More spy pictures of the 2011 Audi A8 have appeared as it went around the Nürburgring. Audi is giving it a workout that should make it stand out against competitors in terms of handling. The black and white camouflage is still quite heavy so not much can be seen.
The big news is kept under the bonnet where a new range of powerplants will be found. Downsizing is quite a popular practice across the motor industry and Audi has been at the edge of it all. Therefore, a new compact 2.0-litre TDI is rumoured to be the entry-level diesel for the next A8. Speculation is that it will use twin-turbo technology to churn out over 147kW (200hp) and 400Nm of torque.
There will be other options of course such as V6s and V8s, both petrol and diesel. The V10 currently in the S8 is to be deleted in favour of a smaller V8 packing over 300kW (408hp). Another new engine for the A8 will be based on the same supercharged 3.0-liter V6 found in the 245kW (333hp) S4/ S5. However, it will have twin-turbos producing even more power. At the very top end we should see a new powerful 6.5-litre V12 doing well over 368kW (500hp).
While over 90% of the A8s sold will feature quattro AWD, the rest will be driven through the front wheels. The range-topping Audi will also come with an upgraded MMI system, night vision technology and road sign-recognition abilities.
The new A8 will debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and go on sale sometime during the year. In the US it will be sold as a 2011 model.
