2007 D3 S8 three week review (long)
08-18-2006, 10:55 PM
#13
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Re: 2007 D3 S8 three week review (long)
Thanks for the write up......
I'm looking at purchasing a pre owned W12 and would like to understand the differences in size and 4 place seating to the S8.
I'm looking at purchasing a pre owned W12 and would like to understand the differences in size and 4 place seating to the S8.
08-19-2006, 06:47 AM
#14
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W12 is only on the long wheelbase platform (in the US). S8 is the standard wheelbase.
All the additional length goes into the rear compartment and adds around 5 inches to legroom and rear door length. Rear doors in LWB models get an additional storage bin in the rear doors and have an illuminated mirror for each rear seat passenger.
The 4 seat layout has an extended center console that runs through where the center "seat" and fold down armrest would be.
check out www.fourtitude.com for galleries which show the 4 seat and 5 seat layouts as well as a section for the S8.<ul><li><a href="http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Audi/A8-S8-V8%20(D1,%20D2%20and%20D3)/A8%20-%20D3">Foutitude Galleries</a></li></ul>
The 4 seat layout has an extended center console that runs through where the center "seat" and fold down armrest would be.
check out www.fourtitude.com for galleries which show the 4 seat and 5 seat layouts as well as a section for the S8.<ul><li><a href="http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Audi/A8-S8-V8%20(D1,%20D2%20and%20D3)/A8%20-%20D3">Foutitude Galleries</a></li></ul>
08-19-2006, 08:43 AM
#16
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A8 (non-L!) W12 in Europe has a lower final drive than other A8s
and sport suspension as standard. It was effectively a 'filler' for the S8, to keep brand loyal upgraders in the brand until the S8 was delivered, IMHO.
On paper, the S8 shouldn't be that much of an improvement over the SWB W12, as it has pretty much the same performance figures, just a heavier and less 'revvy' engine up front, so it is more nose-heavy than the S8. However, the overall package seems to be more than the sum of it's parts, and the S8 feels a very different beast to the same-size, same-weight (within a few pounds), same book figures SWB W12.
On paper, the S8 shouldn't be that much of an improvement over the SWB W12, as it has pretty much the same performance figures, just a heavier and less 'revvy' engine up front, so it is more nose-heavy than the S8. However, the overall package seems to be more than the sum of it's parts, and the S8 feels a very different beast to the same-size, same-weight (within a few pounds), same book figures SWB W12.
08-21-2006, 10:46 AM
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08-21-2006, 07:13 PM
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Sounds great!
I remember your posts from the RS6 board, and your prose is better than ever!
I still have my RS6, which, despite terrible roads here in Michigan, is still rattle-free at 56K mi. Last year I moved to an apartment with a short garage, meaning my RS6 barely fits -- and the S8 wouldn't.
The S8 sounds fabulous, but if you could offer more comments comparing it to the RS6, I'd be most grateful! My guess would be that even tho it's bigger, it handles as well or better, since the engine has been moved back a bit & AWD now sends more power to the rear. Beyond that, I'm wondering how you compare ride quality between the two, as well as acceleration & any other comparative comments you can think of.
I still have my RS6, which, despite terrible roads here in Michigan, is still rattle-free at 56K mi. Last year I moved to an apartment with a short garage, meaning my RS6 barely fits -- and the S8 wouldn't.
The S8 sounds fabulous, but if you could offer more comments comparing it to the RS6, I'd be most grateful! My guess would be that even tho it's bigger, it handles as well or better, since the engine has been moved back a bit & AWD now sends more power to the rear. Beyond that, I'm wondering how you compare ride quality between the two, as well as acceleration & any other comparative comments you can think of.