Standard "curtain" airbags, more power, a lower starting price, and a companion stretched model head an unusually long list of changes for Audi's slow-selling flagship sedan. A U.S. newcomer for 1997, the A8 continues with extensive aluminum construction, 4.2-liter V8, 5-speed "automanual" transmission, and Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive. This year, a switch from two to five valves per cylinder, plus other engine changes, lifts horsepower by 10 and torque by 7 foot-pounds. The A8 also gets some structural strengthening, a minor restyle inside and out, aluminum instead of steel suspension components, standard power rear-seat lumbar adjustment, and a $3000 lighter base price, an effort to perk up sales.

Added last winter was a costlier A8 L with a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase and 2.7 inches more rear leg room. The A8 L comes with an antiskid Electronic Stability Program (ESP), satellite-linked navigation system, heated front and rear seats, and a rear-window sunshade, all of which are available for the standard A8. The nav system provides voice and visual readouts but no dashboard display. Audi's ESP integrates with standard antilock brakes and traction control.

The A8's newly standard "Sideguard" curtain airbags drop from above the doors in a side impact, thus matching a safety feature of the rival BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. Four door-mounted airbags remain standard. Other no-cost additions for both models include a 3-point rear center seatbelt, steering-wheel audio controls, and auto-dimming mirrors. One other feature new to this Audi is an optional "Acoustic Parking System" that signals when the car is reversing near an obstacle. Returning options include 17- and 18-inch wheels (versus the standard 16s), Xenon headlamps, and a "solar" sunroof that can be used to recharge the battery. Due in early calendar 2001 is a 360-hp S8 model.