Seat TimeAudi A8 4.2Livin' Like The CEO Today I drove myself to work in the lap of luxury, supported by a beautiful lounge-like 16-way adjustable leather driver's seat, and surrounded by an upscale version of Audi's renowned interior design. From this position, one's sight and touch are continuously fed inputs which create a profound state of relaxation and comfort. The interior incorporates a very intuitive and logical layout, expertly finished in high quality leather, alcantara, exotic wood, and brushed aluminum. Tactile senses are satisfied by grasping the leather-wrapped steering wheel or when operating a high quality button or switch for the many features included. Steering provides a sufficient level of feedback from the road surface and varies realistically with speed.
The most endearing aspect, however, is the A8L's ride quality, credited to its long wheelbase (up 5.1 inches from the standard A8's) and dynamic air suspension system. Not only do these attributes create a smooth compliant ride in "comfort" mode, but when set in "dynamic" mode the air suspension delivers firm flat cornering and an (almost) sporting attitude. Slipping Tiptronic into "S" mode affords enhanced engine response and longer, sharper shift points. However, the standard "D" mode is perhaps most fitting to this luxurious vehicle, as it provides near seamless shifts even when pushed. The 4.2-liter V8 provides ample power to propel this 4,400-pound vehicle with authority, refinement and a nicely muffled intake growl, while the famous Quattro all-wheel drive system works invisibly in the background. Progression is slowed or halted by a commendable braking system with superb feel and easy modulation.
In all, it's an impressive all-around package of luxury, space, performance, technology and safety. I guarantee you will feel just like the privileged executive types Audi designed it for, minus the extended job description. -Doug Neilson
From The HipSuper-luxe cabin,huge backseatlegroom Get in that back seat, you'll never leave
2006 Audi A8LayoutLongitudinal front engine,all-wheel drive
Engine4.2-liter V8, dohc,five valves per cylinder
TransmissionSix-speed Tiptronic
PerformancePeak Power: 335 bhp @ 6500 rpmPeak Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm0-60 mph: 6.3 sec.Top Speed: 130 mph (limited)Fuel Economy: 18 city/24 hwy
Seat Time2006 Volvo C70More Than Meets The EyeThe thirty second process it takes to change this hardtop two-door into a drop-top is so impressive that you'll find yourself singing the Transformers theme song. Inside, it's quiet and comfortable enough for four, making the car almost unidentifiable as a convertible. Outside, the styling is so integrated and subtle that the car looks just like the S40 sedan with two doors and some serious junk in the trunk. That junk is the power-retractable steel hardtop that makes a seemingly boring sedan into a flashy photo-op. The button is pressed, motors whir, and the roof lifts off in three tiers in an exciting disappearing act. It's so impressive you'll want to jump out of the car and ask someone else to push the button, just so you can watch it happen.
Less exciting, but also noteworthy, is Volvo's typical attention to safety. Once the steel is missing from above your head, you can take comfort knowing there's a Rollover Protection System (ROPS) with pop-up rear roll bars, and an improved Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS) to keep you cozy in a roll. If it's just a flat tire, however, remember that the top uses more than half of the trunk space so there's no room for a spare tire. Run-flat tires would be a necessary option.
Of course, with the retractable top comes all the mechanics and reinforcements to make it work. Volvo used the top engine option V50 wagon and S40 sedan, giving the C70 a 2.5-liter inline turbocharged powerplant with 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It doesn't blow your hair back, but priced at $44,075, it sure does as a convertible.-Amanda Savercool
From The Hip A trick power retractable steel hardtopHow long until the top breaks
2006 Volvo 2 Door ConvertibleLayoutFront-wheel drive
Engine2.5 Liter, 5-cylinder, Turbocharged with DOHC variable-valve timing
TransmissionSix-speed manual transmission
PerformancePeak Power: 218 hp @ 5000 rpmPeak Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm0-60 mph: 7.6 sec.Top Speed: 150 mphFuel Economy: 21 city/29 hwy
Price as Tested: $44,075.00