2011 Audi A8 Full Body Prototype First Spy Photos

2011 Audi A8 Full Body Prototype First Spy Photos / SB-Medien

By Thami Masemola
September 10, 2009 3:15 PM
Filed Under: Audi, German, Spy Photos

Some observers have stated that Audi is not likely to unveil the next-generation A8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show because the company does not want its flagship to share the limelight with the other significant debuts. Therefore while it's been confirmed for unveling in 2010, the A8 (codename D4) will not be seen in public for at least a year.

Good thing our spy photographers are still out there. They caught this camouflaged model being tested. These are the first pictures showing the full prototype and as expected very little detail is clearly visible. One thing for sure is that the front grille is large while the bonnet seems to bulge as it makes its way from the fender to the A-pillar. The same bulge appears on the side of the boot above the LED rear rights. A number of sensors aimed at improving safety have been placed on the bumpers.

Likely engines include the 3.0 TDI V6 which should make about 190kW (258hp) and over 540Nm by then. Petrol V6s and V8s will be comparable to rivals' in power output and efficiency. Audi will most certainly get into the next big thing in eco-friendliness, either by installing a hybrid or full-on electric drive system in the big luxury sedan. Remember Audi pioneered aluminium Space Frame body technology with the first-generation A8 and is expected to exploit this further.

 

Comments

afterace2
September 10, 2009 3:34 PM
I bet it will look like an oversized A4

radmeister
September 10, 2009 4:16 PM
How it looks doesn't really matter to me, it looks more like minor work at the front, A5 headlights and tail lights. What matters is the tech innovations and the interior. Curious to see what new things they bring to the table.

lucifa
September 10, 2009 4:54 PM
Never liked Audi design -- too little model individuality -- but the styling falls best on the A8. True hitman's car. ;)

Lamborghini
September 10, 2009 5:01 PM
Haha, you've got that right Lucifa:) But I'm also a bit afraid that it will look like an over-sized A4... Let's hope for the best:)

fattychrisbmw
September 10, 2009 5:26 PM
for uncamouflaged photos... please go to audi website and click on current A8 links.. well... or A4 or A6 .. does not matter ..

NewGit
September 11, 2009 11:34 AM
For that matter, for past, present and future models of bmw, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostril

Seriously though, all and I mean all of the manufacturers are going down the homogenous look route, Merc, BMW, Audi, Ford etc. They all use variations of the same basic designs in each model. You're simply buying a brand these days, like nike clothing, same stupid tick different cheap clothing piece.

TheSilentKnight
September 10, 2009 5:29 PM
Well I'd get it even if it does look like an A4 after overdosing itself on self-raising flour. What matters to me is what the S8 will be like. Last year I read an article showing a computer concept with power/torque figures rivalling the big bad mutha-trucka ( Merc's S65 AMG ); the figures were 462kw/840nm courtesy of some fiddling with the RS6's 5.2litre V10; which is 12kw more than the S65, but 160nm less. Let's hope Audi keep to these rumoured figures, or even better, obliterate them while having the handling advantage of Quattro all-wheel-drive.

Floppy
September 10, 2009 7:29 PM
mighty mighty Road-King

michelin901
September 10, 2009 7:59 PM
since when did audi start using bmw's left over camo tape? i hope this thing has a brand new direction and not look like the current bland range, but my hopes are low.

catchmyshadow
September 10, 2009 8:01 PM
love the silhouette, looks elegant and powerful. time to reveal it.

HEMI426
September 10, 2009 9:42 PM
I think the bonnet is a bit short for the car.

car-o-bar
September 10, 2009 10:13 PM
looks the same as the current shape, just evolutionary changes not revolutionary, trademark Audi.

goofyentj
September 10, 2009 10:52 PM
although most Audi sedans do look somewhat "alike", I really do like this A8 camo look.

dezibel
September 11, 2009 1:06 AM
Copycat is copying again. Now it's not an Auditsubishi (remember the last spyshots), now it's an BMW foiled Audi with old-BMW-7-lookalike taillights.

Sometimes the Audi guys are worse than some Chinese carmakers...

out4ride
September 11, 2009 1:15 AM
Can u remind me what was the last thing Audi copied off of BMW ? Was it the Dsg?

michelin901
September 11, 2009 12:06 PM
its definitely the psycha camo tape!

fattychrisbmw
September 11, 2009 4:54 AM
this looks like a woman with complete flat tits wearing a bra...

2010S5
September 11, 2009 7:08 AM
Only if you're a blind bmw/merc fanboy that clearly cannot tell the difference between a woman and a car. Actually, you wouldn't know..people like you tend not to get women.

fattychrisbmw
September 11, 2009 7:56 AM
if you don't get what i meant, please keep your mouth shut... what i said is not about any woman at all.. moron... from your other post below, it looks like we are on the same page...


Edited by user on September 11, 2009 at 7:57 AM
2010S5
September 11, 2009 7:06 AM
Please do not make this an oversized A4/A5 Sportback. Please give some individuality to the car.

achiu
September 11, 2009 7:00 PM
Actually, I am a big fan of Audi coz I think Audi mean style and innovation. However, I am so disappointed about this A8 prototype, coz it lacks of surprise or any exicting elecment. It just look like the existing A8 with the LED or a big A4, too boring. I hope it is only a prototype and the final overlook would be much better. Otherwise, they cannot catch bmw or merc.

ExoticCarOwner
September 12, 2009 12:47 AM
Lets hope that the actual car will look slightly more distinctive.

James2911
September 12, 2009 12:13 PM
As if they'll wait untill 2010 to see the unveil - you'll see it next week at Frankfurt for sure.

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