A8

[fjbauer@dsavm.e-mail.com]

Frank J. Bauer                                                                  
dassault systemes of America     email:fjbauer@dsavm.e-mail.com                 
Subject: A8                                                                     
since i had to pick up some special order audi-only parts anyway,               
(and wanted to price a 2nd stage relay - 58 bones, gasp, hackaff)               
i stopped by van nuys vw/audi to scope out the A8.                              
they have a 4.2 and a 3.7 on loan for 2 weeks from aoa (i presumed from         
the standard MI MFG plates) for dealer training and demos.                      
then they're gone.  dealers will take special orders and each A8 will be        
crated and shipped for a specific customer.  i never saw the 3.7 (silver)       
but the 4.2 is amethyst grey (picture charcoal metallic with a purplish         
cast.)  prices were said to be $57K (3.7) and $67K (4.2) with the only          
options being cell phone, cd changer and 17" wheels (which the 4.2 had          
at least the phone and wheels.)  tires were 225/55-17 michelin pilots.          
it looks quite rounded but still has that big euro sedan look (no jelly         
bean, no bubble butt.)  the interior was a combination of light tan leather     
(sniff, mmmm!) a slab of wood on the console, a coupla brushed Al pieces        
(tiptronics gate and door pulls - not sure i liked this) and the usual          
euro black switches and plastic trim.  definite audi family look inside and     
out.  seemed like room for twin turbos and IC in the engine room =8).           
some beautiful looking suspension pieces, too.                                  
the sales staff at vnvw/a were obviously excited that the cars were there       
and there was a steady stream of riders and drivers when i first got there.     
eventually they parked it so i poked around and asked a few questions.          
just for kicks i asked one particularly informative saleslady how they planned  
to do body/chassis repairs.  of course she didn't know the answer but asked     
the next salesguy coming back from a ride.  of course he knew the answer!       
"lot's of motor homes have aluminum bodies..." is all i overheard him reply.    
his middle name was clueless.  they also said there was an allocation of        
8 vehicles for 96 for the dealership.  i'll get a longer look and more          
details thanks to paul timmerman et al on may 8.                                
frank