THE all-new Audi A8
is the first mass-pro-
duced, aluminum-bod-
ied sedan — a techno-
logical feat 10 years in
the making by Audi.

The use of aluminum is
becoming more and more
commenplace in high-end
sports cars and luxury cars,
such as the Acura NSX and
BMW 528i, but the AS is
the first sedan to have all of
its major components {ic.
space-frame, body panels,
suspension components, and
engine) made of aluminum
alloy. us

Although aluminum is
more expensive to produce
than traditional sheet steel
and composites (plastic), it
is stronger, lighter, and
safer, says Audi. Audi claims
that the A8 performs better
than the Mercedes-Benz S-
Class sedan in independent
crash tests — an amazing
claim considering that the S-
Class is one of the world’s
safest cars.

In addition, Audi claims
the A8 has the most torsion-
al: (twisting) rigidity of any
car sold, an attribute that
improves handling and ride
and reduces noise and vibra-
tion, ;

In terms of weight, the
A8 weighs in at 1,770 kilo-
grams (3,902 lbs.), 175
kilograms (385 tbs.) lighter
than a similarly-sized BMW
740iL, and 318 kilograms

- (700 Ibs.) lighter than a

« Mercedes-Benz $420 — the
“two cars Audi sees as the
_A8’s primary competitors,

Lighter weight and good
fuel economy are not prima-
ry concerns for luxury car
buyers, but good perfor-

‘mance is —~ the'A8's lighter,
stronger body’ structure con-
tributes to quicker accelera-
‘tion, shorter stopping dis-
“tances, and improved han-
dling and maneuverability.

Perhaps more important-
ly for Audi, the A8 is a
showpiece for this new tech-
nology which may eventual-
ly filter down to smaller
Audis when (and if) it
becomes cast effective,
When (not if} fuel becomes
more expensive and emis-

‘

THE 1397 Audi A8 is an all-new, full-size

Photo submitted

luxury car

from this German manufacturer. It features the
world’s first aluminum-alloy body structure, a 300
horsepower V8 engine, five-speed automatic trans-
mission, six airbags, and a huge trunk (18 cubic feet).
Test drive the Audi A8 at Guildford Motors, 13820 -
104 St., Surrey (North Van direct line: 983-3577).

sions standards become
stricter, vehicle weight will
definitely be a critical factor
in meeting both consumer
expectations and govern-
ment standards.

Safety is a prominent
theme in the new A8. In
addition to its strong body
structure, the A8 has six
airbags: two front airbags
and four side airbags (rwo in
the front and two in tie
rear). In addition, there are
automatic seatbelt tensioners
in the front and rear out-
board positions, side-door
beams, four adjustable head
restraints, and a sensor in
the front passenger seat that
shuts off the airbag if no
ane is sitting there.
However, unlike other
European sedans, the A&
doesn’r-have a centre rear
head-restraint or a centre
three-point seatbelt.

So beeg

SERVICE & USED PARTS

(MECHANICAL & BODY PARTS)

Speaking of safety, let’s
not forget the A8's standard
Quattro all-wheel-drive sys-
tem — a full-time four-
wheel-drive system that pro-
vides maximum traction in
slippery conditions while
enhancing handling and lat-
eral stability in both dry and
wet conditions.

The Quattro system
employs a centre Torsen vis-
cous differential and front
and rear electronic differen-
tial locks. As complicated as
this sounds, in day-to-day
driving, you won't even
notice its there. |

For maximum stopping

See Audi page &4@

Get ready

The revolutionary A8 is
rewriting the book on
supremely appointed luxury
sedans
State ot the art aluminum
space lrame technoloyy, all
wheel drive & tie safety of 6 y
air bags put the A8 in a class
of it’s own.
Starting trom $89,848

1997 Audi A8

Friday, November 29, 1996 — North Shore News — 53

audi technical data

Base price: $89,900

Type: four-door, five-passenger luxury
sedan

Layout: longitudinal front engine /all-
wheel-drive

Engine: 4.2-litre V8, DOHC, 32
valves ,

Horsepower: 300 @ 6,000 rp.m.
Torque: 295 @ 3,300 rp.m.

Curb weight: 1,770 kg (3,902 Ibs.)
Wheelbase: 2,882 mm (113.0 in.)
Length: 5,034 mm (198.2 in.)
Width: w/mirrors 1,880 mm. (74.0
in.)

Height: 1,440 mm (56.7 in.)

Trunk capacity: 498 litres (18.0 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption: City — 14.1]
1/100 km; Hwy — 8.6 1/100 km
Warranty: three years/80,000 km, no-
charge maintenance

Look out BMW, Mercedes & Lexus,
European’s best kept secret is out,
Audi is the car for the 80’s

y

1997 Audi

a

The most affordable luxury
sedan sold in North America.

af Award vanning ~', ‘ing, state of
the art technology & available

O

7

life!

___ 1997 Audi AG

onsen ner eR EN MGR —_ opm eo
Arguably the world's finest combination of a fully appointed
luxury car and a high performance. all wheel drive sedan.
Starting from $43,270

!

| all wheel drive put the Ad at the
h : top of i's class.
E Sh wes & Starting from $31,600

Guildford Motors CalD

1S820-104th Ave, Surrey Aud |
valet service call 983-3577 &

MARINE DRIVE : ?
"Reb 2 es : 2

ROBIN Bg S| og pf Co ee :

‘ | oR Visit our web site at ewww.axlonet.com/GKEl/

i To arrange a test drive or for