A presentation of the second generation of the Audi A8, replacing the limousine offered since 1994, was held in Paris in 2002. Just like the predecessor, the present model also features an aluminum body manufactured according to Space Frame technology. Originally, the vehicle was only equipped with a 3.7-liter V8 and a 4.2-liter engines of 280 hp and 335 hp, respectively, working with Quattro drive. In the fall of 2003 in Frankfurt/Main, the A8L version with an extended wheelbase had its premiere. Also, new TDI engines with direct fuel injection were introduced, namely a 3.0-liter 233 hp V6 engine and a 4.0-liter 275 hp V8 plant. Since April 2005, the basic unit is a 3.2-liter FSI V6 with direct fuel injection of 255 hp, the only one driving front wheels only, with the Quattro system offered for an extra charge. All the other engines of the A8 model come with this system as standard. At the beginning of 2004, the leading A8 version, furnished with a powerful W12 6.0-liter 450 hp engine, was presented. Since spring 2005, all the A8 model versions have featured a uniform, characteristic front grill.