Nimble. Quick. Agile. These are not words that ordinarily describe a large German sedan, but they fit the profile of the 2000 Audi A8.
It’s been three years since VW’s social-climbing brand (well, at the time — now the automaker owns Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Bentley) introduced the A8 in North America. Each year it has seen subtle refinements, the way a chef melds the ingredients of his signature dish night after night to create a meal that is both adoringly familiar yet refreshingly new.
For 2000, the A8 features a new 4.2-liter V-8 engine and an updated exterior design. The result is a package that makes it a strong competitor among other more established makes, such as the BMW 7-Series or the Mercedes S-Class.
Sleeker lines, sharper lights
The new model-year brings a revised exterior design with changes primarily in the front and rear. Both bumpers have been reshaped and now feature additional aluminum strips. The front end, in particular, has received the most prominent changes, with refinements to the radiator grille, larger headlights and a chrome frame in the front spoiler air inlet. The projector beam fog lights have been relocated to the front spoiler and now provide greater illumination in situations where there is poor visibility. From the side, both the door handles and side mirrors have been revised to enhance the sleek profile.
 2000 Audi A8 interior |
The elegant look is continued inside, where new materials and color combinations are offered. Leather is now standard and available in six colors, while two wood inlays are offered as accents. Matching colors are used throughout the interior, on the dashboard, seat belts and even air outlets, as well as on the seats and steering wheel. The optional premium leather package offers the ultimate in luxury, with leather added to the door panels, center console and knee bolsters and Alcantara suede used on the headliner and door panel inserts.
