and test drove the new A8 with the W12 engine. They had about 10 cars present. Most were the V8s with the current "old" front end and three W12s with the "gaping mouth". Even though I didn't like the look initially when I saw it in the magazines I kinda liked it in person. The car I drove was an European model with a fax machine integrated into the rear armrest, a beautifully integrated phone with bluetooth technology, F1 paddle shifters behind the wheel, etc. The power of the W12 didn't really impress me that much compared to my S8 but the power delivery is so smooth and constant. In comparison the S8 almost feels like turbo charged to me. There's a moment of hesitation before power kicks in and then it arrives a bit aggressively when pressing the accelerator. Two things stood out IMO in the W12: 1. the power steering boost and 2. the adaptive air suspension. The steering is exactly what it should be in the S8. It has a heavier feel and you actually feel what the front wheels are doing. Next to it the S8 feels like a Buick/Lexus in this department. The adaptive air suspension is awesome. I drove both cars fast over a short stretch of a very bumpy and twisty road where the S8 got a bit out of shape - a lot of body movement. The W12 just flew thru without a hitch. Out of four I've used the "dynamic" (sport) and "auto" suspension settings. Overall the car does feel a bit heavier though and the backward visibility is not as good as in the S8. It is quieter and a lot more comfortable even in the "dynamic" suspension settings.
For showing up AOA gave me a $1,500 factory voucher that can be used to lower the negotiated price on a new A8 and a palmOne Tungsten E PDA. Pretty nice afternoon ... :-)

 

price is negociated... ;-)

 

Re: No, they said to show it AFTER price negotiation. It's a factory voucher.

 

what city/state are you in?

 

Re: L.A., CA

 

I'm in LA and have an S8 as well. I've been thinking lately about what car would replace my S8 and haven't come up with any good ideas.

So... do you think the W12 would be a good LA driver?