Audi A8

     The second-generation Audi A8 (Typ 4E) built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in November 2002 in Europe and in early 2003 in the United States. The model was longer than the previous generation, with room for four or five large adult occupants in the cabin, depending on rear seat configuration.

     The A8L adds 120 millimetres (5 in) to the rear legroom and 11 mm (0.43 in) to the overall height of the car.

     The S8 high-performance sports variant, now called the Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro and powered by a 331 kW 5.2 FSI V10 engine, was announced in the last quarter of 2005 and full production started in June 2006. The S8 has similar performance to Audi's own top-of-the-line A8L W12, though the W12 is more expensive, has more torque, and built on a longer wheelbase. Compared to the A8L W12, the S8 has sportier mechanical features such as a firmer suspension, larger alloy wheels, and ceramic brakes. 

     The D3 generation A8 introduced the 235 kilowatts (320 PS; 315 bhp) 4.2 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) V8 engine (subsequently uprated to 240 kilowatts (326 PS; 322 bhp)) - the most powerful diesel engine Audi has ever offered in a passenger automobile, before the debut of Audi's 6.0 litre V12 TDI engine in the Audi Q7. The engine uses two turbochargers and two intercoolers, with each turbocharger functioning exclusively for one bank of four cylinders.