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Audi A8

1483 messages,  Last post on Jul 23, 2010 at 11:27 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A8, Sedan

Messages Page 4 of 149

#27 of 1483 2000 A8 roadtrip by audiaudia8

Oct 15, 1999 (5:12 am)

Just got back from a 1000 mile roadtrip in my new 2000 A8 in Montana and Wyoming. The driving experience was incredible with only minimal gripes. A few specifics:


Everything about the car is designed for driving fast (I mean 100-130mph - the electronically limited top end). The handling feel gets better the faster you go. With your hands off the wheel, the car tracks superbly at speed. Due to the great aerodyamics, there is minimal wind noise even when bucking a 40mph headwind that we get out here. The new control locations are excellent. The cd changer and radio can all be controlled off the steering column without taking your eyes off the road. Acceleration is very quick even on steep mountain roads, although acceleration from standstill in normal drive mode has a slight lag. However the tiptronic allows you to eliminate this lag and keep the transmission in the sweet spot of the torque curve and really move this car. Emergency handling is incredibly good although a quick back and forth lane change at speed will produce some body roll while maintaining good control (this roll is nonexistent however on even the tightest curves). The xenon headlights turn night into day and are so tightly focussed that you can generally use high beams even with opposing traffic.


I've seen all the reviews and can give you my comment on some of the negatives you may have read. First, the backseat definitely is not for 3 adults and leg room is tight if the front seats are all the way back. However, any normal legged driver will have the seat forward enough that back seat leg room for 2 adults or 3 children will be more than adequate. My car came with Goodyear Eagle H-rated LS tires on 17" rims. I have not heard a single squeal out of them and am very happy with their overall performance. I don't know if the 16" rims are getting the Continental tires that were panned in Car and Driver. If you are a driver, this car is exactly the right stiffness. One reviewer downgraded the A8 due to too stiff a ride but I wouldn't want it any other way. At night, the control lamps now blend red for the radio and center console with white lights for the speedometer and tach, a really cool combination. The interior appointments couldn't be better and seat comfort is excellent for long drives.


Of course in snow country, quattro is the only way to go.Bmw's and mercedes don't cut it at all -- a feature which is really downplayed in all the reviews I've read.


In summary, if you need a fashion statement and are hauling trophy wives in the backseat to the opera, go get a bmw or mercedes. If you want a great driving car, have a place to let it run and need a top-handling snow car to get you to the west's top ski areas, get an audi a8.

#28 of 1483 re: 2000 A8 Roadtrip by billmillsva

Oct 17, 1999 (3:09 am)

Glad to hear the 17" Eagle LS works better that the 16" model. Perhaps it's the lower profile side wall or maybe Good Year has improved the tire since '97. I am buying 17" rims to replace my stock 16's and I'm going to Michelin Pilot XGT 4's for the rubber. Have you had any serious bad weather driving experience with the Eagles yet? (Just clarify, I mean have you driven in bad weather with these tires, not have you had bad experiences driving in bad weather but feel free to share in either event)

#29 of 1483 bad weather driving by audiaudiaudia8

Oct 18, 1999 (4:58 am)

billmillsva:


I have not driven the Eagle LS's on wet or snowy roads yet. I've just ordered a set of the H-rated Michelin Pilot snow tires on 16" rims for winter driving. I opted for the 16" rims since the higher tire profile will plow thru deeper snow before hitting the wheels where my experience has been that packed snow in the wheel can sometimes temporarily throw the wheel out of balance.


Let us know how you like the XGT 4's.

#30 of 1483 re: snow tires by billmillsva

Oct 19, 1999 (5:55 am)

OK on the XGT 4's. I like your point about the snow tires on the 16" rims. (At what speed do you start to notice that?) I will still have my 16's so if the 55 XGT's don't cut it this winter I can always use the smaller rims for dedicated snow tires. Although I doubt I'll get the kind of snow here that you probably see, so I may be fine.
Happy motoring!

#31 of 1483 snow related imbalance by audiaudiaudia8

Oct 20, 1999 (3:24 am)

mm, the wheels can fill up with snow at any speed if the snow is the right consistency. If this happens the wheels get so out a balance that you will feel a significant shake at 40 mph. This was a problem with my 86 Audi 5000 quattro. I'm sure wheel design has an impact on this happening but am not sure what design would be optimum

#32 of 1483 snow in yer' wheels by billmillsva

Oct 20, 1999 (3:51 am)

Sorry to confuse the issue with poor wording. I was referring to the shaking you get with out of balance wheels when I asked at what speed you noticed the the effects. I am considering the Ronal R-28 wheel for the 17" rims which is a 7 spoke design. I wonder if that will add to potential snow build up what with more openings....

#33 of 1483 V12 by merc1

Oct 20, 1999 (8:29 am)

Anyone know if the "stretched" A8 will have the VW's W12 engine. The stretched version is due here next spring.


M

#34 of 1483 . by erijan

Oct 31, 1999 (12:10 am)

I, too, have heard of a stretched version. Is this simply akin to the 740i/740iL (longer wheelbase), or are there other modifications/options ? Does anybody have any more information regarding this version ? I happen to be one of those long-legged drivers and I am always concerned about the comfort of my rear seat passengers.

#35 of 1483 erijan by banana

Oct 31, 1999 (2:10 am)

try www.vwvortex.com


i think that's where i read all about the stretched version of the A8.

#36 of 1483 dear simple by jwolff1

Oct 31, 1999 (6:13 am)

I own an A 8-sounds like you need a new dealer-mine in NJ is GREAT! Re rear vision-after 4 years in a Landcruiser I find no problem with the A8 in this regard. Re side vision-I have a bad neck so I CAN'T turn to look to the sides so I use convex mirrors on the side views wich leave NO blind spot and you do not need to turn around at all. Good luck!

Messages Page 4 of 149

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