Vehicle Overview Audi stretches its aluminum flagship sedan and gives it side-impact head protection, a facelift and a little more power this year. The lineup now consists of two all-wheel-drive models with a 4.2-liter V-8 engine and a starting price of $62,000. A front-drive version with a 3.7-liter V-8 has retired from active duty.
Exterior A stretch body style arrives in spring 2000 as the A8 L with a 5-inch longer body and wheelbase, which increase to 118.5 and 203 inches respectively. Most of the extra length shows up in the rear doors. The standard-size A8 sedan will continue after the A8 L arrives.
The A8 is unusual because of its use of aluminum for most body and suspension parts and a skeleton-like frame, which Audi says makes this car 300 to 500 pounds lighter, stronger and more fuel efficient than rivals built mainly with steel.
Appearance changes include a new front bumper and grille and larger headlamps The projector beam fog lamps are relocated to below the bumper, and the outside mirrors are reshaped. The A8’s standard 16-inch polished alloy wheels are a new design.
Interior Rear legroom grows by nearly 3 inches on the A8 L, giving passengers limousine-like accommodations.
The standard leather upholstery comes in a selection of six colors, and two choices of wood inlays are available, walnut or sycamore. The steering column has power tilt and telescoping features, and the power front windows have one-touch up and down operation.
An optional Premium comfort package includes heated seats (front and rear), while a Warm Weather package includes a solar sunroof that powers the ventilation system that cools the interior when the car is parked.
Under the Hood Formerly available with a choice of V-8 engines, the A8 now comes only with a 4.2-liter that has new cylinder heads with five valves per cylinder (instead of four) and 300 horsepower (10 more than last year). The engine teams with a Porsche Tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s permanently engaged Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Safety The 1997 A8 was the first car in the United States with six airbags (two front and four side-impact airbags), and for 2000 it gains a head airbag system, two curtain-like devices that deploy along the side windows from the roof lining in a side collision.
