by Denise McCluggage

The new XJ headed stateside wears a 4.3-liter V-8 engine. (No six-cylinder will come to the US.) This V-8 was introduced in the 2002 S-type last year and is used in the XK coupes. It produces nearly 300 hp (294) and 303 pound-feet of torque. Which makes for a nice launch when acceleration is called for. Merge quickly, pass with alacrity: it works just fine.

The transmission is a six-speed automatic with no manual available even in the XJ8 R, which is the supercharged version. The XJ8 engine is likely to get you to 60 from a standstill in 6.3 seconds and will top out at 121 mph (purposely limited). They let the R carry on to 155 mph.

Three XJ models will arrive here, the XJ8, the dandier Vanden Plas and the R. The Vanden Plas, befitting its uppity name, is uppity-er and costs more ($68,330 to $59,330 for the XJ8 - plus destination charges). The R is $74,330.

The two normally aspirated models (i.e. without a supercharger) are rated for 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Gotta admit that's impressive for a powerful V-8.

Driving the XJ8 is as pleasurable as it should be in something that looks so good and goes so well. Some drivers might find the steering a little light, but then others might like it for that very reason. The air suspension system keeps the wheels following the road's surface without transmitting the details of every hole and hollow to the passengers. The driver likes the control of knowing the tires are familiar with the road and the passengers like the silky flow of progress.

Of course there's all that tech-y stuff that helps keeps the car pointed in the chosen direction and avoids wheel slippage and tail wagging when the surface is slippery.

The times are past when owners loved their Jaguar so much they visited it at least twice a week in the shop. Jaguar is now rated above average in the J.D. Power Initial Quality survey and ranks ninth in the world. It has, under Ford, made some commendable advances in reliability and build quality without losing its unique and appealing "Jaguar-ness". The XJ8 continues the progress. And the delight.

The 2004 Audi A8 L quattro:
"L" stand for Long, as in wheelbase. A longer wheelbase means smoother cruising on uneven surfaces and for tall folks in the cushy backseat it means cross-legged riding comfort. The L is the only A8 to come to the US. As an S8 the shorter wheelbase will follow sometime hence.

With this new, larger, more self-confident A8 I would say Audi now tops the charts of the German luxury sedans. Yes. I would choose it over the Mercedes S-Class or the BMW 7 Series. You may not agree, but you would be remiss - nay, a fool - not to include it in your shopping plans.

Long is truly long - 17 feet. Nothing like a little size to lend a car presence. And nothing like spacious rear quarters (where the additional length has gone) to communicate earnest luxury. But then Audi interiors are consistently superior. They either wrap passengers in serene order or spice the day with appropriate wit (thinking TT here.) (CONTINUE...)