seemed more like an advertisement by audi than an authentic test drive, but cool nonetheless

<ul><li><a href="http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/48122/article.html">http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/48122/article.html</a</li></ul>

in terms of style and design. You could argue its style was "understated" in previous years. Now it is just plain dated and boring/blah. I would buy an S8 without question if it's styling were more artistic like the other Audi models.

As we all know, the newly redesigned and technologically enhanced A8 is on the way soon (it's technology is already very good).
In the mean time, Audi (the dealers I should say) are stuck trying to sell a model that is in transition. Last week, a local dealer was selling a 2001 S8 for $68,500. We are talking $14K to $15K or more off of sticker.

I'm sure someone snatched it up because that is a great buy. However, just like BMW, Mercedes, and any other car in the luxo barge category you are still going to lose about another $10K right away (even with the discount). It is better than the $20K you will see disappear if you buy at retail price.

Once they apply the anti-aging cream to the A8 line-up it will no doubt double the sales numbers even with the lofty sales prices. Bangle all but ensured that. A vast majority of the new 740 drivers will be people who are coming off an existing 740 lease. They will either hard sell them into the 740 or corral with incentives.

My guess is that the already low number of A8 sales basically fell off to nothing in the last month. The sales numbers will get pumped for reporting but real numbers are probably really ugly. I'll wait for the new A8 even though I personally have no real qualms with the current model.

Brian

There's another one for the allroad which also features Derek Bell. I was impressed that one of the stunt A8s with Mass. plates was cashmere gray.