Say what? Where did you get this info? L version is not even released...
 

I find this hard to believe, since the L version is not existing as far as I know. I haven't seen a long wheelbase version mentioned with a word in any of the official material about the new car. Are you sure it is in fact coming a L version?

Re: Say what?
 

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Car&Driver listed the wheelbase of the '04 A8, and it was 2" longer than the '02 A8L. I have no idea if it was correct, but this was the only hard number I ever saw in print.

On the bright side, if it's true, an A8 kurz (A8K?) or a short wheelbase S8 would be another 100 lb lighter.

AoA often makes it up as they go along. Write letters ( real ones ). AoA really does listen.
 

I recall a number of wealthy clients who wanted a V8 wagon. I had them speak directly to AoA. We got the S6. The new A4 1.8t just got leather seating surfaces due to long standing customer requests. A 2.0t FSI engine may be in the works for the A4 in '04 or '05.

AoA can't supply what Germany doesn't already offer, nor can it focus on too small of a niche just yet.

Will it clear U.S. emissions? Or, is it only a problem for the bigger cube FSI protos? :)

Longer wheelbase yes, but on normal length car.
 

Yes, the wheelbase of the standard model has increased a lot, but as I understand it, it is because of less overhang front and rear. The overall lenght of the car is almost identical, 5,05 meters.

I don't remember the figures, but about 2" longer wheelbase than the old model sounds right. Could it be that C&D mixed this up with the old L version?

I can't remember exactly where I read it...
 

but I've read several sources stating that the U.S. will only see the long wheelbase version (aside from the S8).

I hope you're right, ...
 

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a longer wheelbase without increasing overall length is definitely OK.

C&D provided wheelbase and track of the '04, but didn't compare this to the earlier models. Also, until they have an actual car in their hands, I tend to take everything with a grain of salt.

Ok. I have never seen a L version mentioned at all. Guess they will have one though.

Read the articles, they mention the added wheelbase of the standard model
 

Like here (quote):

"The steering kinematics have been optimised in such a way that despite the longer wheelbase and driven front wheels, the car's turning circle is no larger than that of comparable saloon cars with rear-wheel drive."

Article here:
http://news.kak.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=news&file=arti cle&sid=383&mode=thread&order=0&th old=0

(same article as on www.audiworld.com?)<ul><li><a href="http://news.kak.net/modules.php?op=modload&amp;name=news&amp;file=arti cle&amp;sid=383&amp;mode=thread&amp;order=0&amp;th old=0">Audipress article</a></li></ul>

My source says that Audi knows it needs more power from the t engines. They are working feverishly
 

to improve the CVT and Tip to handle the extra power of the uprated V6. Details are thin.