Let the party begin: Test drive the Audi A8L
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

This Saturday Rusnak/Westlake in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall will give prospective purchasers the first chance to drive the Audi A8L, one of the world’s most intelligent cars.

This is a car so intelligent, so adaptive to your needs; it will conform, in milliseconds, to your unique way of driving.

The all-new 2004 Audi A8L, long-wheelbase, with an additional five inches of rear legroom is the ultimate luxury sedan choice in the Audi lineup. Behind the wheel, A8L owners will experience driving the most sporty of luxury sedans, with its advanced aluminum air spring suspension and shock absorber control, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine.

Audi A8L passengers will enjoy tremendous seating comfort and space. Ergonomic power front seats with available massage, heating and ventilation functions are designed to envelop passengers, while the optional four-zone automatic air conditioning with individual rear-seat settings provides a high level of comfort and well-being. Indirect ventilation prevents drafts and ensures desired climate settings during every trip. The air conditioning is so quiet that I had to check more than once to confirm that it was on and working.

The flowing lines of the new Audi A8L highlight the design of this nearly 17-foot-long sedan. The stylists in Germany produced an "harmonious combination of clarity and sporting character, grace and elegance." A low front with an unusually short overhang, a high, powerful tail and the distinct wedge-shaped body of the new A8L are all features of its dynamic styling. The A8L’s svelte silhouette and shoulder line rising to the rear underlines the sporty effect.

This styling shows both elegance and agility. The extended wheelbase of the A8L, at 121 inches, is neatly incorporated between the B- and D-pillars. The rear doors, which are also increased by five inches, allow for easy passenger entry and exit. There’s even more convenience inside. Headroom in the rear, along with shoulder height and elbowroom has been increased over the previous generation models.

The 2004 A8L features a 330-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 five-valve engine and Audi’s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The standard six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission allows the driver to choose freely between the sporting character of a manual gearbox and the convenience of an automatic transmission.

The new engine has gained significantly in terms of output and performance from the previous A8. An additional 20 horsepower and 15 ft. lbs. of torque results in an estimated 0-60 mph sprint of just 6.3 seconds. The A8L has an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.

The A8L’s interior ambience is highlighted by the fine wood trim throughout the cabin. Various color combinations––from black and light beige to brown and matte Palladium ––are available for the seat upholstery and trim. The striking aluminum optics in the cockpit highlight the dynamic character of the A8L, such as the MMI terminal, the instrument panels tubular dial surrounds and the clip on the multifunction steering wheel.

The premium Bose Surround Sound stereo/CD changer with dynamic noise compensation offers the utmost in acoustics and keeps occupants supplied with up-to-date information.

This is the first chance to drive this superb automobile and a chance to meet the sales staff at Rusnak Audi.