Re: Fwd: Audi A8 Achieves Highest Possible Safety Test Rating

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <Pine.HPP.3.95.980915154852.23368A-100000@bluejay.creighton.edu> Virtual Bob writes:
>
> > The Audi A8 is the first and only member of the premium luxury class to
> >earn the dual five-star rating for both the driver and the front seat
> >passenger under NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
>
> Oh, sure. Just go smear some mud on faces of those who have proved iron is
> tougher than aluminum (aluminium for ye non-'Mericans).

The first hints have started to surface that the A8 may be a technology
too far.

Out of the showroom, the alloy-engined V8 and the aluminium-bodied A8
have impressive technical characteristics - but there has to be doubt
about their long-term life.  'Long-term', in this context, means well
over ten years.  There are exactly three (or is it four?) A8-certified
bodyshops in the UK.  Bend an A8, and you _CAN'T_ take it to a friendly
local bodyshop - you're tied to Audi's (very) little list.  Care to
guess how much price competition there is between them?  Right first
time.

There are other cars with aluminium panels.  There are _NONE_ using the
technology that Audi uses.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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