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?

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

• 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 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….

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.

Ok, I know you’ve been anticipating the pictures of my dream car from the 2006 San Diego Auto Show. I was giddy with excitement when I approached the Audi display. A midnight blue A8 sat there beckoning me to come in and have a seat, so I obliged.

Here are a few pictures from the inside of the car. Sorry for the bad photography – I was just a little bit too excited to care about camera settings 😉

Hmmm…Wouldn’t it be great if I got my dream car in 2007? I’ve always believed that 2007 was going to be my year….

Today I revisited the Miramar Audi website after receiving their monthly newsletter. Looks like they got in the new 2007 A8!

For those of you in San Diego, you may be interested in checking out the yearly Auto Show that takes place down at the Convention Center. I will be there on Friday!

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.

I was browsing through AudiWorld and found out that Audi was named the “Car Company of the Year”. I believe they received the award for Europe…The company is making record figures this year and is expected to grow even more in the next year. Read the article here…

You can find a wealth of resources and news at the AudiWorld website, including this forum where people can chat about the A8/A8L/S8.

On a side note, I’ve seen three A8’s this past month 😉 Whenever I see one, I feel like I’ve just seen some celebrity or something! Yeah, I’m a nerd 😉

I was downtown tonight walking to the train station (we call it the “trolley” here in San Diego) when I saw something shiny out of the corner of my eye. I looked to the side and caught a glimpse of a silver Audi A8 cruising by on Broadway.

Now, for me an Audi A8 is quite the rare sight in my corner of the world. To see an A8 cruising down the street is like seeing Halley’s comet. You would have thought I had just seen “Brangelina” or something!

I scrambled to get my camera out to take a picture, but it was too late….

BusinessWeek came out with an article reviewing the Audi A8… I like this part of the article:

“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…”

Via AutoSpies.com, where you can read some comments from supporters of the A8 😉

For those of you who know me, you know that customer service is one of my passions in life. At my other blog, Customers Are Always, I ask readers for feedback on Audi customer service. Last week I received this comment which made me question my own investment in the company.

Do I base my decision to buy an Audi on one experience? I’m a little torn because I do feel for this couple who endured great stress because of their bad experience with Audi.

Do you have any feedback on Audi that you’d like to share? Your comments are welcome!