I noticed the D3 weighs a heavy 4300Lbs compared to the Jaguar XJ at 3800Lbs, LS430 at 3990Lbs and the new 2006 S class at 4200LBS. Data extracted from the individual websites.

Shouldn't the A8 weigh much less due to its aluminium space frame?

some one enlighten me please?

The Jag uses an exoskeleton instead of a space frame, but from what I've personally seen, it is a much less rigid chassis. The lexus is a much smaller car and the MB will weigh more in AWD models. The A8 and A8L weigh less than the 7er.

The Jaguar uses a more advanced aluminum construction than currently employed by Audi and lacks AWD, hence the lower weight. I'm surprised about the light weight of the Lexus.

Don't dorget the abundance of standard features (luxury, performance, safety and technology) on the D3 A8/A8L/S8. Jaguar aluminum monocoque frame is a piece of sh*t. I heard and read that in a fender bender, the Jaguar's aluminum monocoque frame cracks quite a bit and is much more expensive to fix after an accident than the Audi's enormously superior aluminum space frame. Shame on you, Gaguar-err-Jaguar.

the entire front subframe broke away from the chassis at the rivit points. From the outside the car looked ok with only a few minor scratches on the bumper and the grill cracked, but ended up with $23k in damage.

Yeah the front end of those cars is supposed to be detachable for easy repair. Nevertheless, I think only 2 dozen or so places are certified to do major repairs for the aluminum XJ because of the unique bonding method the cars use. It's scary to think what will happen to XJs on the used market, when second-hand owners try to get them repaired at a local body shop.

Love your sig pic Mr.R! Im visiting my local VW store this weekend to gawk!!!!!!

Jag resale #'s make Audi resale #'s look GREAT!

At least that's my 'notion'. No statistics to back that up with of late, but Jag resale value has to be about the worst out there...

.

you trade-in a Kia!

As bad as Audi's resale value is in North America (and it is quite bad-it is very good or excellent in Africa, Europe and Asia and adequate or mediocre in Ausrailia), Jaguar's (and Land Rover's) resale values are the worst out there-unless you live in the UK where Jaguar's and Land Rover's resale values are decent.