A8 spy shots

[eazy]

Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A8

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.-Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image

source: the carconnection (http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?DID=RSS&n=178&sid=178&article=10402)

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/10925_EDWEMRYEYIGML.jpg

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/10924_YRKYWMRMTWWCH.jpg

I don't like that computer illustration. The headlamps are looking like from bmw.


greetings

eazy

[Erik]

I see the MB CLS in there.

[Ruergard]

Originally posted by Erik
I see the MB CLS in there.

Me two, but still... It looks pretty good! ^^

[JavierNuvolari]

Nice looks, although about the headlights I see more resemblance to the previous Mercedes S series than the CLS.


Cheers,



Javier

[eazy]

another pic:

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6060511.002/6060511.002.mini3L.jpg

[frikktion]

I don't like that computer illustration. The headlamps are looking like from bmw.


greetings

eazy [/B]

i agree, but i like it! :D

[Bingocaller]

Originally posted by eazy
another pic:

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6060511.002/6060511.002.mini3L.jpg

Why would u badge a mule? :confused:

[AndyBG]

I don't now what you think, but i am expecting one hell of a car!

[clam]

I think this is another B8 test mule. Mostly b/c the body is intact, but the wheels look small and awkward. They are much deeper inside the wheel wells too.
The B8 chassis is inspired by the A8 chassis, b/c with that car they've been able to push the engine very far back. Notice how short the A8 overhang is compared to other longitudinal Audis. So it would make sense to run tests in an A8, instead of those heavily modified A4s and A6s we've seen. The A8 would also accomodate the longer wheelbase better.

It's also obvious from the measuring equipment that the suspension is the part being tested in this mule. They seem to be following the motions of those metal pins sticking out of the wheel centre. So I would guess they are trying out suspension geometrie. Not a new A8 chassis.

Why they tried it on A4s and A6es, I don't know. Perhaps they are looking into switching to B8, during the mid generation facelift. That would work with the rumour that the RS6 will already have a B8 layout, even though it would be based on the current A6. We've seen that Audi is willing to make major changing during a facelift. The B7 A4 is almost an entire new model. So it is not unthinkable that they would be willing to switch to a B8 platform while refreshing the A6.

[quattro Gmbh]

I'm looking forward to the new navigation system which is going to be 3D.