Who's this beauty getting asked to the prom more than the other European sedans? That would be the new Audi A8 turning heads up and down the Autobahn, French Riviera and Highway1. Audi with their huge R&D investment has struck gold with its masterfully crafted, flagship sedan, the Audi A8 L 6.0. Comfortable, fast, and smooth are the adjectives roaring throughout the automotive industry heralding Audi's ascent to the top of the mountain alongside Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

The A8 L 6.0, with its 6.0-liter, V12 engine, delivers mightily with a whopping 440 horsepower. This car goes from zero to 60 in five seconds and has a governed-top speed of 155 mph. How's that for politically correct? Want more? It is more fuel-efficient than preceding models, equipped with the six-speed, Porsche Tiptronic® automatic transmission. The upgraded transmission provides instant responsiveness and acceleration, while the Quattro® all-wheel drive and an adaptable air suspension provide a smoother ride and improved handling.

Inside, the driver finds a cabin equally stylish and comfortable as the exterior. And Audi's Multi-Media Interface simplifies usage of controls for numerous features grants leeway for a relaxed, pleasurable driving experience. With the complexity of dashboard gadgetry becoming more comparable to control panels found in a 747's cockpit, it is wonderfully refreshing to have today's most advanced technological benefits without needing engineering courses to learn how to operate all the switches. It is Audi's way of tossing in a dose of painless progress with a dash of old-school common sense.

Want even more? The A8 has two more variants of this splendid sedan, the A8 and the A8 L 4.2. Both have a smaller engine and wheelbase along with a lower, yet still substantial, price tag.

AUDI AG Customer Support Germany P.O. Box 10 04 57 85045 Ingolstadt

For LxM James Rothaar