying sportinessForbes Autosstump-pulling torque and wonderfully tactile powerMotor Trend If you're seeking a difference between 2007 and the 2008 Audi A8, performance is where you'll find it. The 2008 Audi A8 remains powered by a 350-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 on the standard A8 and extended-length A8 L, while a 450-hp 12-cylinder engine sits in the bay of the top-of-the-range A8 L W12. (The high-performance S8, with its V-10 engine and more aggressive equipment, is covered in a separate review.) With 330 hp in the A8, Audi’s 40-valve 4.2-liter V-8 offers an extra 20 hp over last year's model according to Automobile.com, as well as an extra 15 pound-feet of low-end torque. Audi claims the A8 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just over 6 seconds; the top speed is limited to 155 mph. The longer-wheelbase, 12-cylinder version isn’t necessarily faster: Motor Trend says the direct-injection V-8 engine "gives up little to the V-12" and squeezes out up to 18 mpg on the highway. Both versions of the 2008 Audi A8 use a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which according to Forbes Autos can be "taken through the gears like a manual." “You get an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed,” Cars.com reports, “but considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades. Fortunately, those downshifts are smooth and prompt.” The 2008 Audi A8's variable-ratio, variable-assist steering system has been recalibrated to yield more road feel, and the air suspension has been retuned. The adjustable suspension can "induce unsettling wallow when at softer settings" according to ConsumerGuideAuto, though the A8 Audi rides on 19-inch wheels. Cars.com had a different experience, one much more in tune with what TheCarConnection.com’s editors have found: “On narrow two-lane roads, this full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. It stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs,” they wrote. Motor Trend notes that the Audi A8’s new steering is “great, with perfect feel and weight, but…we didn't know the old steering ratio needed replacing.” ConclusionThe 2008 Audi A8 can please the most rabid performance hound, and it shows a softer side, too.  2008 AUDI A8 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automobile.com: "well-proportioned...appearance is subdued" ConsumerGuide: "interior more sporty rather than opulent, but it's still classy" Edmunds: "gives nothing away in terms of luxury, performance" Popular Mechanics: “hard to find room for ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The aluminum-bodied A8 feels substantially lighter than its big-sedan rivals and can be hustled along a tight, curvy road with surprising velocity; and although competing models might have more horsepower, the 2008 Audi A8 has impressive passing ability. Although its design is quite dated, it still looks dignified on the outside and stands out as elegant and upscale inside. The interior in the S-Class, however, looks more modern and sophisticated, while the 7-Series and LS 460 also stand out for offering high-tech features. Both the 7-Series and S-Class have available night-vision systems and seats, and seating comfort in both of those vehicles is about as good as in the A8. The LS 460 has an especially conservative look and feel, along with one of the most refined and isolated interiors, for those so inclined, while the XJ has classy, uniquely British styling and surprisingly brisk performance.

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See the Audi A8 in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  maples70 #2, Posted: 5/26/2009

    2008 Audi A8

    Audi A8....luxury and impressive passing ability.

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