Re: Lastest "EUROPEAN CAR" has lame A8 article

[Shaun Mullen <smullen@philly.infi.net>]

Sheffield Corey wrote:
> 
> Found the latest EC in my mail yesterday; interesting article on
> brakes, not Audi, but interesting. Interesting product review on Monroe
> Sensatrac(?) shocks on Mercedes test beds . . . Then an
> article on the new A8 . . . They claim a car costing that much needs
> a hook or gimmick to attract the high-end buyer. The whole article wasn't
> negative, but it was negative enough to make me think that the author had
> missed the point or was not really an Audi fan.

EC's view certainly is contrarian, but made some valid points not found
in the unrelentingly positive reviews in most of the other buff books. 
I think the A8 is drop-dead gorgeous, and as a longtime Quattro driver
very much appreciate what happens when the rubber meets the road, as do
all of us on the q-list.  With the U.S. economy  more or less in full
howl and AoA discovering (notice that I did not say rediscovering) that
there is money and good will to be made in treating your customers like
Saturn owners, for cryin' out loud, the A8 will sell out in the
foresseable future.  It may possibly be a huge seller in emerging
markets in South America and Asia.

I would have preferred a zootier design, inside and out, but what we did
get was the best-yet execution of the marque's current visage, which
still can weaken my (beat to heck) knees when I come up on the
beautifully sculpted butts of an A6 or A4, or see that distinctive
four-ringed grill coming toward me.  Audi probably, if not definitely,
would have had a tougher sell everywhere with a more forward-looking
A8.  So . . . it would seem both Audi and EC are right.  Right?