Hak4you

Hi All,

The utility of the A7's fold down seats and tailgate have it at the top of my list, as a sm. business owner I often myself hauling things when I didn't plan to do so, so trunk space for me will save a trip home to swap out for our SUV. But around here at least (DC area) they are selling like crazy - no more 2013's at my local dealer, used ones sell in a weekend, no 2013 S7's around, nor 2014's even listed. I've test driven the A6, S6, A7 and find the 3.0T (supercharged) a fine engine. But it doesn't get my blood pumping.

I'm noticing a half dozen 2013 A8L's on my local dealer's page. Wonderfully, most with the turbo V8 and the sport package with the upgraded front seats. I have to think that there may be some room vs. msrp (viz the A7) if I use the stock levels of the 2013 A8(L) as a guide.

Anyone else seeing more inventory in A8L vs. the A7 in your neck of the woods? Is my gut right that there may be more room to negotiate on an A8 vs. A7?

The economy of the TDI in 2014 looks fantastic, but the thought of not getting "nearly" an S8 (2013 A8 V8t) at a good value may echo in my regret chamber. Any A8L with sport package and v8 turbo owners do software tuning to get their 'stock' v8 to the S8 numbers?

As a reminder:

S8

Horsepower 520 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 481 lb-ft. @ 5500 rpm

A8

Horsepower 420 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 444 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

I know it may be an odd question to ask on a $100k sedan, but my last 2 cars over 15 years of ownership are turbine fed and reasonable software tuning just plain works, it may not be something I do well until after breaking it in, but I'm interested in your feedback if you've done this on your A8 v8T. Do you trust the rest of the driveline to handle more power with a heavier car? (ie: its usually less risky to boost lighter cars) - but is the rest of the driveline used in the S8/RS6 with much more power?

What tank-average fuel economy are you seeing on your A8L with v8t?

Fadiboy

If you stick to a major vendor like GIAC and stick to the street 91 octane version, the car should hold up well.

As to the s7 versus the a8 4.0 question, I would say that unless there is a specific item that you regularly carry that fits the back of the S7 , but not the A8, by all means, get the S7. If you have a utility vehicle though, I would not try to make the Audi a jack of all trades proposition. Conversely, I used to have a Porsche Cayman that I never drove, because it was useless to me as a work car, and in my life there just aren't that many opportunities to drive just for the sake of driving. I think the right balance is in between. I would think you could get a smoking deal on a '13 A8 about now. I would start at invoice ( that would include available incentives).

Audis or VWs 4Life

You may have a harder time getting info from TDI owners because at this point I don't think there are more then 100-200 of them in the US. (That may even be a high estimate)

In terms of room to negotiate the A7/S7/RS7 will be very difficult to negotiate they basically fly off dealer lots. A8 will sit far longer hence your ability to negotiate will be easier. The S8 and TDI might be the two hardest to negotiate with the 8 series. Your best bet is the north east as they seem to have the highest density of dealerships so competition is higher.

GIAC already has a chip for the D4 A8 Twin Turbo 8. Pretty much it will give you S8 power in the A8 envelope. They also have chips for the 3.0 V6. Not sure how many A8's they've done with the 3.0 but I am sure its pretty close to the A6 and S4.

In terms of gearboxes the D3 A8 was pretty bulletproof. I have yet to hear of any failures for the D4. The 8speed gear box is pretty stout, they are using it in the C7 RS7/RS6 over DSG so that says something right there. Also it does duty in the Bentley with a TTV8 and TTW12 in front of it. Those are not light weight cars and they have similar and greater power levels.

Trunk space on the D4 is major disappointment, the C7 A7/A6 body off similar space and with the seats folded down its not even a contest.

navin in KC

I don't see it. Am I looking in the wrong place for the A8 chip for the 4.0T engine?

http://www.giacusa.com/products/soft...odel=A8_/_R8_® &submodel=A8_®&chassis=A8_®