SPY PHOTOS: Audi A8

Audi is busy developing the company's future big flagship A8 which is scheduled to be released at the end of 2009. The current model has been on the market since 2002, the very first A8 was launched back in February 1994. Here is a new photo set of an A8 mule in cold weather testing in Scandinavia. The photos are showing that the test car is about 10cm longer than the current A8. Clearly visible on these photos are the considerably wider and rolled out fender flairs. The next generation A8 is expected to grow to an overall length of 5.10 meters and - as a most significant technical detail - it will get power from an all-new V12 Diesel currently being used in the Q7 and an equally new V10 petrol engine. However, Audi's next top of the line model will also meet strong competition upon its debut. In the same year BMW will launch the new 7-Series, and the long awaited first Porsche four-door Panamera will also make its appearance on the market by then. The photos are showing a computer image FROM OUR FILES of how the new A8 could look like upon its release and a prototype mule during testing.