Automotive Trends

      Audi seems to be all about choice these days and the flagship A8 range seems to prove that. When only a few years ago a buyer could choose from V8 or W12, with the addition of the 3.0T model buyers can now choose from a V6, two V8s, a W12 and an upcoming diesel. The good news is there isn’t a dud to be found as we recently sampled the new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 model and found it more than adequate. The easily accessible 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque respond very well to the brilliantly tuned 8-speed automatic and move the long wheelbase sedan around with surprising pep. Audi claims 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and we believe it. The best news is that all of the technology and luxury trappings of the A8 line are still available on this new base model. We particularly appreciated the adaptive cruise control and LED headlights and found the Audi Connect wi-fi hotspot system to be more useful than we had imagined. The downsized engine also pays dividends at the pump where the EPA rates the $78,500 A8 3.0T at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway—up two mpg in both tests over the V8-powered A8. Thanks to forced induction the days of scoffing at the “base” model are over; this six cylinder flagship is a gem.