A8/S8 [Spyshots] 2015 Audi A8 Facelift (Spy Pics & Info)

[HighestOfHigh]

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Audi has started the first public road trials of its facelifted A8 flagship sedan, which is expected to arrive on the market sometime next year as a 2015 model.

As these spy shots of a prototype reveal, the updates to the car’s styling will be minimal.

In true Audi tradition the changes are likely to consist of subtle tweaks to the lights, grille and bumpers.

We’re not complaining, since the current A8, particularly in its sporty S8 guise, is one the most elegant luxury sedans on the market.

The interior of the 2015 A8 facelift is likely to receive its own set of subtle updates, along with some new technologies including the latest version of Audi connect Internet services, a modular infotainment system and possibly a redesigned instrument cluster.

It’s not clear if Audi will be planning significant updates to the powertrain lineup, although we’re still unlikely to see the A8 Hybrid offered in the U.S. anytime soon.

The current 3.0-liter and 4.0-liter TFSI units should carry over largely unchanged, as should the range-topping 6.3-liter W-12. A 240-horsepower 3.0-liter TDI diesel was just added for the 2014 model year, so this unit will almost certainly carry over with the same spec.

While the A8 will be facing some serious competition from a new Mercedes-Benz S Class due out later this year, the changes should keep the car looking fresh until a completely redesigned model, possibly based on Porsche's MSB platform and with autonomous driving capability, launches a couple of years further down the track.

- http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1083539_2015-audi-a8-spy-shots

 

[SBS7511Y]

What I can deduce and observe so far:

1. New 3D Singleframe grille (in line with Egger's new design goals)
2. New tail light shape
3. New exhaust shapes
4. HUD (likely path of development given the A6 and A7)
5. Less vulgar front
6. Matrix LED headlights (given their supposed intro in 2013, the D4 facelift should have them)
7. Better suspension (I hope)

 

[Merc1]

This car is really catching on here in the U.S. I see more and more of them, and in NYC they're everywhere just as visible as the S-Class. BMW is really going to have to bring it once the new S and FL A8 are presented.

M

 

[Tumbo]

I really hope they are going to fix the exterior dullness of this model, and bring back some sexyness of the D3.

 

[Human]

I really hope they are going to fix the exterior dullness of this model, and bring back some sexyness of the D3.

IMO - IRL, the A8 has a sporty stance, new redesigned-Headlamps should be sufficient I really don't like them. That said, the headlamps should also be unique.

 

[klier]

Those new taillights look good!!

I see potential here, with a few changes it should be as hot as the A6

 

[MarcinM]

The front end, with the vulgar headlights seem almost unchanged on the prototype , I hope Audi will do something about it before the updated car is released.

 

[Deckhook]

I reckon the 3.0TDi will get a power hike beyond the current figure, probably 270hp with the BiTDi also increasing slightly.

 

[Giannis]

Latest spy shots:

 

[Sayyaaf]

too bad proportions can't be fixed by accessories. They can trick our eyes but it still not a proper design to begin with. Next A8 please

 

[Tumbo]

too bad proportions can't be fixed by accessories. They can trick our eyes but it still not a proper design to begin with. Next A8 please

Exactly. Kind of like that Bangle 7er.

 

[MarcinM]

Audi needs to make next A8 RWD the proportions are not fitting the class of vehicle A8 is representing

 

[Tumbo]

Audi needs to make next A8 RWD the proportions are not fitting the class of vehicle A8 is representing

I think it would be a disaster if Audi went RWD. If you want a RWD German car, you go and buy a BMW or Merc.
Audi should only offer the Quattro system for the upcoming A8, and ditch the FWD.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

Much appears to indicated that the current A8s' successor, the D5, will be based on the MLB Evo matrix rather than the upcoming RWD MSB underpinnings. MSB will very likely be confined to Porsche (Panamera II, "Pajun") and Bentley cars. And perhaps, just perhaps, the future A9 (which according to a recent Autozeitung report, has been put on the back burner in favor of completing development of the upcoming Q7 successor and its' Q8 derivative. Audi is placing immense emphasis on SUVs'.). Thus, it may be speculated that the A9 will become Audis' RWD/4WD "halo car", should it reach production at all. Rumors are mixed with regard to the future A9s' configuration, some indicating an über-A7 sort of 4 door coupe-others a large 2 door, 4 seat GT coupe + cabriolet derivative.

 

[MarcinM]

It is difficult for me to foresee this car being sucessfull (especially in some more mature markets like the US) if it sticks to FWD layout with the massive front overhang

 

[Levi68]

I think it would be a disaster if Audi went RWD. If you want a RWD German car, you go and buy a BMW or Merc.
Audi should only offer the Quattro system for the upcoming A8, and ditch the FWD.

Natural proportions have nothing to do with factual transmission. Audi could very well do an only AWD A8 with RWD proportions. Such a car would be epic and really blow out the rivals, especially BMW, out of the water.

 

[Deleted member 1071]

As opposed to earlier rumours, it appears as though the D4 A8 will undergo a rather "minor" facelift. I recall reading earlier reports stating that the facelift will be "very extensive" and include a large portion of the exterior sheetmetal. This is clearly not the case. Perhaps this has to do with Wolfgang Dürrheimers' role as Audis' new R&D director-as it appears that he is altering a number of initial plans. For example, a delayed presentation of the A4 successor (spring-summer 2015 versus early-mid 2014) as Mr. Dürrheimer feels that the car does not exude enough "dynamicism". Perhaps the all-new D5 series A8/A9 will be introduced a bit sooner than we think. IAA 2015 ??

 

[DjordjeC63]

They made mistake with D4 design, it looks like big A4. We'll see what will they do on the faclift, but I suspect that it will again be big A4 facelift.

 

[Tumbo]

I think most of you know what Im trying to say with this picture.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^That car was flawless (IMO). I can't think of a single thing wrong with it. I've actually been thinking about getting one (if I can find one in great condition).