Audi A 8, oh so sleek and fast

When my Editor announced that he was sending me to test drive the new model 2004 Audi A-8 Sedan, I was skeptical, since I can’t drive and I have never really been much of a car person. Sending me on an assignment like this would be like sending a blind man to a silent movie. I would be completely clueless when the sales people started talking about fuel injection, air suspension and multitronic transmission with triptonic function. However, two hours later, there I was sitting in the office of Audi Brand Manager, Garth Marshall, waiting for him to take me on my very first test drive. Needless to say, I just sat in the passenger seat and let him drive me around while he explained the technological features of a car that cost seven time the price of my house.

At first glance, the Audi flagship A8 Sedan is, for want of a better word, intimidating. For one, it costs between $990,000 and $1,250,000, a sum of money that I may never see in my entire life, unless Lady Luck smiles on me and I win the Lotto. And even then, after taxes, I still won’t be able to afford a car like that. However, Marshall explained, this was the case for most people, since by setting such a price, Audi was targeting a niche market. He also explained that it was made to appeal to Ambassadors, other diplomats and Ministers who were allowed duty free concessions for the purchase of a car. Although the price might seem steep for many, Marshall noted that the A8 was competitively priced with other luxury cars like the Mercedes S Class and the BMW 7 series which possessed similar features. “The Audi Sedan is still a competitive car,” he noted, “the equipment level in the car is compatible if not superior to the other two brands.”

During the 10-minute drive around the Queen’s Park Savannah, I could not help but notice the admiring, not to mention envious glances that came our way. On a normal day, traffic around the Savannah after 3 o’clock, is well, unbearable. However, this was the first time that my blood pressure did not go up, as we cruised around, with the air conditioning and radio on, gliding over road bumps and pot holes, like a knife over butter.
The Audi A8 was officially launched in Trinidad on September 4, by Automobile Sales Limited, local Audi distributor. It was launched in Europe last year and became the recipient of numerous design awards, including the prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel” for Best Luxury Class Vehicle. The media also named it the sportiest luxury sedan on the market. Since the launch, the public response to the car has been overwhelming. “People have looked at the car and marveled at it,” he said. “They are very impressed with what they have seen with the car, especially knowing what the older model looked like.”

He explained that in terms of outward appearances, the new model projected a sportier image, while the older model leaned towards the executive look. “There is more to this car than meets the eye,” Marshall went on. “Some of the electronics in this model are of a higher level than was present in the older model.” The focal point of the A8 is undoubtable the Multi Media Interface (MMI), an electronic system which allows the driver to programme the car to various settings to make his ride more comfortable. This includes air-conditioning, suspension, audio, steering wheel, alarm system and mirrors, among others. Using a touch pad on a control panel located between the driver’s and passenger’s seats, the driver can make any changes to these settings using just his finger. This also prevents others from using the car without their settings being programmed into the MMI.
Amazingly, there is no need for keys to start the car. Marshall explained that once the driver had the keys on his person, by just pressing a button on the control panel, he can start the car.

“It is a lot to talk about,” Marshall maintained.  “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand this car.” “The people who buy these cars,” he went on, “demand a certain level of luxury. You don’t want to get into a car and have to waste time adjusting your seat and such. You don’t have time for that.” “The only thing this car does not do is drive you from Point A to Point B. The less you have to worry about the better.” The car is basically available in two configurations, a 3.7 liter engine and a 4.2 liter engine. The 3.7l V8, a 280 Horse (hp) power engine, is priced at $990,000 while the 4.2l V8 costs $1,250,000. This can reach speeds of up to 335 miles per hour. They come with two years unlimited mileage, a 12 year warranty on body corrosion and three years on paint work. Other features of the A8 model include central remote locking, a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system, with a six-disc CD changer located in the glove compartment, cup holders in the rear and front, as well as a multifunctional steering wheel and a walnut wood dashboard with a glossy trim. It also possesses both active and passive safety features, including dual front airbags, side front airbags and eight side guards and aluminum spacing which enhances the strength of the car.