German Car Zone

Deutsch · 01-23-2007, 04:52 PM

Quote:

January 23, 2007

Cold Weather Test Mule: Next Generation Audi A8
Compiled by: AudiWorld Staff

Although the R8 is capturing a good deal of Audi-related press right now and the big S6 and S8 sedans also do a good job of representing Audi’s top end, the A8 remains the everyday flagship for the company. As such Audi is busy developing its next generation A8 expected to debut in 2009.

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The A8 was the first to receive Audi’s corporate grille re-styling, sporting the single-frame grille way back in 2003 on the A8 L 6.0 quattro, and later on throughout the model line-up.

While the vehicle has received many rave reviews for comfort and styling, perhaps the one weak spot has remained mediocre handling and steering feel. This is one area which will be addressed head on in the D4 A8 with a 40/60 percent front/rear torque split, better distribution of weight and Audi’s MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which it will share with the A4, A5, Q5 and A6.

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From a powerplant perspective the horsepower wars will continue. Expect to see the V12 TDI engine which recently debuted in the Q7 V12 TDI make its way to the A8 lineup, as well as new gasoline variants.

Spy photographers in Scandinavia have been busy snapping photos of the next generation Audi A8 test mule during cold winter testing there. Notice the considerably wider fenders and slightly longer body.

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The D4 A8 will undoubtedly raise the bar yet again, however it will face ongoing competition from BMW’s 7-series which is also set for a 2009 redesign. The long awaited four-door Porsche Panamera could also eat into A8 marketing share should it become available on the market by 2009.

source: http://www.audiworld.com/news/07/audi-a8-test-mule/

phaeton · 01-23-2007, 05:05 PM

The next Phaeton, Continental and Arnage family will be based of of this platform as well, its very important platform for VWAG.

Yannis · 01-23-2007, 05:06 PM

Mercedes S class? What is that?

Deutsch · 01-23-2007, 05:08 PM

I'm hoping Audi has done extensive testing on this new platform to see it come close to or surpass the class best. If they have, they may change the way not only the way people view Audi dynamics, but those of Bentley and VW as well.

Mr. M · 06-20-2007, 01:00 PM

The huge wheel arches to point to something more sporty.

Anyway, the year for release is still around '09 right? Because my dealer says she is taking orders for the new one to "appear" this October...

Mr. M · 07-01-2007, 11:08 AM

Dealer just told me some info of the new A8 (not sure if it's true):

- Side-badging to indicate V6 or V8 model (ala S8's V10 badging);
- Totally new front grille + headlights
- Rear entertainment system standard
- GPS standard
- External shape remains pretty intact
- Wing mirror indicator lamps
- Same engines as before

Can anyone confirm? Dealer says the new A8 will be revealed this October-December.

RICHBOY · 07-01-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirage77

Dealer just told me some info of the new A8 (not sure if it's true):

- Side-badging to indicate V6 or V8 model (ala S8's V10 badging);
- Totally new front grille + headlights
- Rear entertainment system standard
- GPS standard
- External shape remains pretty intact
- Wing mirror indicator lamps
- Same engines as before

Can anyone confirm? Dealer says the new A8 will be revealed this October-December.

Don't get me excited about the unvealing unless it's true, you wouldn't want to see me angry!!

Mr. M · 07-01-2007, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICHBOY

Don't get me excited about the unvealing unless it's true, you wouldn't want to see me angry!!

I don't trust my dealer either, but they seem very convinced they got the right insider info.

They even offered us to take an order at a special pre-launch price.

Centurion · 07-01-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirage77

Dealer just told me some info of the new A8 (not sure if it's true):

- Side-badging to indicate V6 or V8 model (ala S8's V10 badging);
- Totally new front grille + headlights
- Rear entertainment system standard
- GPS standard
- External shape remains pretty intact
- Wing mirror indicator lamps
- Same engines as before

Can anyone confirm? Dealer says the new A8 will be revealed this October-December.

New A8 presented later this year? Lol, typical dealer talking out of their asses. Always take info from a dealer about a new model with a good bucket of salt. In most cases they know even less then us. Manufacturers don't give that much info to dealers since it increases the risk for leaks.

Kowalski · 07-01-2007, 05:24 PM

Audi already is committed to present the new RS6, new A4, Q5, TT-S later this year in Frankfurt. FIVE new cars in only one event.

New A8 later this year? Not going to happen.

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Next Generation Audi A8 (D4) Spy pics & info.