The Depreciation Grim Reaper spares no expense when it comes to luxury European sedans. Take a stroll through your local car graveyard, and you’re bound to find examples of stunning automotive depreciation. Among them, you’ll see the remnants of once prestigious vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S600 and the BMW 745i, which were originally priced at eye-watering amounts. For instance, the S600 had a staggering price tag of $282,544 in today’s money, while the 745i commanded $114,895. However, it’s not just these two brands that face the wrath of depreciation; even big, powerful Audi sedans are not immune to its clutches.
In fact, one notable victim of punitive depreciation is the 2007 Audi S8. Starting at a hefty $92,000 ($110,920 for a fully loaded model) back then, this top-of-the-line sedan would set you back around $141,958 in today’s dollars. If that price tag wasn’t intimidating enough, Audi also offered the A8 W12 for a higher cost. However, despite its exorbitant price, the A8 W12 lacked the menacing appearance of its S8 counterpart. The S8 was a true beast on the road and boasted the iconic logo representing Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer.
Sadly, this specific 2007 Audi S8 now finds itself residing at the Denver Pick Your Part junkyard. It’s a rare find, as S8s are not commonly seen discarded in such places. While ordinary A8s and their Audi V8 predecessors are more easily found in junkyards, the S8’s exclusivity makes it a unique addition to this automotive graveyard.
Underneath the S8’s hood lies a ferocious Lamborghini-sourced DOHC V10 engine, packing an impressive 450 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. With a top speed limited to 155 mph, the S8 could hold its own on the Autobahn and complete quarter-mile runs in the mid-13-second range, similar to a ’65 Chevy Impala sedan equipped with a small-block engine.
Despite being over a decade old, this S8 has some interesting features that still hold relevance today. For instance, it comes equipped with a proprietary cable that allows you to connect your iPod to the audio system. Moreover, this particular car boasts the optional Ban & Olufsen sound system, contributing to its already six-figure price tag in 2007.
So, why does such an impressive machine find itself in a junkyard like this? The answer lies in the cost of maintenance for a car with such advanced technological features. Audi A8/S8 repair costs tend to be high, and often outweigh the vehicle’s resale value when it reaches an age of fourteen or more. It’s likely that this S8 met its untimely demise due to a repair bill that exceeded its current market value.
As we explore the abandoned S8 sitting among other discarded vehicles, it’s difficult not to ponder the fate of luxury cars in general. With their high initial costs and expensive maintenance requirements, these vehicles are often deemed too costly to keep on the road as they age. Consequently, they meet their doom in scrapyards or car graveyards, serving as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of automotive glory.
In conclusion, the 2007 Audi S8 is a prime example of the punitive nature of automotive depreciation. Its jaw-dropping initial price, combined with costly maintenance needs, often results in these once luxurious vehicles meeting their demise earlier than anticipated. As automotive enthusiasts, we can’t help but wonder: will more luxury vehicles join their ranks in the future? Only time will tell. But for now, the sight of this abandoned S8 serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges luxury car owners face in maintaining their prized possessions. So, as we bid farewell to this impressive machine, we’re left with the lingering question: could any car truly be immune to the Depreciation Grim Reaper? Vorsprung durch Technik.