This car is pure sex in person. And if you think you like Audi interiors now you haven't seen anything yet. Sorry I didn't get more shots. But there was dinner to eat and drinking to do.



http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4831A8/730752882_6QWp9-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4834A8/730757967_jYVCE-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4832A8/730756318_ugWF6-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4843A8/730764605_d732s-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4840A8/730762656_cd4Yw-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4837A8/730760659_mxeZX-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4807A8/730766211_jram5-L.jpg


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4845A8/730765098_8oNum-L.jpg

Thanks for the pics. IMO you probably DO need to see the car in person. I haven't yet seen a shot of the car where I can actually say I must have it---no offense to your pics ;^) I think it may photograph much better in a dark color.

I recall this was also the case with the C6 A6---it looked much better in the flesh, so to speak. The interior in the shots I've seen, on the other hand, does look quite nice to my eye.

Thanks again.

Yeah, it's much more imposing in the flesh. Photos don't give one the sense of the car's large size and it's "hewn from a block of granite" feel.

Believe me, most folks at the event got the "I have to have one" feeling. I had it too until I drove my S8 this morning.

Can't wait to see how they differentiate the S8 from the A8.

Can't wait to see how they differentiate the S8 from the A8.

You know that's the one I'm waiting for!

I can't believe the shifter knob. It's unbelievable.

I thought the whole push was for a "consistent design language" from audi ... so where does this weirdo TRON thing fit into that, when every other current model has a normal shifter knob ?

The entire center console is a total disaster. Did they not pay any attention to how much praise and adulation they received for having an elegant, understated interior ?

Crazy...

Front end is fantastic though... best front end since the 04/05 models...

Also, I'm glad audi didn't buy into the side-grill-vent-thing trend like BMW did ...

Crazy as it sounds though, I can see not buying my third straight A8 because of that shifter knob.

I feel I have 2 have it!!!!

Nice to see the D4 finally, but I'm not feeling the love for the interior or the exterior. The technology sounds fantastic, and I'm sure the adaptive suspension will be world class.

I seem to bounce back and forth between Audi and BMW. My current M3 has been a technological bummer due to the DCT transmission. I'm glad to see Audi has seen the light and decided against the DSG in this car.

Can't wait for my first drive. Next fall the M3 will go back to BMW FS and I'll make the decision between the D4 and perhaps a Lexus (heaven forgive me).

Any idea on pricing?

Mike

Those have got to be the worst Audi rim design I've ever seen. Chrome rims just don't belong on an Audi. Save those for Lexus cars, along with gold badging. I'd be interested to see how much mounting of the front license plate adversely affects the look of the front grille. As far as front headlights go, I currently prefer the more conventional headlight cluster shown in some D4 pictures but the radical design of the cars in the pictures in this thread may grow on me with time.

I like the front end and the interior (not sure about the shift knob but it looks better with wood trim at least) but the rear end is not worthy of a flaghsip. It looks like a larger version of the A4 rear end. One thing I noticed is that the D4 A8 did not benefit from the shortening of the front overhang the way the A4/S4 did with the B8 redesign. The NWB car is 3" longer and the wheelbase is 2" longer, so it potentially has an even longer front overhang. That's unfortunate since the front overhang of the D3 A8 and current C6 A6 are the only things that bother me about the current Audi line-up.

OK, these are the wheels I'd get if I was getting.


http://aerosmith.smugmug.com/Cars/2011-Audi-A8/019I4846A8/734707370_rpGrE-L.jpg

Any idea on pricing?

Mike

According to AoA, pricing won't be announced until just prior to the Fall launch. I did see on the blogs where AoA did suggest that D4 pricing will increase due to new/increased technology manufactured into the platform. No mention of what that price hike will be at this point.

I've heard on several occasions that AoA's aim is to attempt to bring the A8 closer in line with BMW 7-series and MB S-series pricing---So yes, expect a price increase over the current D3 model.

Another cost-related issue has been non-competitive A8 (read: non-subsidized) lease programs over the last several years, thus making the car less attractive for leaseing compared to BMW and MB. AFS' money factors have been OK, but the very low residual value tagged on the A8 is a killer on a lease's monthly nut. Perhaps they'll change things around a bit for the D4's launch; especially if they plan on selling the 6,000 units they've set as an annual sales goal here in the U.S.

We shall see.

One thing I noticed is that the D4 A8 did not benefit from the shortening of the front overhang the way the A4/S4 did with the B8 redesign. The NWB car is 3" longer and the wheelbase is 2" longer, so it potentially has an even longer front overhang.


You are correct about the overhang gain---

The D4's front overhang increases by 0.8 inches; the rear overhang gains 0.3 inches (converted from milimeters). BTW, the D4 really isn't that much wider than the D3 in practical terms---From the specification diagram I saw, they measure side-to-side from door handle to door handle; which are newly designed and extend off the body by approximately an inch on either side vs. the flush D3 door handles. However, the front/rear track is a little wider, which is a good thing.

Here are the D4 vs. 2010 D3 NWB comparative stats:

Overall Length: D4= 202.2" D3= 199.3" (D4= +2.9")
Wheelbase: D4= 117.8" D3= 115.9" (D4= +1.9")

Front Overhang: D4= 39.5" D3= 38.7" (D4= +0.8")
(Mid-tire to Front-end)

Rear Overhang: D4= 45.0" D3= 44.7" (D4= +0.3")
(Mid-tire to Rear-end)

Width/Body: D4= 76.7" D3= 74.5" (D4= +2.2")

Front Track: D4= 64.7" D3= 64.1" (D4= +0.6")
Rear Track: D4= 64.4" D3= 63.6" (D4= +0.8")

Stunning interiors. I love my 06 D3, but the D4 looks incredible. Was the event at AoA HQ?

Stunning interiors. I love my 06 D3, but the D4 looks fab. Was the event at AoA HQ?

The chrome wheels look like they were stolen off of a Chrysler 300. I can't bear to look at that car with those wheels.