2004 Audi A8 L

The self-leveling Adaptive Air Suspension provides an awesome balance of ride and handling. Starting with an aluminum four-link front configuration and a trapezoidal-link rear, it adds air spring struts—with sensors that continually monitor and instantly adjust damping to road conditions. To match suspension set-up to road conditions, and your driving style and preference, it offers a selectable menu of damping rate and ground clearance options. Audi's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) integrates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and hydraulic brake assist for improved control during potentially dangerous or emergency situations. Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system uses a Torsen center differential to transfer power front-to-back and side-to-side to maintain the best traction, while Servotronic speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering delivers consistent feel and excellent control.


The latest iteration of Audi's five-valve-per-cylinder 4.2-liter aluminum V-8 uses a magnesium, two-stage intake manifold with dual air intake paths for better engine breathing across a range of rpm. At 330 horsepower, it's 20 horses stronger than the previous version, while torque is up 15 lb.-ft. to a peak of 317 lb.-ft. starting at just 3,500 rpm. It offers eager response at any speed and launches the '04 Audi A8 L from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, while providing EPA fuel economy of 17 mpg City, 24 Highway and 20 combined.

The 4.2-liter aluminum V-8 offers eager response at any speed and launches the A8 L from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

The new six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission boasts higher efficiency and a 30-percent wider gear spread than the five-speed it replaces. A "Sport" mode delays upshifts to higher rev points for quicker acceleration and hastens downshifts for added control with engine-braking. A Direct Shift Program (DSP) "learns" your driving style and optimizes gear changes for it. And when you prefer to choose your gears manually just for fun, you can move the lever to the Tiptronic gate, then tap it forward to upshift and back to downshift.


The front airbags incorporate two-stage, dual-threshold activation for enhanced protection with reduced force, while dual-threshold belt tensioners front and rear take up slack just prior to a collision. Front and rear side-impact airbags cushion outboard occupants, and Audi's "Sideguard" air curtains cover the side windows in side impacts. Eight crash sensors (two each in front, rear and both sides) determine airbag deployment timing and rates, and can activate hazard lights, shut off the engine and fuel pumps, unlock the doors, switch on interior lighting and place an emergency call via Audi's version of the OnStar telematics system. Front knee bolster airbags and head restraints that pivot forward to reduce the risk of head and neck injury in rear collisions give added protection.


Standard equipment includes 12-speaker Bose Surround Sound with subwoofer, a CD changer in the glovebox and Audio Pilot noise compensation. A Homelink transmitter can be programmed to open garage doors or gates and turn on outside lights. Puddle lights in the bottoms of all four doors help passengers see the ground before they step out of the vehicle. Our test car was loaded with a $1,200 Convenience Package (tire pressure monitoring system, electric rear sunshade, rear vanity mirrors), an $1,100 Cold Weather Package (heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, pass-through ski sack), a $1,900 set of "summer performance tires" on lovely 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear "Parktronic" park assist ($700) and dual-paned security glass ($600). All that boosted the bottom line to a fairly breathtaking $74,000—from a $68,500 starting price—but not nearly as breathtaking as the A8 L itself. (www.audiusa.com)