By Chris Chase, CanadianDriver.com

The second generation of Audi’s flagship A8 sedan arrived in Canada in 2004, following its European introduction in late 2002. The lineup began as a single V8-powered model, the long-wheelbase A8L; a regular-wheelbase model and a second long-wheelbase variant powered by Audi’s W12 engine joined the range in 2005.

2006 Audi A8L

The A8 is notable for its aluminum construction and fully-pneumatic suspension, which can be raised and lowered by the driver, or set to lower automatically at highway speeds, for greater stability.

The base engine was a 4.2-litre V8 (335 hp/317 lb-ft of torque), while the W12 – essentially two Volkswagen VR6 engines “siamesed” at the crankshaft – displaced 6.0-litres and produced 450 horsepower and 428 lb-ft. (more…)