GR8-LIFE

gotcha.

BTW, FWIW (and in my experience its usually not worth much coming from dealers) here is some pricing release dates that I just received 5 mins ago from my dealer. Hope this doesnt hold up as IMO, there is Too much time between 3.0 AND 4.0 A8 ENGINE pricing.



2013 A8 /A8L 3.0T Late Spring
2013 A8/ A8L 4.0T Late Summer

A8L TDI Early 2013
A8W12 Mid Summer
S8 4.0T Fall

derfA8L

Actually, it wouldn't surprise me to see that kind of delay for the 4.0T pricing. As I indicated earlier somewhere, they need to clear current 2012 4.2 inventory, and AoA hasn't even made a public announcement regarding the new V8 for the D4. They may want to keep focus on the A8 3.0T, at least initially. Also keep in mind that they have to launch the new V8 in the S6 and S7---and announcing the same engine in the A8 might be something AoA wants to hold off on for the moment in order keep a clear product differentiation. Add to all this the fact that the S8 will be launching shortly with the same (albeit more highly tuned) 4.0 litre twin turbo engine. Yup, I think they may want to delay any focus on the new V8 going into the Non-S version A8 right now.

GR8-LIFE

Well as I'm certain you know, the S8 itself is an alltogether different beast with the ceramic breaks, different suspension, ofcourse the tuned FI engin yielding the extra 100 HP (as you mention) etc

But according to the release dates, the A8 Turbo engine pricing is ACTUALLY planned before the S8.

2013 A8 /A8L 3.0T Late Spring
2013 A8/ A8L 4.0T Late Summer
A8L TDI Early 2013
A8W12 Mid Summer
S8 4.0T Fall


It is nice though that AUDI is now offering a multitude of engine options but they will come at a premium, I am certain of it

I suspect that early V6 FI versions May be a little slow to sell due to owners awaiting to see what the V8 FI Feels like but it will be interesting to see.

derfA8L

I suspect S8 pricing will be released much sooner, probably within the next month along with the A8 3.0T, as well as the S6 and S7...Initial S8, S6 and S7 deliveries slated to start this Fall here in the U.S. As for the 4.0T, probably sometime in mid/late July, with deliveries (I suspect) held until perhaps November.

Yes, the 4.0T S8 and 4.0T A8 are different animals, but there might be some potential S8 buyers who could see the twin-turbo 420-hp engine in the A8 (optioned with the full sport package) as something close enough to the S8, particularly vis-a-vis the price differential. The potential for some S8 sales cannibalism is certainly there, despite the 100-hp difference---And (you have to believe) Audi of America knows it.

Victoryroad

Your surmise is correct IMHO regarding potential S8 buyers viewing a 420 bhp A8 with full sport options as a reasonable alternative, particularly given the likely pricing of the S8. The S8 is likely to be priced much higher than the D3 S8, if pricing in Europe is any indication. It will probably be under a Panamera 4S or GTS, but still well above the A8 4.0T. For those who value exclusivity, the S8 or the Pan GTS are the choices, with the GTS being more fun at legal speeds, albeit with far less tech, comforts and convenience than the S8.

Christopher Marino

I agree, but I don't think Audi has the nerve to price the S8 within shouting distance of the 4S/GTS. Granted, they are very different cars, but the S8 in the past made sense when compared to comparable AMG models, as it had roughly the same power but was priced significantly less. The Panamera complicates things for Audi, and they would be wise to keep the price down. Having said that, though, the 4S/GTS start in the $110k range, and I just can't see the S8 being lower. Unless, of course, they price the 4.0T the same as the current 4.2 and slot the 3.0T in well below, but then they would encroach A7 sales. Seems to me like they have a few too MANY options and, frankly, I'm shocked that they are going to offer the 4.0T at all. Seems like it would be easier to market the S8 as the only V8 option. BMW, for one, is seeing a good deal of fall-off on their V8 products compared to the V6 offerings. Given the potency of the modern V6 engines, it kinda makes sense.

GR8-LIFE

ya, I agree and although an NA V8 similar to last year would still be ok with me, I can see where many would see the Turbo in the A8 as a very nice compromise to the S8 and not have to fork up the extra $$$. The 420 HP atleast puts the A8 in the range of the competition unlike last year where 372 was even less than a 2007 LEXUS LS460 which I know that the HP bothered a few (not me personally because i am not a fan of gobs of HP and perf in a big luxury sedan but thats just me). Wonder how much avg gas the cyl on demand (Together with the stop start technology) will save

jetinder

The price over here, when you compare an A8L SE Exec 4.2FSI vs 4.0TFSI, is £2600 (no, it's not a reduction). I used a January 2012 brochure vs April 2012. If I compare the 4.2TDI over the two brochures, it's £15 more now (just as a guide). I wonder if the price of a few bolts has gone up!!

It also says that the TFSI engine will not be available until mid-2012 in the fine print.

derfA8L

So essentially translating to approximately a $5K price increase in U.S. dollars. A bit lower than my initial guestimate, but it sounds realistic. I believe the price differential for the old C4 A6 2.8L NA V6 and 2.7T twin turbo V6 was in the area of $5K.

Christopher Marino

That 2.7T A6 remains the best car I've ever owned ... I miss her dearly.