A prototype for the car has been spotted undergoing cold weather testing on a number of occasions, but always 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 curb weight is expected to range from between 3,630lb (1,650kg) and 4,180lb (1,900kg) depending on the model specification. The newest rendering diverges somewhat from earlier previews of the car with new slotted lower air intakes in the front air dam and redesigned LED-edged headlights.
Distinguishing features will be a large single-frame grille, LED daytime running lights and a coupe-like profile. In a previous interview, Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff explains: "The first generation was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise."
Sielaff also revealed that the new A8 will be “the first of a new styling language at Audi”. In 2008 Audi released several teaser sketches of its future product lineup, including the new D4 A8.
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 aforementioned four-cylinder engine will output around 230hp (172kW). The introduction of this engine will help Audi meet new emissions regulations planned for Europe, according to Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn, who also revealed during his interview with AutoTelegraaf that the engine has been successfully tested in a number of A8 prototypes. This engine will almost certainly miss out on a U.S. launch but some smaller V6 options could be heading Stateside for the first time.
Filling out the rest of the engine range will be a 250hp (186kW) 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp (216kW) 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp (253kW) 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp (277kW) 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp (462kW) 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. A 12-cyclinder engine is also expected to be offered but it could be phased out due to low demand and the all-important emissions regulations.
2009 will be very busy for Audi as the carmaker is not only launching the new A8 but also the V10-powered version of the R8, the new TT-RS, the A5/S5 Cabrio, A5 Sportback, A4 Allroad, the S4, and a Q7 facelift.
Is a four-cylinder engine in its flagship saloon a smart move for Audi?
Reader Comments
Wed Aug 13 2008 10:42 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 12:53 PM
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 3:00 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 6:08 PM
Andrew says
No, wait. The current A8 has AWD standard across the line. Fix this, please.
Wed Aug 13 2008 7:28 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 7:56 PM
Hammy says
The A8 never had and will never have FWD, its always and always will be pure QUATTRO
Wed Aug 13 2008 9:39 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 8:29 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 10:51 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 7:40 PM
Carbunlke says
Can u say Audi A4?
Thu Aug 14 2008 9:29 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 6:04 PM
james says
all next-gen audis look the same... dare anyone to tell me they don't
Mon Aug 18 2008 4:12 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 5:43 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 5:15 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.
Thu Jan 1 2009 1:23 PM
NaBUru38 says
"The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise."
I wonder how a German car's design could possibly be imprecise.
Thu Jan 1 2009 6:08 PM
azlan says
audi do need to make their designs more robust and striking, i love the audi's atm but they do need to have some flair to attract buyers away from merc and bmw and towards audi. atm the only ppl really buying a8, a6's and the basic a4 are pretty boring people even though the cars are beautiful. and audi must be careful in this new 'design language' so that the people driving the new designs dont look like wankers, which bmw does very well.
Wed Jan 7 2009 6:03 PM
NoNameDenton says
Should be interesting, but will it be able to compete with the 7 series and S-class
Wed Jan 7 2009 6:23 PM
mattburch says
Definitely not feeling the SAME! LEDs as the A4 on an A8
Thu Jan 8 2009 1:32 PM
Roy says
I'm a little worried about what a "new design language" might mean for Audi. Their cars used to be "boxy", then went through a heavy stage that can best be described as "pregnant" (98 - 04 A6, anyone?), and is now looking a little more "elegant". Just so long as the new language doesn't involve the words "portly," "dainty," "cab-forward," "cab-backward," or "Porsche" we should be fine. And no, Audi, LED daytime running lights are not a design language. They're an indication that you've seen too many airline safety videos and got confused by the lights that lead to airplane emergency exits.
Fri Mar 13 2009 10:40 AM
trx440 says
I personally thought the current A8 was the zenith of German styling, that photo confirms it. That looks like what a new Phaeton would have evolved into. Oh well.
In regards to a 4 cylinder... 4,000lbs and a 4 cylinder....better not be from their current line-up of 4 cylinders. Not enough torque from those. I'll take the 250hp V6 diesel thank you very much.
Fri Mar 13 2009 10:52 AM
NaBUru38 says
It'd be great if Audi added the 210hp 2.0L TSI engine to the A8's lineup. Current 2.8 FSI delivers the same maximum output but at 5500rpm instead of 4300rpm, and its maximum torque is 280Nm @ 3000-5000rpm rather than 2.0 TSI's 350Nm @ 1500-4200rpm.
Fri Mar 13 2009 3:49 PM
NoNameDenton says
Better be a powerful urbo 4, or a diesel
Fri Mar 13 2009 11:15 PM
danDAN says
premium car? basic engine?
think 58 people are ragingly mad
Sat Mar 14 2009 1:51 PM
SuperSkyline89 says
A 4 cylinder in a flagship car? Sounds ridiculous to me, but the V8's are still around so I don't care. But be certain, if I were buying such an expensive car I sure as hell wouldn't settle for anything less than a V8.
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