AUDI is not backtracking in its ambition to become the number one premium brand by 2015.
Revealing its flagship model last week in George, Western Cape, the German manufacturer said the new Audi A8 was the result of hard work and acknowledging its mistakes on the outgoing model.
Though the outgoing A8 was not well received by South African customers, it did well in other parts of the world.
Audi SA's Ryan Searle said the new Audi A8 would turn the brand around.
Searle said he was confident that the A8 would make its mark in the market.
"We have identified more than 700 customers for the new A8. These customers are keen and excited about what we have revealed to them," he said.
He added that the identified potential customers were current Audi owners and people from the competition.
After the formalities, it was time to put the car through its paces on a beautiful George day.
At first glance the A8 is unmistakably Audi. The new car is in line with the new Audi language of less lines and on aggressive front.
The drive took us through beautiful passes that would expose a shady suspension, but the A8 held on and passed the test.
Though it is a big car, the A8 drives like a small sporty car. The heavy feel that is usually associated with saloons has been minimised, if not eradicated.
According to the manufacturer it was difficult to create a car that is both a driver's and passenger's car.
We were collected from George Airport and chauffeured to the venue sitting at the back of the A8. This proved to be a comfortable ride.
According to the manufacturer, the 4,2 quattro is going to be the lead car in their marketingstrategies.
"We made the mistake of focusing on the 3,0 TDi previously, but we are correcting that by putting more emphasis on the 4,2 FSI V8," said Searle.
The A8 was launched only with the 4,2-litre petrol, and other derivatives such as the 3,0 TDI and 3,0 supercharged are expected next year.
The previous A8 did not come close to what the new A8 is. The new car can fight back and has the potential to do well.
Unlike the outgoing model, the new A8 looks, feels and drives like a premium saloon.
The level of technology has been raised to that of the current Audis, if not better.
Searle said a brand is judged by its flagship model, not volume sellers.
He said the new A8 is a sophisticated and progressive car.
According to Searle his company has been preparing for the A8 for the past two years.
"Twenty-two of our dealerships will cater for A8 customers."
The interior of the new Audi A8 is a wellness lounge for the senses. With generous spaciousness, clear, elegant styling and uncompromising, craftsman-like fit and finish, the interior is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the four-rings brand.
In the cut it is wider, airier and more open than its predecessor - a new lightness that manifests in numbers but much more so when experienced.
Audi fights back
AUDI is not backtracking in its ambition to become the number one premium brand by 2015.
Revealing its flagship model last week in George, Western Cape, the German manufacturer said the new Audi A8 was the result of hard work and acknowledging its mistakes on the outgoing model.
Though the outgoing A8 was not well received by South African customers, it did well in other parts of the world.
Audi SA's Ryan Searle said the new Audi A8 would turn the brand around.
Searle said he was confident that the A8 would make its mark in the market.
"We have identified more than 700 customers for the new A8. These customers are keen and excited about what we have revealed to them," he said.
He added that the identified potential customers were current Audi owners and people from the competition.
After the formalities, it was time to put the car through its paces on a beautiful George day.
At first glance the A8 is unmistakably Audi. The new car is in line with the new Audi language of less lines and on aggressive front.
The drive took us through beautiful passes that would expose a shady suspension, but the A8 held on and passed the test.
Though it is a big car, the A8 drives like a small sporty car. The heavy feel that is usually associated with saloons has been minimised, if not eradicated.
According to the manufacturer it was difficult to create a car that is both a driver's and passenger's car.
We were collected from George Airport and chauffeured to the venue sitting at the back of the A8. This proved to be a comfortable ride.
According to the manufacturer, the 4,2 quattro is going to be the lead car in their marketingstrategies.
"We made the mistake of focusing on the 3,0 TDi previously, but we are correcting that by putting more emphasis on the 4,2 FSI V8," said Searle.
The A8 was launched only with the 4,2-litre petrol, and other derivatives such as the 3,0 TDI and 3,0 supercharged are expected next year.
The previous A8 did not come close to what the new A8 is. The new car can fight back and has the potential to do well.
Unlike the outgoing model, the new A8 looks, feels and drives like a premium saloon.
The level of technology has been raised to that of the current Audis, if not better.
Searle said a brand is judged by its flagship model, not volume sellers.
He said the new A8 is a sophisticated and progressive car.
According to Searle his company has been preparing for the A8 for the past two years.
"Twenty-two of our dealerships will cater for A8 customers."
The interior of the new Audi A8 is a wellness lounge for the senses. With generous spaciousness, clear, elegant styling and uncompromising, craftsman-like fit and finish, the interior is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the four-rings brand.
In the cut it is wider, airier and more open than its predecessor - a new lightness that manifests in numbers but much more so when experienced.
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