jtimmer

I currently own the 2003 S8, which has been a phenominal car. I am thinking of trading it in for the new A8L W12. Does anyone have any experience with this model? I saw one on the street in Boston the other day it looks awesome. The other option is to hold out for the next S8, or even an RS6, but who knows how long that will take?

D3AeighT

up to you to decide:

1)How much less will your S8 will be worth in 2007 to make a trade, if trade $$'s are an issue to you for that matter?
2) How willing are you able to "wait"?
3) We have to assume the S8 will come to the US. Could Audi AG screw that up? Doubt it.
4) How much do you like those litte RED Emblems being your next car?
5) The 2007 S8 will probably cost close to a current W12.
6) Experience with this model. There's a few on this board. I drove one at an A8 event late last year and they are one fantastic vehicle but again it's an "L" version and you may want SWB. It's a big car but handles probably as well as or better than your '03S8.
7) ????

jtimmer

I have heard that the W12 is heavy and won't be as quick as an S8. I do prefer the SWB over the long. My current S8 is a lease that runs out at year-end. That is why the timing is an issue. I guess I could always extend the lease, or maybe get a used RS6 for a year while I wait for the next S8.

D3AeighT

OK, I see now, with the end of lease versus "own", you do have quicker decisions to make. My "lease" ends March 2007 and want to potenitally get into an S8 at that time. I'll probably own vs lease at that point in time.

FallenBMWer

I think there are a number of laws (in my state, at least) or lease company procedures that mitigate against extending leases for any more than a courtesy month or two or three. Instead, you may have to enter into a new lease agreement, something that, given the front-loaded interest structure of most automobile leases, wouldn't work for a short term like a year unless the lease were written to your benefit, rather than the lessors.

AlexTTQ

True, but still not bad to get 0-60 in only 5 secs in the long wheel base!!!!

TheBrit

I couldn't wait for the S8, my RS 6 was getting way too many miles on it and I had to make a tactical sell before it lost too much value.

I'm glad I did though, the SWB W12 is easily the equal of the RS 6 in straight-line performance, and has the edge in braking and tight cornering (less understeer).

If the S8 comes out similar list to the SWB W12 and no better handling or performance, I'm sticking. If the rumours of 440bhp V8 FSI are true, I may stick as I think a high-revving V8 will seems a little harsh after the 'force field' delivery of acceleration the crushingly torquey W12 gives.

Lets face it, a 15ft sedan isn't really a track monster, it's for people that want to cruise in comfort but still be able to put small boys in Subarus in their place.

That said, when the S8 arrives I do want a test drive. If it's blatantly faster or more 'chuckable' than the W12, I may be tempted... ;^)

jtimmer

I just heard from my dealer that there will indeed be an S8 and that it will be available sometime in the second half of 2006 (2007 model). It will be a naturally aspirated V8 based on the RS4 (I think). It will also have the dynamic suspension that the "S" version of the new A8 has. Pricing is likely to be substantially below the W12 (approx 90k). It will be much sportier than the W12 given its lower weight.

So, cleary I will wait for the next S8.

TheBrit

Hmmm, I'm going to have to have a look at one of those S8s when they turn up...