2012 Audi A8 Car Review

Introduction

Not being the most popular choice doesn't necessarily equate to not being a good choice. As proof, consider the 2012 Audi A8. With its lightweight aluminum construction, standard all-wheel drive and impeccably trimmed cabin, the A8 has plenty going for it and stands as our favorite alternative pick in the premium large luxury sedan segment. Completely redesigned last year and bolstered by this year's introduction of the A8L W12 with its 12-cylinder engine, the A8 might well become the Underdog of the class.
In its long-wheelbase ("L") form, the A8 measures bigger than its German and Asian rivals, yet still weighs less than most of them. When you factor this in with an automatic transmission with eight gears, the Audi A8 can make the most of its 372-hp V8 (or 500-hp W12) while also returning excellent fuel mileage. To provide the sporty feel of a rear-drive performance sedan, the A8's all-wheel-drive system has a decidedly rear-biased power split. Although normally the power is split 40 percent front/60 percent rear, up to 80 percent can be sent rearward when needed. For even more athletic road manners, an optional torque-vectoring limited-slip differential is available.
In addition to its performance chops, the 2012 Audi A8 is liberal with the high-tech luxury and safety features. There's the available Dynamic steering system that automatically countersteers should the car start to slide, and also performs such prosaic low-speed trickery as cutting the steering ratio in half to reduce the number of turns that you have to put on the steering wheel while parking.

What a car! It is a phaeton - 2012 volkswagen phaeton

It is hard to believe that the Volkswagen Phaeton has been around for the past decade. This expensive VW was expected to die a slow death, given its unpopularity in most markets, but it managed to garner a fan following in burgeoning markets such as China, and therefore the big gentleman gets a second chance at life with a facelift.
We drove the “old” one back in 2006, but not much has changed really. The Phaeton continues to have an imposing presence, mostly due to its size rather than its styling. The styling itself remains clean and understated, but it now receives a frontal clip with lots of tasteful chrome, while the back gets some modern LED lamps. Some may still confuse it for a Passat or a Jetta in their rear-view mirror, but then its length makes it obvious that this is no ordinary VW. With 18-inch alloy wheels, LED-encrusted headlights, smooth bulging fenders and dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear bumper, it has all the usual luxury car cues without bragging about it loudly.