German Car Forum

Audi is busy developing the next A8, which is scheduled to be released at the end of 2009.

The first prototype mules have been sighted near the Nürburgring. Photos show the test car is about three inches longer than the current A8. Power will come from a new V-12 diesel and a new V-10 gasoline engine.

Audi's new A8 will meet strong competition on its introduction. In the same year, BMW will launch the new 7-Series, and the long-awaited Porsche Panamera four-door will also be on sale.

Our photos show a computer illustration of the new A8 and two photos of a prototype mule during testing.

Source: TCC

My @$$!:

It's not that bad. I actually like it. With a few improvements it could be great.

wow that PS does not look good at all

I agree, it`s got potential. I`d like Audi to get rid of that wondow in the C post. That would put the A8 on a whole new design level.

Good to see that they're doing testing four years prior to (or three i should say?), I hope this time around they'll make a class beater instead of a compliment. Here's also hoping that the design will be less restrained than the current car as well.

Doesn't seem that long until the A8 was F/L, how time flies!

That PS looks awful, I sure it will look better than that!

So where does the new V10 petrol fit in, with this power the next S8?

I'm excited with the V12 diesel. Imagine how much torque would that put out...

Compared to the previous S class and current 7 series , A8 really dominated the upper luxury segment. I 'm sure the next A8 will achieve the same.

No, don't let your brand bias cloud your perception of reality. The E65/66 7er has had a corner on the executive luxury sedan segment since launch, the W220 S-class holding on for several years prior to then falling second place. Credit will be given where credit is due regarding the current A8, but it by no means is a class best seller, while gaining more of a customer base and audeince, they've got a ways to go.

It's not the best seller but it's still a tough oponenent to beat. It had the edge compared to previous S class according to most comparisons like MotorTrend or Automobile ones and even when compared to new S class is still very competitive not to mention that a lot of people find it much more beautiful.

Hopefully this car will have a totally new design language becasue the current Audi design language is more or less exploited to max. Personally I think that the PS is pretty lame and boring.

Horrible..simpy horrible PS.

It looks japanese or like a BMW. A8 sure as hell wont look like that.

The current A8 was a true and strong competitor to the S and 7, it did make many, many more peopel sit up and take notice, but it will still be another generation or so b4 Audi cantruly take the fight up to the established players. But damn, a V12 disels is a good way to do it. What they do need to do, as MB is about to do, is incorporate that with hybrid technology. A lot of these cars in the future will spend a lot of time crawling through snail pace traffic in Asia, something that needs to be borne in mind.

It would be sad to see the A8 turn into this...