The Audi A8; Refined Elegance

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Thomas Pretty asked:


The Audi A8 can be considered the flagship of the range, as a luxury executive car it sets out to compete with other executive cars in its class. Such cars include the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes S Class, Audi have managed to compete effectively with these models as well as others in this packed class awash with prestige vehicles. The price may well scare some away however, to buy new they are costly, increasingly, a used A8 has become an affordable option for business executives.

Styled in a conservative manner, the looks of the car belie its technological and modern nature; the Audi A8 has been regarded by some commentators as the cleverest car in the world. Lighter than competitors such as the VW Phaeton and the Rolls-Royce Phantom it is constructed from aluminium that ensures rust free driving for years and makes the A8 an even more enticing used car option. The 7 Series and S Class may be more aesthetically pleasing in a bold contemporary way but the Audi penchant for understated style is prevalent throughout, right down to the single panel grill present in most of the Audi range.

It is not until you climb inside the A8 that you realise where the designers at Audi have focussed their attention. However, if it is luxury you are looking for, go for the Rolls Royce Phantom, its interior is truly awe-inspiring while the insulation dulling the engine noise is truly outstanding.

The finish is exemplary in all aspects, the ergonomic design of the driving position and cabin in general makes it a comfortable and luxurious space to spend time in. Long journeys will fly by in a breeze as you effortlessly coast along motorways. The autobahn heritage is clear to see when travelling at high speeds for any length of time as engine noise is practically non-existent and the ride quality is like floating on air.

The Quattro four wheel drive system means road holding is sheer quality and confident handling is present at every corner. The steering however can be described as a little distant, especially considering the brilliant driving experience present in the BMW 7 Series, that has been described as exemplary. This however is a minor complaint in a car that sets out not to thrill the driver but to create a driving experience that is as effortless and comfortable as possible. Engine choices are extensive and vary greatly in power and efficiency. The diesels are probably the best option as the TDi system delivers performance combined with fuel efficiency. Although the A8 is clearly missing the sheer power of the engine options in the Mercedes S Class.

Rear seat comfort makes the Audi A8 a car that makes a perfect limousine for the discerning businessman. It will comfortably fit five adults with those in the back enjoying a large degree of legroom, especially in the longer wheel based models. Although most who want to be chauffeured are more likely to look at the Maybach of Rolls for their luxurious interioirs and sense of space. In terms of reliability, the quality of finish shines through in the A8, the car will literally go for miles and miles with breakdowns being a rarity.

Downsides to this premier car do however exist, some owners have reported that the central armrest can break if leaned on too hard and the transmission in the earlier models from 1997 through to 1999 has been an issue for some, although not all. One thing that may be a worry for some is the high price of replacement parts and servicing, remember this is not a Honda, and parts will be expensive. If you have the money for the initial outlay however, maintenance costs should not be of great importance.

Overall the Audi A8 is a sublime piece of technology, it may be pricy but when compared to other cars in its class the price is relatively affordable. As a luxury car it is almost unsurpassable, the quality of this German car manufacturer is clear throughout the design and construction process and while the car may be expensive, it is good value for money. For those who travel extensively on business and want to impress, the A8 is a serious vehicular option.



Julie
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A Look At The Audi A3

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Thomas Pretty asked:


The Audi A3 can be seen as the entry level Audi in the luxury car market. In no way a saloon it manages to retain some of the luxury aspects of the larger cars whilst being small and practical. The original model now widely available as a used car was developed as a direct competitor for the BMW 318ti and the Mercedes C230. A little more affordable than these models, the German car manufacturer has now been producing the A3 for almost twelve years with good levels of success.

Originally Audi produced the A3 purely as a budget alternative other more expensive German models. The range of engines available in the initial launch was somewhat pedestrian and made the car a little sluggish in terms of performance. However, three years later a new range of engines were developed with more power to make the car a ‘hot hatch’ to rival the VW Golf GTi. Four wheel drive, something that Audi have made themselves famous for in recent years, was also added as a performance option.

In terms of handling the A3 was never designed to be an all out racer such as its much sportier brother, the TT. The drive can be described as adequate if not entertaining but grip and body stability in corners is good. Steering however is something that is lacking with a slightly detached feel that damages the experience as a whole. Ride is comfortable and in the sportier version, the firmer suspension improves the road holding qualities further. The engine is usually quiet at cruising speeds making it an ideal car for undertaking long distance journeys.

The interior of the A3 is still relatively contemporary even in earlier models thanks to efficient logical placement of dials and switches. With a fully adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat it is rarely a problem finding the perfect driving position. When the Audi first announced the A3 they wanted to continue the fine quality standards that were present in their larger cars. Space in the cabin is ample and comfortable, although the rear seats are rather awkward for any traveller who is over six foot. The boot is also large for a car in its class and has plenty of room for shopping trips and longer journeys.

As the A3 can be considered a prestige hatchback at a relatively affordable price, although the VW Golf is an even cheaper option from new. Fuel economy is good in the majority of engine models, although the V6 can be considered somewhat thirsty. Quality is clear throughout the A3 with solid fittings and fixings and the reliability of the engine should live up to the high expectations of Audi owners. With airbags for both front passengers and active headrests to reduce whiplash its safety features are also impressive.

