Auto Channel

For 2007, the V-8 engine in the A8 and A8 L models gain Audi's FSI direct fuel-injection system, which boosts power and fuel economy. Also new is the S8, a 450-hp, V-10-powered performance variant.

Overview
Audi's largest car model, known for its lightweight aluminum space-frame construction, is available in both standard (A8) and extended-wheelbase (A8 L) form. For 2007, the A8's standard 4.2-liter V-8 gets Audi’s FSI direct fuel-injection system, which boosts output to 350 hp and increases EPA fuel economy estimates by 1 mpg compared to last year's model. The top-line version of the A8 lineup is the A8 L W12. According to Audi, its 12-cylinder engine, which produces 450 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque, propels the A8 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. All engines are backed by a Tiptronic 6-speed automatic with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.

All A8s feature an adaptive air suspension, a full complement of safety kit (including electronic stability control and side air bags), leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, satellite navigation, rear-view camera, and Bose audio. The latter three utilize a 7-inch, color LCD screen that drops out of view when not needed, and most functions are controlled through the Multi-Media Interface (MMI). An optional Bang & Olufsen stereo cranks out over 1,000 watts via 14 speakers. Interestingly, even at full volume, the B&O stereo can barely be heard outside the car. W12 models have power-closing rear doors and trunk lid and a rear-seat entertainment system with a trunk-mounted 6-DVD changer, as well as twin LCD monitors in the back of the front-seat headrests. W12 options include power-adjustable rear seats and a trunk-mounted refrigerator that is accessible from inside the car.

The new performance-oriented S8 rides on the shorter wheelbase of the A8. According to Audi, its powertrain—5.2-liter V-10 (450 hp, 398 lb.-ft. of torque), 6-speed Tiptronic, and quattro all-wheel drive—accelerates the S8 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

The Competition
The Audi A8 competes in the Large Premium Conventional segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, quality, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Cadillac DTS (58,224 units sold), Lincoln Town Car (39,295), and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (30,886). The Audi A8 sold 5,038 units in 2006, a decrease of 7.2 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Premium Conventional segment include the Lexus LS Series, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, and Maserati Quattroporte.