Arkay

Especially from the better connected folks like Atlas?

While I still have over 2 years left on my lease, I'm beginning to think about what to order next and orders are being taken for both the new M5 and the upcoming CLS55. I don't want to take any actions until finding out what's happening on the S8/RS8 front.

Any news would be greatly appreciated...even if they're only new rumors.

TIA!

AtlasD3Miami

I do despise the rumor about the V10 however. I really dont see how it would happen. Anything longer than the V8 just won't work with quattro in a front mounted engine chassis (the W12 is shorter than the V8). It's hard to think about what engine would be in the car. In the D2 the S8 was positioned lower then the 6.0 and with the D3 6.0 producing 450 hp I would think 400 - 450 hp V8 with FSI and priced in the 85 - 100k range. This is just my thoughts however. As to an RS8, it is too far out to tell, but with the TT W12 in Bentleys, I could forsee one planted in an Audi.

Cameron

... the A8 and the Gallardo use the same aluminum parrellelogram (sp?) engine mount. I've been under a D3 with its front cladding removed and I've been under my Gallardo when it's on a lift. Same piece. As for the space, the space taken up by the two extra cylinders is negligible and more than made up for by the more elegant transmission marriage at the rear of the block (look at a cutaway drawing of a Gallardo). The V10 fits in the Phaeton and Touareg, and that's a twin-turbo diesel that is significantly bigger than the V8 petrol motor. Surely the V10 petrol motor would fit.

And it's a great engine.

TheBrit

it would be a bit to 'revvy' for a luxury car like the A8? I'm sure it's an incredible sportscar engine, but I am not sure how it would feel in an A8.

I'd prefer Audi to go with a 4.2 turbo V8, but what I want doesn't hold much weight with Audi.

AtlasD3Miami

platform and the A8 ASF to negate the packaging of the engine and drivetrain? I remember back to when the W12 was introduced and that it was said by a AudiAG employee it would have been impossible to incorporate quattro with an engine longer than the V8 block that placement of the driveshafts would be impossible, hence the reason for the compact W12. I too love the V10 and think its a wonderful motor and would sell my left one to see it in an audi.

Cameron

... since it's basically the same engine with two extra cylinders. Around town, I usually shift around 3500 rpm despite the car's 8k redline. I think it'd be fine, and most of the noise is related to the exhaust being tuned for a "sporty" sound and being a relatively short run due to the mid-engined layout.

TheBrit

I'm easy to please like that.

D3AeighT

When asked if I would be purchasing an '05 A8 or A8L, since I already have the '04D3. I can wait until late '06 early '07. I don't think others can though. Audi needs the S on this side of the pond. I noticed the on the W-12 we drove yesterday that the air suspension was "greyed" out on the "dynamic" setting. Is that a Euro thing or just a "busted" Euro spec W-12?

TheBrit

Great minds....

Arkay

I can wait 'til April '07 as that's when my current lease ends.

But it'd be nice to be able to order in advance to make sure the new car is here by the time my lease ends.

And I'll put my vote in too for either a V10 or twin-turbo V8 ala the C5 RS6...either one would do nicely!