Audi Kills A8 W12 and S8 for 2010 MY
04-25-09, 06:29 PM
#1
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Audi Kills A8 W12 and S8 for 2010 MY
But dropping the relatively rare and certainly over-the-top A8 W12 is a blow to lovers of simple excess and quirky technology alike. So too the death of the V10-powered S8. Though the Lamborghini-sourced mill will continue to power the S6 and the R8 V10, the sport big sedan slot in Audi's lineup will be vacant starting from the 2010 model year.
Small volume sales and large expenses related to the complex engines make the business decision easy, but that doesn't make it a bitter pill for enthusiasts. On the other hand, compared to competitors BMW and Mercedes Benz, the lack of a big and bad uber-sedan puts Audi at a competitive disadvantage - think S63 AMG and BMW 760i - and perhaps reflects new corporate cousin Porsche's desire to have a little more breathing room for its Panamera.
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Small volume sales and large expenses related to the complex engines make the business decision easy, but that doesn't make it a bitter pill for enthusiasts. On the other hand, compared to competitors BMW and Mercedes Benz, the lack of a big and bad uber-sedan puts Audi at a competitive disadvantage - think S63 AMG and BMW 760i - and perhaps reflects new corporate cousin Porsche's desire to have a little more breathing room for its Panamera.
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04-25-09, 08:49 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
that car setup in the pic is just gorgeous. oh well, economy sucks.
04-25-09, 11:14 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
The same reason they killed the W12. They can make just as much power with a smaller motor. In the future we will be leaving the " size matters " stuff for the bedroom. Displacement can be replaced by forced induction. The old saying " there is no replacement for displacment" is a thing of the past. I am still waiting for them to bring back the V6 vette. Slap a turbo on it and it will outdo a NA V8. 505hp of the Z06 is great, but not a lot considering the massive 7.3 liter motor. My GOD .... can you guys imagine how much power Nissan or Toyota could pull out of a 7.3 liter motor.
04-26-09, 06:55 AM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Audi like BMW is going to start using more forced induction in the future to maintain power while improving fuel economy. New M5 is more than likely going to be a TT V-10
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04-26-09, 07:58 AM
#8
The A8 is one beautiful machine.. I don't believe Audi has "killed" the W12.. This story has as much legs as the story about BMW no longer producing V12 engines remember that? To be tier 1 you have to be able to rumble with tier 1. Teir 1 in my book= V12, coupes, performance division, customization/individualization of factory vehicles available, just the creme de la creme of luxury motoring.
04-26-09, 01:50 PM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
04-26-09, 02:38 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Make sure you go certified pre-owned and get the extended coverage..........Audi's are great to look at but are downright horrible for reliability. I've owned two (b6, b7 S4) and had nothing but problems!
04-26-09, 03:50 PM
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The same reason they killed the W12. They can make just as much power with a smaller motor. In the future we will be leaving the " size matters " stuff for the bedroom. Displacement can be replaced by forced induction. The old saying " there is no replacement for displacment" is a thing of the past. I am still waiting for them to bring back the V6 vette. Slap a turbo on it and it will outdo a NA V8. 505hp of the Z06 is great, but not a lot considering the massive 7.3 liter motor. My GOD .... can you guys imagine how much power Nissan or Toyota could pull out of a 7.3 liter motor.
Chris
04-26-09, 05:08 PM
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The current trend is to extract more power and efficiency from smaller engines. And it's working. I believe the Audi decision to cancel these models is based on something like this. Perhaps they have a V6 or V8 with similar power but more efficiency in the works.
This reminds me, I think the folks back home in the States have also matured and grown up due to the hard times. A few days ago I was reading the comments section of the International Herald Tribune online dealing with the planned Mercedes E250 BlueEfficiency. This will apparently be a four cylinder gasoline- or diesel-powered E class that may be sold in the US. I discovered the article there by chance (I rarely read automotive news on IHT) but what caught my eye were the overwhelming positive responses from readers about it. Comments like "Bring it to the US and I'll be the first one to buy one! I only bought my E350 because there was no sub-E350 model available!" were plentiful. The people commenting on this vehicle really seemed to appreciate the projected fuel economy and luxury features more than raw performance. Several comments stated that the performance of this E250 is "completely sufficient".
The typical IHT reader strikes me as the educated and open-minded sort, hence I think their reaction represents quite a portion of the luxury market in the US. BMWs 525i has done fairly well. Yes, cheaper price is a factor but there are also people who don't care for power but want something the car offers. Comfort, style etc.
The motor downsizing trend is definitely coming to the US in my opinion. By force.
This reminds me, I think the folks back home in the States have also matured and grown up due to the hard times. A few days ago I was reading the comments section of the International Herald Tribune online dealing with the planned Mercedes E250 BlueEfficiency. This will apparently be a four cylinder gasoline- or diesel-powered E class that may be sold in the US. I discovered the article there by chance (I rarely read automotive news on IHT) but what caught my eye were the overwhelming positive responses from readers about it. Comments like "Bring it to the US and I'll be the first one to buy one! I only bought my E350 because there was no sub-E350 model available!" were plentiful. The people commenting on this vehicle really seemed to appreciate the projected fuel economy and luxury features more than raw performance. Several comments stated that the performance of this E250 is "completely sufficient".
The typical IHT reader strikes me as the educated and open-minded sort, hence I think their reaction represents quite a portion of the luxury market in the US. BMWs 525i has done fairly well. Yes, cheaper price is a factor but there are also people who don't care for power but want something the car offers. Comfort, style etc.
The motor downsizing trend is definitely coming to the US in my opinion. By force.