Photo: Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah
America has never been to kind to Audi's novel ideas. First there was the TDI diesel engine and more recently the Matrix LED headlight system. Regardless of that, the recently refreshed A8 family of models is finally making its way to this market and today, the company has announced official pricing and details.
The updated models were finished last summer in Europe, but it took another full year to bring the Audi flagship to America, and that's partly due to the Matrix system, deemed illegal. It's the same as with the Golf / Golf GTI, which just goes to show that the whole VW family likes to keep Americans waiting. The base model A8 will start at $77,400, excluding destination charges. This represents a $2,300 increase over the 2014 model year. The reason for this is that LED headlights will be offered as standard, together with a redesigned front bumper, hood and exhaust tips.
Some changes for the engine range have been made clear by the German automaker. The A8 versions that previously came with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (A8 4.0T and A8 L 4.0T) now receive a power rating of 435 hp instead of the old 420 hp. However, prices have also creeped up and a normal wheelbase model, for example, will now retail for $86,400 instead of the $83,900 of last year.
No power increases for the 3-liter V6 engines (TFSI and TDI) were announced and since the new A8 goes on sale in a month, it's unreasonable to expect any. European models with those engines have received slight increases, but they might not carry over due to emissions testing that would have to be carried out.
As for the S8, that sets buyers back $114,900, compared to $112,500 last year. What's more if you want your A8 to be truly worthy of "flagship" status, the A8 L W12 will set you back a hefty $137,900. What did you expect for an exotic engine?
Audi says that the changes it's made to the A8 target not only the exterior, but what's under the skin as well. 2015 models receive a new electromechanical steering system, available variable ratio steering and active lane assist. The Germans also offer a 22-way adjustable front seat and better sound insulation.
Some changes for the engine range have been made clear by the German automaker. The A8 versions that previously came with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (A8 4.0T and A8 L 4.0T) now receive a power rating of 435 hp instead of the old 420 hp. However, prices have also creeped up and a normal wheelbase model, for example, will now retail for $86,400 instead of the $83,900 of last year.
No power increases for the 3-liter V6 engines (TFSI and TDI) were announced and since the new A8 goes on sale in a month, it's unreasonable to expect any. European models with those engines have received slight increases, but they might not carry over due to emissions testing that would have to be carried out.
As for the S8, that sets buyers back $114,900, compared to $112,500 last year. What's more if you want your A8 to be truly worthy of "flagship" status, the A8 L W12 will set you back a hefty $137,900. What did you expect for an exotic engine?
Audi says that the changes it's made to the A8 target not only the exterior, but what's under the skin as well. 2015 models receive a new electromechanical steering system, available variable ratio steering and active lane assist. The Germans also offer a 22-way adjustable front seat and better sound insulation.
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