By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

Audi Canada has announced retail pricing for its range-topping 2008 A8 and S8 line-up of exclusive sports luxury sedans starting at $100,000.

As the flagship of the brand, the A8 embodies the progressiveness of Audi: its extremely rigid lightweight aluminum body built according to the Audi Space Frame principle, the potent FSI powerplants with direct injection, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the highly praised MMI operating system are only some of the elements employed by Audi to demonstrate its proverbial Vorsprung durch Technik in the luxury class.

Enhancements include a more direct steering and reengineered running gear to produce more exacting handling, modified adaptive air suspension to enhance riding comfort and extensive improvements in sound isolation.

In addition, subtle exterior and interior refinements serve to strengthen the special status of Audi's flagship offerings and make the new Audi A8 one of the world's best handling, quietest and most comfortable luxury sedans.

The Audi A8 family offers buyers a choice from four distinct models: the standard wheelbase A8 premium sedan, the highly acclaimed A8 L luxury sport sedan with an extended wheelbase and increased interior spaciousness, the unique Audi S8 equipped with a powerful V10 engine and, the ultimate A8, the A8 L W12 with a sophisticated 12-cylinder engine. The A8, A8 L and S8 employ the latest in engine technology from Audi: FSI direct gasoline injection.

Technologically sophisticated FSI V8 engines power the Audi A8 and A8 L with a capacity of 4.2 litres. They deliver 350 hp at 6800 rpm. The A8 4.2 quattro sprints from 0-100 km/h in a surprisingly quick 5.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 209 km/h.

The Audi FSI direct injection technology helps increase both power and fuel efficiency. FSI also increases fuel efficiency to 13.1 liters/100km in the city and 8.8 liters/100km on the highway.

The 2008 A8 L 4.2 quattro list price is $101,360

As the brand flagship, the $171,400 A8 L W12 embodies the progressiveness of the Audi brand through sportiness and clear design, innovative technology and top quality. This top-of-the-range model is a 12-cylinder luxury car that delivers an output of 450 hp.

The 2008 S8 5.0 quattro has a list price of $132,000 and with its mighty V10 FSI engine pumping out 450 hp it results in a high degree of passion and supremacy. The combination of ten cylinders and FSI technology gives the Audi S8 a unique position on the market.

This is a luxury sedan that sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and is electronically governed to a top speed of 250 km/h.

Like the A8, the S8 also relies on adaptive air suspension including variable height levels, adaptive damper control and aluminum chassis components.

However in this case the system is exceptionally sporty in terms of elastokinematics and setup - somewhat firmer than on the optional sports suspension for the A8, which lowers the body by up to 20 millimeters.

© Copyright 2008