The new A8 is nice. the problem is that, once again, the stupid marketing teams in the USA seem to think we don't want smaller cars here. There are SOOO many good cars in Europe that never make it here. Why?

The regular A8 (none L version) is better for most folks. The L just puts the car in the category of those who want a limo. Most don't. Most want what the original A8 had...style, power, luxury...forget the extra length....99% of people don't need/want it.

I hope the S8 version keeps with the shorter length.

See, it looks much better than the L:

http://www.audi.de/audi/de/de2/neuwagen/a8.html

 

Anyone ever try to bring a non-LWB A8 to the USA from the United Kindom?

 

Hehe, if only bringing a car from Europe were that easy.....

I think the problem is that the demand for SWB A8s in the United States has always been miniscule due to the fact that the vast majority of people who bought A8s bought them as luxobarges, alternatives to the 7-series and S-klasse, rather than sports sedans. Having said that, I don't see how Audi is saving money by not bringing the short-wheelbase version of the new A8 here (not that it would sell in any appreciable quantities). The new A8, as opposed to the "old" one, is now truly the same size as the 7er and the S-klasse - and thus its harder to sell it as a sport saloon. Even in short-wheelbase form the new A8 just seems humungous.

Here's another question to ponder: how many 2001-2003 A8s do you see in the US in short-wheelbase form?

I believe I have yet to see a 2001-2003 short-wheelbase A8 in the states. Once the long-wheelbase A8s came on the scene in 2001 the demand for SWB A8s (not including the S8) dropped dramatically.

 

I agree that the standard A8 looks much better than the A8L, but the reason Audi offers the L is because BMW and Mercedes kept winning head-to-head battles because the car magazines and others complained of rear seat legroom. I'm not sure what your complaints are about in your statement about the dumb US marketing people.. Like BMW, Audi offers both the A8 (Standard Wheelbase) and the A8L in the US. Its just that they sell more A8Ls than A8s... seems most folks who can afford the new ones, prefer the long wheelbase?

As for the S8.. my only wish is that they bring over a REAL drivers car.. either with 6-sp or with paddle shifters... How bad-*** would that be.. a Twin Turbo V-12 All Aluminum S8 with F1 style Paddle shifters... I may need to rob a bank! :-)