Re: V8 Quattro's

[steveb@newkla.kla.com (Steven Buchholz)]

> I know, I know, its all the rage (so WE think) and high tech and everything
> else.  How many of us REALLY want an A8?  Someone (an afficianado of German
> cars from Munchen) made a good point about the A8:  If, god forbid, you get
> into a collision of some kind, where do you take it for repairs?  Our
> existing collision repair infrastructure knows almost nothing about all
> aluminum autos.  Can we say EXPENSIVE?  Wait till the insurance companies
> figure out their risks on this one!  Sure, there's the NSX, but how many of
> them did Honda sell?  Supposedly, the A8 isn't doing too well in Europe,
> either.  
> 
... it is my understanding that Audi and Alcoa spent a lot of time research-
ing this issue.  Apparently the space frame is designed with replaceable 
parts that are fastened rather than welded.  There's got to be some truth to
the "expensive 'cause its new technology" though too.

Vorsprung durch technik!
Steve Buchholz
s_buchho@kla.com
San Jose, CA (USA)