Designed to take on premium rivals like the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and the upcoming BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, the new model would likely be called the A9 and appear no earlier than 2013.
We’re sure you’re thinking that Audi has enough svelte four-doors with the A5 Sportback and new A7 but there’s a good reason to develop yet another one. Just as the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo share much in common, a new A9 could potentially share its platform with a production version of the Lamborghini Estoque concept car, which has long been hinted at for production.
“The project isn’t officially confirmed for production, but work is progressing on the business case, both at an accountancy and engineering level,” an inside source revealed to the guys at Autocar.
If given the green light, both cars--the A9 and production Estoque--would ride on a modified version of the same platform underpinning the new 2011 Audi A8. Production would take place on a single line at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory and possible engines could include a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, a new 6.3-liter W-12 and a V-6 turbodiesel.
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