by Denise McCluggage

Luxury and aluminum.

The "u"s and "l"s slide in mellifluous serenity ending in a hum. Lovely sound.

But the words have meanings as well and who would have thought that the stuff of beer cans could be compatible with sumptuousness, opulence, magnificence?

Two makers of fine automobiles think so. Several years ago Audi for its flagship A8 became the first to use an aluminum space frame. The new 2004 Audi A8 L amplifies (and simplifies) that use of aluminum.

A new approach to aluminum use (or aluMINium in this case) is found in another redone flagship: the Jaguar XJ8. This is not a space frame but a monocoque configuration more like the fuselage of an airplane and using aircraft technology in riveting and bonding. It makes for snug, quiet rigidity.

Both manufacturers like aluminum because of its great saving in weight and the gain in torsional rigidity (something around 60% more than in a similar steel-bodied car.) The weight saved translates into improved gas mileage, of course, but that is not the first consideration in V-8 driven posh-mobiles; lighter beginnings means more luxurious amenities can be included in the package without larding up.

Brief reviews of both cars follow. Suffice it to say both - bigger and stronger than the cars they replace - represent a definite progression into ever finer transport. Both have a high WOW quotient in appearance and in performance.

Beer cans really clean up nice.

The 2004 JAGUAR XJ8:
Still handsome and still clearly a Jaguar the new XJ has lost the distinctive drooping tail section. Indeed the back end of the car rises a bit. Those who like the idea of lugging the equipage of a full foursome of golfers will like it fine.

And those taller than the nation's norm will appreciate the higher roofline and generally greater spaciousness of the interior. (Two inches more legroom in front for a start.)

Drivers will be pleased with their quarters. It's as if Jaguar invented supple leather teamed with burl maple (real, if it needs saying.) But something else Jaguar might have invented is absent in this cockpit: confusion of controls. In this car everything seems to be in its destined place, clearly apparent and easy to get at.

And you'll love the readability of the seven-inch screen in the center console where the navigation system dwells. It is also command central for heat and cool and sound. Don't fidget - it is transparently easy to use. (CONTINUE...)