I’ve been a subscriber to the Miramar Volkswagen/Audi newsletter for the past year, so I keep up with the latest happenings over at this dealership here in San Diego. I do have to commend them for the service that they’ve given me so far. Here are a couple examples:

• I requested a brochure for the Audi A8 and a few days later I got a follow-up email and phone call to make sure I received the brochure ok and if I had any questions. It’s a small gesture, but I always preach over at my customer service blog that follow-up is a key element in the customer experience.
• They’ve just started offering Wi-Fi inside the dealership, so while you’re waiting for your car to be serviced, you can still do work or just kill time…

So far, Miramar Audi is on my good side! If you’re a customer and have had some experience with this dealership, leave a comment!

It’s been a day of YouTube for me and of course, I had to check out any new Audi videos that have been uploaded. I came across this Audi car compilation that has pictures of pretty much all of the Audi models…

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted and they say if you really want something, you need to think about it everyday. With that said, I have the intention of posting here everyday and visualizing that A8 in my driveway!

“Sexy!” is all that comes to mind when I took a look at the Audi A5 and Steve Siler over at CarAndDriver.com wonders “whether Audi’s slinky sexpots are the kind of girls you want to have kids with, or the type that you’re better off just, um, you know.”

I have to say, the A5 did make me think twice about cheatin’ on my A8. The A5 looks more fun, but yet the A8 is soooo distinguished and grounded.

Hmmm, well I could get both, couldn’t I?

Here are some of the A5’s features:

There’s much talk in the blogosphere about Audi’s Cross Coup Concept which was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show today….

Kicking Tires has some great photos of the car from different angles.

The Autoblog says: “…Audi appears to give up some utility by going for style, as its cargo area is obviously going to be compromised by the sloping roofline…”

The German Car Blog says: “…And don’t believe in some other websites telling you that this is the new Audi Q5. We don’t think so!”

It seems that Audi is full of energy these days and well, with a goal of being No.1 by 2015, the company has to stay busy! One of the newest additions is the Audi A5 sport coupe which looks like a pretty nice-lookin’ car, I must say. Although, for some reason it kinda reminds me of the Toyota Solara. Maybe it’s because Lexus designed the back?

Drivetrain includes: 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 (A5) or 354-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 (S5) with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission (both cars); all-wheel drive

Read more details and check out a photo gallery over at Cars.com

A business owner told me that oftentimes it’s better not to grow too fast. This is the feeling that I get regarding Audi right now. The company has been very aggressive in getting out their new models and making it known that they’re aiming for #1, but I wonder if they could be growing too fast. Just in the past month I’ve learned about 3-4 new models which makes it a bit tough to choose! Well, you know my choice, but for someone who isn’t familiar with the Audi brand, it can be overwhelming!

But that’s just my opinion… What are your thoughts on Audi’s growth?

For all you high-rollers out there, Audi has partnered up with Hotel Bel-Air to offer special packages if you come visit Los Angeles. This is the package I would like:

Audi Presidential Package:
• Three nights in the Presidential Suite
• The use of an Audi A8L
• Cristal Champagne upon arrival
• Round-trip limousine airport transfers
• Two Monogrammed Hotel Bel-Air bathrobes
• Daily full American Breakfast for two
• Dinner for four in The Restaurant on two nights
• Dinner for eight at Table One – includes Chef’s Menu and Vintage Wines
• Four in-room spa treatments to include two massages and two facials

Now that’s what I call living The Good Life! For more information on the packages, visit the Audi website.

• Mid-mounted engine concept with open engine compartment
• 4.2 liter FSI direct injection engine with 420 horsepower
• Retractable rear spoiler
• Black interior enhanced leather package (Nappa leather seating and dashboard)
• Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Audi Navigation Plus with MMI logicBi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED rear lights
• Convenience Package (Audi parking system with rearview camera, six-disc CD changer, HomeLink, Bluetooth phone preparation)

I came upon this Audi A8 review over at Business Week (via AutoSpies):

“…All in all, it’s not the money look of Mercedes or BMW’s fancywork. Instead, Audi is carving out a niche that exudes elegance, of the slightly understated, less self-conscious sort. In the flesh, it really is a remarkable looking car and affirms the brand’s general design direction, a turn away from the dowdy roundness reminiscent of Volkswagen.”

As everyone turns to the BMW or Mercedes for the ego boost, there are those of us who don’t need the “status” cars. However, I do see the Audi A8 making it’s way up there! It’s a status car without the status hype. I’ve never been one to be much of a show-off anyways.

I just came across some “spy shots” of the next generation of Audi A8’s over at Audi World (via Autoblog). Looking at the pictures, it seems that this new version of the A8 looks a bit sportier. I do like the side view, but I don’t know if I care too much for the wider fenders.

Anyhow, to update you on my journey to buying my own Audi A8, I did receive a booklet from Miramar Audi (thanks, guys!) and just need to set up an appointment to test drive one! However, I’ve had doubts about purchasing a brand new one because someone told me that the A8 depreciates very quickly. Then I think, well, what car doesn’t depreciate? It’s not like I will be selling it any time soon anyways. If anything, I plan on keeping it five years or more….

The A3 took top honors in the “Best Economy Car” category, while the A8 L won the “Best Luxury Car” category. The award winners were named after a six-week online poll conducted by AutoWeek magazine.

The A3 is Audi’s entrant in the premium compact class, starting at $25,340. It is available with a 200 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection, or a 250 hp 3.2-liter narrow-angle V6 with Audi’s revolutionary S tronic transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive.

The A8 model line received new powertrains for the 2007 line-up. The 2007 S8 features a direct gasoline injected V10 FSI engine producing 450 hp, and can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. A8 and A8 L models also get direct injection for their 4.2-liter V8 engines which now produce 350 hp. The A8 L W12 has a 450 hp 6.0-liter W12 engine. All A8/S8 models come standard with quattro® all-wheel drive.

About Audi

Audi’s history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; and the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the new V10-powered S6 and S8 performance sedans.

About AutoWeek

AutoWeek is the only weekly auto enthusiast magazine in North America. It provides passionate auto enthusiasts with the latest on vehicle reviews, trends, new products, racing, personalities, auto show coverage and more. AutoWeek‘s frequency provides readers with up-to-date news and stories like no other automotive magazine.