Audi, hailing from Germany, promotes precisely mannered sedans and wagons sized from small to medium to large, plus curvaceous sports coupes and convertibles. For 2005, Audi's line continues its alphanumeric designations of A4, A6 and A8 for its model line up of sedans. Yet there are variations, like Audi's too-cute TT coupe and roadster, or the allroad quattro, a crossover wagon with all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction.

Audi's flagship A8 series -- cast on a unitized space frame structure composed of lightweight aluminum, then fitted with sophisticated mechanical systems and extravagant luxuries -- now comes in two different lengths for the wheelbase.

The A8L debuted last year riding on a stretched wheelbase ten feet long with more than sufficient legroom for passengers in the rear quarters. This year, a new variation dubbed simply A8 also appears with the wheelbase pared slightly and five inches trimmed from the overall length. Both A8 and A8L stock the same powertrain, an aluminum 4.2-liter V8 pumping 335 hp through a ZF six-speed electronic automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shift mode. Both also contain Audi's quattro AWD equipment, plus a computerized anti-lock brake system (ABS) and an electronic stabilization program (ESP) to prevent wheels from skidding laterally. Later in the year the A8L 6.0 will emerge as Audi's top car. Expect it to pack a remarkable W-shaped 12-cylinder engine displacing 6.0 liters and producing 450 hp through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic.

Middle sedans from Audi stand in size between the compact A4 and the full-size A8. The series begins a new generation of models in 2005 with a new design patterned after the elegant A8. Compared to previous A6 issues, new versions measure nearly five inches longer with the wheelbase stretched three inches longer and the width expanded by two inches. Styling is sleek and dramatic. The stubby package features a revamped face with single-frame grille and adaptive bi-Xenon headlamps. A spacious five-place passenger compartment contains lavish appointments, including leather seats and trimmings in wood and aluminum.

Two models emerge, each with quattro AWD traction but a different powertrain. A6 3.2 draws a new 3.2-liter V6 with 255 hp through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Top model A6 4.2 uses the 4.2-liter V8 out of the A8. The dashboard on A6 incorporates Audi's MMI -- Multimedia Interface -- which organizes various car controls through a dash-mounted video display and a joystick on the console. Optional gear extends to a DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and premium Bose audio equipment. (CONTINUED...)