Ultimate Audi for the ultimate customer?

CAN you imagine wielding so much power you can influence a car giant like Audi to build you a one-off model?

At the request of a European customer (there are no details about who, but we're guessing a Russian, an oil company and a decent bank balance are involved), a 6.36 metres limo they've named the A8L Extended has been built, offering 1.09 metres more wheelbase and overall length than the commoners' Audi A8.

The bespoke built limo offers rather salubrious seating for six and is powered by Audi's 228kW/440Nm 3.0 TFSI engine, propelling the XXL sedan from 0-100kmh in 7.1 seconds, despite weighing 2418kg.

Audi said the major challenges during the year-long develop and build phase for the A8L Extended concerned the safety and rigidity of the larger body, as well as the styling. However, the German company said the one-off managed to meet the same standards as the production model.

Little treats for the owner of this six-door include a 2.4-metre glass panel in the roof skin, extra-supple Valcona leather in velvet beige, electric individual seats for rows two and three, rear seat entertainment and a cool box for the VB and XXXX Gold.

Audi said it had already had further requests for the custom product, so we'd fancy there'll be an Audi S8 L Extended Plus S-Line special edition model in showrooms some time next year. Then look out for the SUV version...