As a theme for the A8, Audi promotes "elegance without arrogance, excellence without excess, class without mass." High-toned words, but the car does manage to exhibit those qualities. For starters, the A8 comes equipped with not two, but four airbags - two of them side-mounted, and offers two more as options in the rear sides.

A8s use an aluminum space frame. Most people view aluminum as fragile, but this one is claimed to be stronger, lighter, and safer than steel. Extrusions, castings, and sheet aluminum are welded together, and the result is durable.

Two versions are available. The least costly carries a 3.7-liter V-8 that develops 230 horsepower. As its name suggests, the4.2 Quattro has all-wheel drive and a bigger (4.2-liter) V-8 that whips up 300 horses.

Both models offer loads of interior space, as well as surprisingly snug side bolstering in front seats - definitely a driver-oriented car.

The Audi name is behind many decisive advances in automotive engineering: aerodynamics, front wheel drive, all wheel drive, the rotary piston engine and the 5 cylinder petrol engine, to name but a few.

A8 doesn't offer conventional four-, six- or eight-way power seats. Try 14 ways. The lumbar support alone has four-way power. Highly polished burl walnut gives this $65,000 car a touch of wealth.