Photo: Fox Syndication
The 2011 Audi A8 is the last of the big luxury sedans to arrive, but it won't be headed to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show as many expect. Our sources tell us that Audi is saving the world premiere for Detroit in January in order to open up some floor space for the R8 convertible and RS5 coupe, both of which are expected to show up next month.
When the big A8 does arrive it won't look all that different from the current model. Audi has always been conservative with its flagship sedan and the eventual arrival of the A7 four-door coupe next year gives the company one less reason to go radical with the A8. Its aluminum spaceframe construction will remain along with a standard V8 engine and all-wheel drive.
Photo: Fox Syndication
lenoroc says:
05:17 PM, 08/ 6/09
There isn't a single ugly thing about the car. But it just doesn't stand out, though the light designs (rear and front) are damn pretty.
rallyandbosox says:
06:55 PM, 08/ 6/09
Fine looking car although the taillights look too similar to the current A8.
iancar says:
06:58 PM, 08/ 6/09
D-Render or real?
fuhteng says:
07:13 PM, 08/ 6/09
Come on Ed, you should know better than me that 4 doors will NEVER equal a coupe!
albook says:
08:24 PM, 08/ 6/09
UMMM.... I dont know what you guys consider a light evolutionary redesign and a total revolutionary redo. But I think I speak for everyone in saying that, though recognizably an Audi flagship, this looks VERY different from the current car. It's like the the transition from the 1st to 2nd gen Cadillac CTS times 10. What I don't understand is where the oddball A7 hatch will fit in, because if the production model stays true to these pictures, the next A8 will take on sporty coupe like profile as well, and in my oppinion, will look better.
Anyway, I have to hand it to Audi again. They may not stand out, but in an age of fugly BMWs and Lexuses that look incresingly plain, Audi hasn't misstepped in years. I can't recall them making one car that doesnt look good in at least 6-7 years. This car looks awesome-maybe even better than the head of the class S-class...
estreka says:
08:30 PM, 08/ 6/09
That's a fine successor to the current model.
albook says:
08:42 PM, 08/ 6/09
Are the current A6 and A8 FWD?
ctm06 says:
08:55 PM, 08/ 6/09
In the US the A8 is not offered with front wheel drive but in other markets Audi has offered it as a lower priced entry for those that wanted the A8 but couldnt quite afford it. The A8 is based on Volkswagen's D3 platform which is inherently front wheel drive but for this vehicle and Bentley models (Continental Coupe/Convetible and Flying Spur) which use it also AWD is standard.
eric808 says:
12:15 AM, 08/ 7/09
Nice evolution.
tryan says:
03:44 AM, 08/ 7/09
I somewhat agree with lenoroc, although I think this does standout when compared next to the current 7-Series and S-Class. You can definitely see the the R8 Influence (and by extension, the design language developed from the LeMans Quattro Concept) in this design, however.
Additionally, knowing what the nominal dimensions of an A8-class car should be, it appears the sheetmetal does an excellent job of visually masking the size of the car, at least it seems so from these pics/renderings.
isaacl says:
05:36 AM, 08/ 7/09
Beautiful automobile.
I also find the current A8 to be stunning in an understated way as well.
Despite probably never being able to push an A8, i love them to death.
S-class and 7-series be damned.
dougtheeng says:
06:17 AM, 08/ 7/09
Gorgeous.
Current S-class and 7-series are hideous in comparison.
zoomzoomn says:
07:37 AM, 08/ 7/09
Oh, if only I had the means! This car is incredible looking!!!
brn says:
07:40 AM, 08/ 7/09
Just because someone has to:
OK, all those that complained about the weight and price of the Taurus, step up. This thing weighs as much, costs 2-5 times more, and gets worse mileage.
Also, I like the lines of the old one better. That's funny, because they ruined the lines on the old one. The generation before that was the last A8 that I thought looked classy.
fuhteng says:
07:56 AM, 08/ 7/09
I just realized that thing has tiny little windows. it is a good looking car, but it looks like a sedan version of the Camaro.
albook says:
08:23 AM, 08/ 7/09
So this isnt a true rwd car?! That's a bit of a turn off for me. I guessed the plain looking A6 was fwd based though. But isn't the A4 rwd?
xprojected says:
09:20 AM, 08/ 7/09
so 22" wagon-wheel rimz and the biggest grille possible (without totally eliminating the bumper) are "beautiful" now? i'm starting to feel old.
willej says:
09:58 AM, 08/ 7/09
I think it looks great but to 'xprojected's point where have all the bumpers gone? I have an 1988 S-10 Blazer as back up vehicle it was my first vehicle and that thing has some bumpers but my mazda protege . . . not so much . . . think about rear ending someone in that A8 that would be an insanely expensive mess no wonder auto insurance gets more and more expensive . ..
DCuerpoJr says:
11:36 AM, 08/ 7/09
This is a nice looking car. In terms of styling I'd choose this over a new STS, S Class or 7 Series. However, for me it'd be a tough choice between the A8 and the new Jaguar XJ.
ctm06 says:
12:42 PM, 08/ 7/09
@ albook- The A4 is FWD as well but it does offer AWD as an option. The only vehicle that I can think of off hand that Audi offers with RWD is the R8. The rest of its vehicles are FWD based with standard or optional AWD. Any other RWD vehicles Audi offers besides the R8?
jm1212 says:
04:01 PM, 08/ 7/09
Audi does not have ANY RWD vehicles. all of their vehicles are either front or AWD, with the AWD being the bulk of the sales. in fact, only the base versions of the A3, A4, A6, and TT have front wheel drive. all other Audi vehicles have AWD standard.
Audi did invent FWD, so its good they're sticking to that instead of going RWD like everyone else. besides, their rear-biased quattro systems that are found in their newest models give you all the fun of RWD with the practicality of AWD
altimadude00 says:
06:45 PM, 08/ 7/09
Oh woe of woes!....the exhaust tips look fake! The whole car is crap now. (sarcasm)