2008 Audi A8 L

New wheel and taillight designs adorn the outside of the 2008 Audi A8 L, the full-size luxury sedan whose L stands for five extra inches of length in the wheelbase. This means five more inches of rear legroom over what you get in the A8 Base. The roomy sedan also features a 15-cubic-foot trunk with tie-downs, a cargo net, and a power trunk lid. Under the hood breathes a 350-hp, 4.2-liter DOHC V8 with variable valve timing and a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The 2008 A8 L rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and the quattro all-wheel drive comes with a mechanical center and limited-slip center differentials. An adaptive air suspension features four settings to adjust ride height, and this gets revised for 2008. Though not yet rated for safety, standard equipment includes new mirrors with turn signals, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, a tire monitor, automatic headlights, xenon lamps, cornering lights, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard, along with innovative knee airbags. A rearview camera is optional.

Luxury trimmings are similar to the base, with 10-way power front seats with memory settings, heated Valcona leather seats, full power features, including power tilt and telescopic steering, a 6-CD player with wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, voice-activated navigation, and dual-zone climate control. Intermittent front and rear wipers and retractable mirrors provide extra safety features. Also included are a sunroof, trip computer, compass and temperature display, remote entry, a garage opener, security system, heated mirrors and washer fluid, and alloy and wood accents. For entertainment, you also get satellite radio and an iPod connection, as well as Bluetooth capability. Extras include a new lane-departure warning via a vibrating steering wheel and a blind-spot alert via LED lights on the rearview mirror. Other available options are adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the car in front, a Sport Package (20-inch wheels, sport suspension, and sport seats), Alcantara leather, and power sunshades.