According to Winding Road Audi's 2011 A8 Has The Right Stuff to Succeed in the U.S. but do YOU Agree?

I don't ever recall an auto maker stating something like "we made what we feel is a brilliant car, but frankly, we don't think it'll sell very well." Thay *all* "believe" it will sell well. Even when they're not selling well, they find a way to get the numbers to safe face (e.g., huge factory incentives for dealers to take possession before year-end).

All said, I am not making a commentary about the A8 specifically. I'll be surprised if it out-sells its BMW or MB competition, not because it's "not as good," but because it takes a LOT to dislodge a class leader from the Number One spot. Being Number One carries a lot of mind-share in the comsuming public.

Well, it looks fantastic. But in this class, that's hardly a differentiator - especially with the entry of the new Jag XJ.

The battle between these road-titans should be epic. Grab your popcorn, folks.

...and there are those of us who think the new A8 looks utterly modern compared to its rather baroque looking competition. To each their own.

"Significantly below"? Only to the uneducated posers. Not to those in the know about anything cars. Of course, Lexus is only popular in the US. Doesn't say much about the American buyer.

204E60 - Your opinion is obviously very US centric. Even then, it is just your opinion and is quite out of touch with the current reality. There are several comparison tests and reliability data that easily refute your comments here. I would be willing to bet that the executives at MB and BMW are not sticking their heads in the sand like some fan boys on this site are.

As a fan of Audi, I have to say I like the new A8 and I hope it succeeds. With that said though, when I talk to my friends who know nothing about cars they all say they want either a 7 or an S class. I think lots people have the idea in their minds that those two cars are the end-all-be-all for that segment without considering other options. Hopefully Audi's marketing will be good enough to entice those who are only familiar with BMWs and MBs because thats all they see in lame music videos.

i think when it comes to luxury sedan, 50% of the buyers look at the brand image more. its obvious for people like us who understand cars better that the new A8 is a good car, but for many of those who don't really know cars and have the money to buy good cars, they will hardly choose an A8 over 7er/S class.

Have to see the real car first before making a judgement. Based on photos I prefer the looks of the current S8 (I know this is an A8).

I suspect photos are not doing this car justice based on reviews from those that have seen it. However, no intentions of replacing the Quattroporte for one of these.

We'll see what the S8 brings to the table when it arrives.