For those who truly want a ‘hot hatch’ the S3 provides the perfect solution. Built along the same lines as the A3 it is a more powerful, edgier option. The first generation kicked out around 220 Bhp, although it could have been more powerful if it was not for competition issues with the Audi TT.

Utilising a turbo charger, the performance stats were impressive and it rapidly became popular. The latest generation is believed to achieve 0-60 mph in five and a half seconds. In comparison to other models the S3 is rather expensive, especially considering the VW R32 Golf and Vauxhall Astra VXR offer similar power at a more affordable price.

Overall the A3 and its brother the S3 are decent small cars. Quality and reliability are exceptional and although it is cheaper than the other major German manufacturers, there are cheaper alternatives on the market. But for Audi quality and brand recognition the A3 is a brilliant small family car that will bring years of driving pleasure.



Norman
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mami1992 asked:


I recently bought a 1976 Audi Fox. I am working on fixing it up and getting it into good condition, but I’m curious as to how much somebody would pay for this car once it was in good condition. I’m am asking so I know whether putting the work into it is worth it.

Thank you.

Dennis

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Mike Rugby asked:


The Audi brand is the front running label that Volkswagon uses in releasing their cutting edge designs. The Audi S model is one of the newest designs that have shown the superior designs and the luxury that can be offered today. As a German brand the Audi S model has a strong support base in Europe, and the long lasting image in the United States has made the Audi the medium-high standard that most cars are striving to meet. As one of the main competitors to Japanese and American cars, Audi has designed the S model to be the standard for performance, comfort, and power.

In the next year the Audi S model has designs to create a car with a super charged engine layout. This is to meet the challenges that some of the Japanese companies have made in more recent models. The key factor in this is that Audi S model has a long standing image of quality and stability that many Japanese companies have strived to have, but fail to reach at the level that has been seen in Audi and Volkswagon.

Like many of the main models that Audi has made, the Audi S model’s focus on all the strengths that they can make in one design. The S8 has been seen as the best car that Audi has made since the Quattro designs of the 80s. The S model is just one of a long line of models that has shown that a person can have a very good car with all the power that a person needs in a luxury and sports car. In many places of the world, only the elite car brands have been able to compare with what Audi has fashioned in the S8 and that has been reflected in the overall sales.

Audi has also developed a method where they focus on one primary model that is their focus in marketing. This is a tactic that can be seen as dangerous in some eyes, yet Audi has been able to take this approach and make a huge impact with models like the Audi S model. Part of this is that they are the centerpiece to the company that they are part of and that they have a foundation base of being a brand that has existed for over a century. These are two factors alone that show that Audi is a brand that is proven. With them backing their S models and showing that they are the new mainstay of this company shows what they are offering to the world.

Many car brands focus on a region or country, and Audi has put the focus in the world. They are a brand that has shown that excellence is in quality, and that quality is in the Audi S models. This is a bold statement, yet one that comes from a brand that has been proven and shown to symbolize all that a car owner could ever need in a car. If anything, Audi has been improving their brand representation in the past decade and the Audi S models are a perfect example of this.



Michele
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frahkass asked:


I found some corrosion on the connector of my battery and I can’t start.
What are the risk of unplugging the plus of the battery. My car is a 2000 Audi TT quattro.

Thanks
I meant restart obviously!

Lisa

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R10 Diesel for Audi A8?

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Sarah Mcbride asked:


Guesswork about Audi car parts is floating in the air leaving other car fanatics hanging in the verge of inquisition. Said speculation is all about the automaker’s A8 which is rumored to be get a version of the twin-turbo V12 TDI diesel engine. Said engine powers Audi’s R10 Le Mans racecar, which has won this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Twin-turbo V12 TDI diesel engine is a 5.5-liter, twelve-cylinder engine that produces 650 horsepower and 811 ft-lbs of torque. The monster diesel engine is expected to power up Audi’s A8 limo. Said expectation will not be a surprise according to car enthusiasts because every Audi fanatic is longing to have superior performance on the road.

The engine from Audi R10 weighs in excess 200kg. Basically, it requires cast iron block which attaches much weight than all-alloy petrol engines. The rumor that the sought-after power diesel is soon to be incorporated in A8 limo will certainly create a bang to the automotive industry.

It can be recalled that Audi has extravagantly spent in its endeavor to improve its diesel technology and to effectuate superior diesel performance to its petrol competitors. To compare the performance of the former from the latter, diesel engines are famed in their capability to produce more torque with better mileage.

In addition, A8 has been previously enhanced to produce better ergonomics. Enhancements include side sills with air intakes, rear spoiler, 21-inch two-piece wheels and an extra lateral ventilation channel.

This may appear to be pure speculation in the present time. Nevertheless, said speculation may not be very far fetched for it may mot stay as a speculation for long. Audi may be planning to build a high-performance version of A8. With Audi’s endeavor for the betterment of its engines, this speculation may rise in the future time as a dominant feature in Audi A8 limo.



Gary
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Ansel P asked:


I am in the market for a car and the Audi is catching my eye. Just trying to get as much numerical info as possible….please help

Joy
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