AUDI's best selling eight-cylinder and 12-cylinder luxury saloon, the flagship A8, is in even better shape inside and out with the latest model, which goes on sale next month.
It has become even more distinctive thanks to the integration of the latest single frame front grille, and a comprehensive package of upgrades.
The aluminium space frame, range of sophisticated engines, quattro four-wheel-drive system and greater comfort courtesy of the driver adjustable air suspension, means a car with class- leading power-to-weight ratios as well as a driving agility rarely achievable in such a large luxury saloon.
The new look car has on-the-road prices ranging from £47,125 to £77,355. European sales last year fell just short of 8,000.
Previously reserved for 12-cylinder versions of the aluminium-bodied Audi flagship, the new styling treatment is now a common feature of the 10-model line-up, which also provides an upgraded SE equipment specification as standard for V6 and V8 models and a new Sport pack available at extra cost.
Over and above the already lengthy list of A8 equipment, the new SE specification adds DVD-based satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, an advanced key system (enabling keyless access and start-up) and voice control technology to operate the radio, CD player, car telephone and navigation system. There is more aluminium in the cabin, and an ambient interior lighting system, as well as a new steering wheel design.
The Sport specification upgrades the wheels from 17-inch seven-spoke to 19-inch 12-spoke, and also adds sports seats, sport adaptive air suspension (20mm lower than the standard set-up in each mode), a sports steering wheel with tiptronic gear change paddles and what is called "grey birch" facia inlays. The standard Valcona leather upholstery is also replaced by a combination of leather and Alcantara, although the full leather is still available for those who want it. The Sport option carries a premium of £2,500 for V6 models or £1,900 for V8 versions.
The range of petrol engines available for British models includes a 3.0-litre V6 with 220PS, 3.7-litre and 4.2-litre V8s with 280PS and 335PS and a 6.0-litre W12 with 450PS. Two clean and economical common rail turbo injected diesels - a 3.0-litre V6 with 233PS and a 4.0-litre V8 with 274PS, are designed to maximise economy.
IT SOUNDS GREAT, TOO
AUDI's best selling eight-cylinder and 12-cylinder luxury saloon, the flagship A8, is in even better shape inside and out with the latest model, which goes on sale next month.
It has become even more distinctive thanks to the integration of the latest single frame front grille, and a comprehensive package of upgrades.
The aluminium space frame, range of sophisticated engines, quattro four-wheel-drive system and greater comfort courtesy of the driver adjustable air suspension, means a car with class- leading power-to-weight ratios as well as a driving agility rarely achievable in such a large luxury saloon.
The new look car has on-the-road prices ranging from £47,125 to £77,355. European sales last year fell just short of 8,000.
Previously reserved for 12-cylinder versions of the aluminium-bodied Audi flagship, the new styling treatment is now a common feature of the 10-model line-up, which also provides an upgraded SE equipment specification as standard for V6 and V8 models and a new Sport pack available at extra cost.
Over and above the already lengthy list of A8 equipment, the new SE specification adds DVD-based satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, an advanced key system (enabling keyless access and start-up) and voice control technology to operate the radio, CD player, car telephone and navigation system. There is more aluminium in the cabin, and an ambient interior lighting system, as well as a new steering wheel design.
The Sport specification upgrades the wheels from 17-inch seven-spoke to 19-inch 12-spoke, and also adds sports seats, sport adaptive air suspension (20mm lower than the standard set-up in each mode), a sports steering wheel with tiptronic gear change paddles and what is called "grey birch" facia inlays. The standard Valcona leather upholstery is also replaced by a combination of leather and Alcantara, although the full leather is still available for those who want it. The Sport option carries a premium of £2,500 for V6 models or £1,900 for V8 versions.
The range of petrol engines available for British models includes a 3.0-litre V6 with 220PS, 3.7-litre and 4.2-litre V8s with 280PS and 335PS and a 6.0-litre W12 with 450PS. Two clean and economical common rail turbo injected diesels - a 3.0-litre V6 with 233PS and a 4.0-litre V8 with 274PS, are designed to maximise economy.
Dealer: Centurion Audi, Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York (01904 690505)
Updated: 08:44 Friday, April 08, 2005
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