The new Audi A8 has been spied undergoing the final stages of development at the Nurburgring, ahead of its launch at the end of November.
The new executive saloon has previously been spied at the ‘Ring, as well as on public roads, and these clear shots show the A8 in a light disguise and near production-ready specification.
See the hi-res Audi A8 spy pics
The S-class and BMW 7-series rival will use a weight-saving aluminium spaceframe and be around 10cm longer than the current model.
It is also expected to get a cleaner and more efficient range of engines. Recent reports suggest it may be offered with a 197bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, with around 295lb ft of torque.
Other planned units include 3.0-litre and 4.2-litre V8s. The V10 currently in the S8 will be driopped in favour of a 402bhp V8.
Front and four-wheel-drive versions are likely to be offered, although around 90 per cent of sales will be for all-wheel-drive variants.
Technology upgrades are expected to include an updated MMI control system, night vision technology and road sign recognition abilities.
The new Audi A8 is expected to go on sale in the UK in early 2010.
Pictures: Carparazzi
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Re: Lighter, cleaner Audi A8 spied
lol. I just dont think the automatic setting works,nor do sports tyres or oversized alloys- I think 18" is the limit and in comfort mode it does soak up bumps very well, but it also wallows and floats as a consequence- so not perfect by any stretch, but it is at least comfortable and on better roads, i feel i can change the cars character completely in dynamic, it does become a completely different beast. I would perhaps hesitate about buying another A8, but really I need 4wd and my only other alternative as a direct replacement would be an LS600h swb or perhaps a Continental coupe but im sure I could still be tempted by another A8, especially if was an S8 as you say ;)
Re: Lighter, cleaner Audi A8 spied
Just look at the figures: Audi A8 3.0 TDI, 1845 kg (with 90% tank full), 233 BHP, 7.8 sec from 0-60, 224 g/km. BMW 730d, 1940 kg (90% tank, 68 kg for the driver and 7 kg of luggage), 245 bhp, 7.2 sec from 0-60, 178 g/km. Looks pretty inferior to me.
Re: Lighter, cleaner Audi A8 spied
Finally, Audis' 200bhp 2.0 Twin-Turbo diesel arrives!