I saw what appears to be a 1998.5 -> in the company parking lot (new taillamps). It is a 2.8 Q with sport package and is white pearl with ecru leather and lava trim (like my 1998 A4 wit the exception of dark piping on the front seats). Is this a 1999? I have heard that Audi was going to bring back this interior combination, which in my opinin works best with the white pearl.<p>And a second question -- is there a K&N filter element available for the 2.8 30V engine yet?

Audi has discontinued Pearlescent, so the car you saw could not have been a '99. Maybe someone had some custom work done on the seats? Don't know about the K&N filter, sorry! :-)<p>Charles<br>

Sounds exactly like my A4 except not "Lava" trim! Pearlescent White with Ecru Leather. The piping on the seats is Blue to match the dash/carpeting.<p>It's a 98.5 model. (Maybe should be called 98.5a because it doesn't have the new cupholders?) Was on the dealer lot so no 3-5 month wait! Of course, didn't get all the options I wanted (sport seats), but I'm fine with that.<p>Just 3 weeks old so far and loving it! Yes, the pearlescent paint was dropped for '99, something about environmental concerns is what my dealer told me. Didn't get all the details. I guess I won't lick the paint...<p>Andrew<br>98 A4qms