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    Categories: Audi

2011 Audi A8

Whether it is about cruising around and showing off or finding a car to show off, most will opt for luxury cars. Some may find these machines too expensive for anyone’s taste, but for these folks, nothing will get in their way. However, the real problem here is the choice of car to get maximum satisfaction out of. If that is the case, then people will most likely pick their favorite brand, Audi. This German company has been manufacturing eye-candies for years, and one recent model is the 2011 Audi A8.

Performance

The 2011 A8 makes use of a 4.2 V8 direct fuel injection engine that is capable of delivering a maximum of up to 372 horsepower. The integrated FSI technology works by injecting a calculated amount of fuel into the cylinders of the engine proportional to the volume of air. This combination of fluids creates a spiraling effect, thereby increasing the combustion efficiency of the engine. Using the eight-speed Tiptronic Transmission, the power of the engine is transmitted via shift-by-wire for quick acceleration changes without too much oil consumption.

The vehicle also features the Quattro all-wheel drive system, which enhances the dynamics of the vehicle. It also makes use of the Servotronic speed sensitive steering. The Audi Drive Select is another function that enables users to choose modes like Comfort mode or Dynamic mode. The adaptive air suspension of the vehicle is designed to increase the responsiveness of the vehicle, and the advanced breaking system is designed for better heat dissipation.

The performance of the Audi A8 is impressive with its enhanced systems. It has good handling and stability, thanks to the Quattro all-wheel drive system, and the engine, although not the fastest, has exceptional power and fuel efficiency.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior design of this car is neat and polished, but the design may not be new or striking to a few. The interior design of the car is different however, with its high-quality construction and details. The only thing that keeps the interior design from becoming almost perfect is its smaller-than-normal cabin.

Safety & Reliability

In terms of safety, the model has not yet undergone rigorous official tests by the government, but currently it includes the standard car safety measures like traction and stability control through the Quattro all-wheel drive system, anti-lock brakes, and front, side-curtain, front-side, and rear-side airbags. An optional Driver Assistance Package is available for added safety measures, which consists of a pre-collision warning system, blind spot monitoring, infrared vision system with pedestrian detection, land departure warning systems, and the optional rearview camera. As of now, the only issue is the poor rear visibility. The vehicle has also not been subjected to reliability tests. It currently comes with a four-year or 50000-mile warranty.

Competition

Some people may yearn to find other alternatives in case they do not find the A8 to their liking.

One is the Mercedes Benz S550 (MSRP $93,000; 15 city/ 23 hwy). The Lexus LS (MSRP $74,980; 16 city / 24 hwy) may also be an alternative to the A8 with its equally-gorgeous interior at a lower price. This does not have the prized Quattro all-wheel drive system of the A8, but in order to match that an optional package may also be purchased. The LS is also inferior to the A8 in terms of agility and fuel efficiency. The purchaser may also choose from the BMW 7-Series, specifically the 740i (MSRP $71,000; 17 city / 25 hwy) or the 750i (MSRP $84,300; 15 city / 22 hwy), which are faster and more agile than the A8. They are less expensive and more powerful compared to the A8, but they also lack the Quattro system. The addition of the xDrive may do the trick, but it would still not match the fuel efficiency of the A8.

Although the 2011 Audi A8 has poor rearward visibility, an unusual gearshift lever, and subpar power, it definitely shines with its stability, beautiful interior, and fuel efficiency.

Overall Rating
86 out of 100

What others say:

“Thanks to its lightweight aluminum underpinnings, the 2011 Audi A8 feels more athletic and responsive than other big luxury sport sedans.”Car Connection

“The trunk has a usefully cubic shape but unexceptional volume. The aperture is too small for bulky boxes.”Consumer Guide

“The sumptuous and tasteful cabin has nearly every comfort feature known to man, and a long list of high-tech safety features puts this car on the leading edge of safety engineering. However, the controls are abundant and complicated.”Consumer Report

“Fuel economy ratings are impressive for such a large, powerful luxury sedan, as both A8 versions rate 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan Base Price: $78,050.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 27 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 207.4 in. (526.7 cm) Width: 83.1 in. (211 cm)
Height: 57.9 in. (147 cm) Weight: 4453 lbs (2019 kg)
Wheel Base: 122.9 in. (312 cm) Ground Clearance: 4.72 in. (12 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 4.2L DOHC V8 w/ FSI® Displacement: 4163 cc
Horsepower: 372 hp Max RPM: 6800 rpm
Torque: 328 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Tiptronic®Automatic
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:A8 L MSRP: $84,875; MPG: 17 city / 27 hwy

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