[Norretal]

Originally Posted by IT

Cold starts kills all the A8's, even the diesels, but at least the diesels have the webastos kicking in though that brings them up to temp quicker.

Above 50ish the torque convertor is going to lock up, and thats going to mean the tranmission behaves more like a manual than an auto, so that helps the economy. The torque convertor also locks up in tiptronic at lower speeds, so driving on tip really should be more economical than (D)rive, if you can be bothered

The S8's are generally screwed in terms of economy due to the silly final drive ratio that makes it rev its nuts off at anything like a motorway speed, but the 5 or 6 speed a8 4.2 driven modestly should touch on 30 mpg.

If you want an 8 with economy, consider the non quattro varients, they are about 5 mpg better off than their quattro equivelents

Its interesting that the D3 S8 gets virtually the same economy as the D2 S8, but has waaaaaay more power.... Thats progress I guess...

Superb engineering knowledge eloquently explained, topped off with a subtle sales pitch.........lovely!