More details on Audi’s next-generation A8

Posted Thu Sep 25 2008 5:05 PM by Alex Kaufmann

All-new A8 expected to arrive in late 2009

The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and soon-to-be superseded BMW 7-series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for a few more years as the next-generation ‘D4’ A8 is, according to latest reports, is expected to arrive in the second half of next year.

A prototype for the car has already been spotted undergoing cold weather testing, hidden beneath the current D3 body. Tell-tale signs that the prototype was the next-generation model included extended fender flares, a stretched wheelbase and wider track.

As the rendering suggests, the design of the new model will be an evolution of the current car. The aluminum spaceframe body will carry over, saving engineers more than 150kg compared with a conventional steel body. The car’s final kerb weight is expected to range from between 1,650kg and 1,900kg depending on the model specification.

Distinguishing features will be a large single-frame grille, LED daytime running lights and a coupe-like profile, reports AutoBild.

Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems.

The new engine lineup will feature a 250hp 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. Audi is yet to decide on whether it will launch a 12-cylinder model, however there are plans for a new mild-hybrid version. There will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The 6.0L W12 engine is reportedly being phased out due to its high costs and emissions.

Next year will be very busy for Audi as the carmaker is not only launching the new A8 but also a V10-powered version of the R8, the new TT-RS, the S5 Cabrio, A5 Sportback, A4 Allroad, the S4, and a Q7 facelift.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8 rendering

Reader Comments

Wed Aug 13 2008 7:42 AM
autoque says

I wish Audi would develop RWD platforms rather than their FWD FronTrak platforms. Even Hyundai's Genesis is a RWD.
Wed Aug 13 2008 9:53 AM
Michael D. says

Lookin' good and will likely have a nice stance like the new A4 & A5!
Only disappointment - the possibility of the W12 being phased out :-(

Then again, the TDI V12 may be added, which is excellent, and I hope it reached United States shores! Also, and I've read this on other blogs, that a V12 developed by Lamborghini may succeed the W12 in the Audi A8, and that would also include the W12's in the Bentley Continental GT and Spur. I hope that's correct and accurate.
Wed Aug 13 2008 12:00 PM
raptor says

This looks great. 5 years ago Audis used to be boring, and now.. now they are just elegant. Nothing radical, but still great.
Wed Aug 13 2008 3:08 PM
Andrew says

No, wait. The current A8 has AWD standard across the line. Fix this, please.
Wed Aug 13 2008 4:28 PM
NoNameDenton says

Michael D I agree, I would love to see the V12 TDI to the States in this car and the Q7.
Wed Aug 13 2008 4:56 PM
Hammy says

The A8 never had and will never have FWD, its always and always will be pure QUATTRO
Wed Aug 13 2008 6:39 PM
admin says

The A8 is sold with FWD in Europe and other markets and is available with the 2.8L and 3.2L V6 FSI models.
Thu Aug 14 2008 5:29 AM
HECTOR says

You sure about that admin? I thought the A8 had only ever had the 3.6 or 4.2L engines. I don't recall ever seeing a 2.8. Maybe they're just not that popular. And I've definitely never seen an A8 with anything other than quattro traction.

BTW, I would invite both BMW & MB to take a look at the A8, it's old incarnation, the current car and the one in the picture for clues as to how to design a tasteful car. (Then again my German intern says there's a German saying that goes something like *you can't argue with success* and both the 7 Series and the S Class outsell the A8. What a pity)
Thu Aug 14 2008 7:51 AM
admin says

Hector, they're Europe only.

See here - http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/new_cars/a8_new/a8_new/specifications.html
Thu Aug 14 2008 4:40 PM
Carbunlke says

Can u say Audi A4?
Thu Aug 14 2008 6:29 PM
Lawrence Rinaldi says

My A8 is front wheel drive with a 3.7 liter engine. It weighs less than the newest A4 and the gas mileage I receive, considering its size, is outstanding. It is a terrific road cruiser and has a hot weather and cold weather package.
Sun Aug 17 2008 3:04 PM
james says

all next-gen audis look the same... dare anyone to tell me they don't
Mon Aug 18 2008 1:12 PM
autoque says

All nex-gen Audis? Look at the front on the current ones. You can never tell them apart. They need a little variation across the line-up.
Mon Aug 18 2008 2:43 PM
james says

yeah, agreed. its not just next gen. don't get me wrong, though. it's a nice design but they seriously all look the same and it's starting to bug me how i feel like im one of the few who noticed that (or am i?)
Mon Aug 25 2008 2:15 AM
amir says

they've just incorporated a new 'design language' for the whole audi family, so they all have similarities in their design; which i must say, is a very good turn for audi. the new cars are moving away from the boring and robust design that all previous audis are known for.

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