The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

Money can’t buy you love, but it can buy you a new Audi A8. And who would argue with that?

This new short-wheelbase version of Audi’s flagship is for those for whom the term ”Paris Hilton” is a place to spend the night, not the wealthy scion whose sophistication mirrors that of a college student on a bender.

The A8 is Audi’s top-of-the-line sedan. Until now it came in one flavor, a long wheelbase sedan powered by a choice of engines: a 334 horsepower V-8, or a 450-horsepower W-12.

Now comes the short-wheelbase rendition, and it’s hard not to fall for its sleek, modern style or breathtaking performance.

The shorter car comes with one drivetrain, the 4.2-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which allows the car to be shifted manually. In addition, there are two driving modes, regular and Sport; the latter delays shifts for more spirited driving. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard. Getting to 60 mph takes just over six seconds.

But beyond sheer speed, what’s so nice about this car is its manner.

It confidently tackles any situation thrown at it with a sureness that’s staggering. Bad weather, good weather, highway cruising, twisting backroads; the Audi A8 handles all of them with a seamless nonchalance. It is truly one of the smoothest drivelines I have ever encountered.

This might be due to the small multitude of electronic systems built to deliver that effervescent ride. In no particular order, there’s the Direct Shift Program, which senses your driving style and adjusts the car’s performance. There’s also an Electronic Stabilization Program, which integrates anti-lock brakes, traction control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution and hydraulic brake assist.

It all delivers a stress-free ride, with good braking, strong acceleration and flat cornering. Of course, you can adjust the ride of the car to three different modes.

But that’s not all.

The Audi A8 coddles and spoils. Like an obedient butler, the A8 has plenty to offer. The seats are supportive without being typically German, i.e. harder than a cement slab. They are heated, as is the steering wheel.

There’s a voice-activated cell phone with OnStar, as well as a killer Bose audio system superior to that found in many homes. The windshield wipers activate automatically when it starts to rain, which in turn activates the headlights. A power, rear sun shade and manual side shades offer privacy to rear-seat passengers. The driver’s seat alone has five different controls to accommodate you.

You don’t even have to take the key out of your pocket. Just approaching the car and lifting the handle is enough to unlock it. Climb inside, hit the starter button and you’re good to go.

But none of that prepares you for the car’s delicious design. There are acres of wood and metallic trim, as well as leather and suede accents. The metal knobs on the center console feel as if they will last an eternity. The whole interior has the quality feel that a car should have at this price.

Surprisingly, the rear seat seemed tight on legroom, and the rear seat seemed too low.

On the other hand, the trunk was spacious, and the power trunk lid was overkill of the most luxurious sort.

Still, the Audi MMI was a bone of contention. MMI stands for Multi Media Interface, which takes a lot of different controls and unites them on a small LCD screen in the front of the car. Each time the car is turned on or off, this little screen pops up or down. This seems more like a gimmick than sound design. Worse, there’s a blizzard of buttons to make it work that require the driver to take his eyes off the road to operate.

Once you do, you’ll find the GPS navigation system doesn’t offer an easy way to scroll from one part of the screen to another. Tuning the radio is even more frustrating.

Yet the A8 captivates, with its mature, dashing style that makes this car a classic, a great example of the automotive art.

And all it takes is money (lots of money).

Rats.

lprintz@mcall.com

610-820-6713