Possible Audi A8 Test Mule Caught on Video in Mexico

A member of the Rvag.com community has caught a Volkswagen Group prototype undergoing testing in Puebla, Mexico.

While we're not 100 percent positive what model this is, it appears the prototype may be the new Audi A8 judging by its overall profile and a few other clues.

It is possible the protoype could also be the new mid-size sedan (NMS).  If this is the case, it will be one of the first times the NMS has been caught on "film." 

However, when comparing to previous Audi A8 prototype spy photos taken at the Nurburgring in Germany, we can see the same LED daytime driving lights integrated into the headlamps as well as the same exact wheels.  Also, the sail panel portion of the C-pillar is showing some funky faux coverings on both prototypes.

Clearly the Puebla location is significant as Volkswagen has a plant there which manufactures Jetta/Bora and New Beetle models, however, we're a bit baffled as to why the Audi A8 prototype would be testing in Mexico.  This isn't the hottest time of year there.

The next-generation 2011 Audi A8 is expected to debut sometime next year, possibly as the Geneva auto salon in March, or perhaps later at the Paris show in September.

Big thanks to Toni for the tip!

Source: rvag.com

Add a Comment

Comments (25)

Subscribe to comments
 2010S5 2010S5
"Set to be priced in the low $20,000 range"...a mistake surely? Or do these people have no idea what they're talking about.
November 5, 2009 8:25 pm
 BrianWCF BrianWCF
Thanks, that was a typo in reference to the NMS. It's been removed.
November 6, 2009 5:31 am
 norther norther
of course they do, 2010s5... and tomorrow they'll write an article of a 10 grand lambo lp 670 sv. ...and me, the first owner. jesus.....
November 5, 2009 9:17 pm
 mldrieling mldrieling
The $20,000 they're talking about is not for the A8 but for the NMS.
November 5, 2009 9:32 pm
 jerry05cod4 jerry05cod4
i would safely say that's an a8... looks promising... aggressive looking, looks like it wants to rape the s-class and 7-series right in the alley!
November 5, 2009 10:07 pm
 alamak alamak
lol........very funny jerry, but I would have to agree with you.....it does look very aggressive...I like it......
November 6, 2009 1:37 am
 sub39h sub39h
this car will decide whether or not Audi has finally caught up with Merc and BMW. whilst cars like the A3, A4 and R8 do a good job putting the fight to them, it's the flagship saloon that waves the flag for the company. if the A8 can topple the S-Class, it would be a sign of Audi's dominance.
November 6, 2009 3:24 am
 Bristol411S3 Bristol411S3
Oh dear, do we live in a world where rape is used for comedic value? I find that comment VERY distasteful.
November 6, 2009 10:17 am
 scratchy996 scratchy996
would the word "fornicate" be more fitting ?
November 6, 2009 10:21 am
 sideskraper sideskraper
'Dominate' is probably the word that our pubescent friend is looking for.
November 6, 2009 11:51 am
 jerry05cod4 jerry05cod4
stop taking life seriously bristol... u dont have to be uptight about everything... cars are allowed to rape each other or at least molest each other
November 6, 2009 12:33 pm
 catchmyshadow catchmyshadow
looks very promising
November 5, 2009 10:57 pm
 nederina nederina
How would you know it is the new A8? Looks the same
November 6, 2009 1:23 am
 Orfeifei Orfeifei
Look at the head-lamps shown at the beginning about0:02, they're with new shape and daytime LED. The shape of the tail-lamps are modified too. btw, it looks great
November 6, 2009 2:47 am
 nederina nederina
I know that the aluminum space frame is new but it looks too much like the current car. I call it a rebodied flagship Audi with updates like the leds and etc. God these Germans is playing safer than Durex
November 6, 2009 5:27 am
 fattychrisbmw fattychrisbmw
why are they still testing the current A8? and which part does it look promising? it just looks like a bigger A4 to me... the LED isn't even new... it was like 5 years ago...
November 6, 2009 5:27 am
 scratchy996 scratchy996
looks promising.
November 6, 2009 10:18 am
 stelvio stelvio
looks too small to be an A8
November 6, 2009 1:44 pm
 KenDowning KenDowning
BTW, the premiere of the new A8 is on 30. of November in Miami, so we don´t need to wait too long for the real car.
November 6, 2009 4:02 pm
 fcravioto fcravioto
My opinion of testing cars in cities like Puebla or Mexico is because of its high over sea level. Mexico and Puebla are almost 2300 meter ( 7500 ft ) over sea level
November 6, 2009 4:06 pm
 Dr Alvar Hanso Dr Alvar Hanso
Mexico, huh? I guess this is the armored version.
November 6, 2009 4:49 pm
 maloparac maloparac
Ha ha U got that right!!
November 9, 2009 7:10 pm
 audilover audilover
I think this car will rectally tear the 7-series but will only grope the S-class.
November 6, 2009 9:45 pm
 BabyMilo BabyMilo
I like it, i dont know what it is but it has something about it
November 8, 2009 8:54 pm
 maloparac maloparac
How in name of God they can mistake Audi A8 bird with R8 headlights LED with some cheap VW project ?
November 9, 2009 7:13 pm