A brand new model of the German sedan has been spotted on the streets.
Recently, in June, Audi A8 was spied on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, but compared to it, the S8 version looks a bit different. It has stronger brakes, different headlight internals, and upgraded exhaust system, it comes with four pipes at the back of the car. As for the brakes, both front and rear are drilled for better cooling, with ones on the front having S-branded calipers. Strangely, the spied model didn’t have more aggressive front fascia than the regular A8, but this is going to be changed for sure.
Audi presented the Prologue series of concepts, and both new A8 and new A7, a four-door coupe that was recently spotted as well, have that design implemented. Sharply designed single-frame grille, flanked by wedge-like headlights are something that both models have in common.
However, the designers from Audi decided to leave the A8 model without the flared wheel arches and shoulder crease highlights that will adorn the new A7 coupe. This might be a bit odd, knowing that the A8 is positioned as a upper-class sedan.
The spotted model was camouflaged, and there are no official specifications regarding the powerplant. The rumors say it might use the same one like the Porsche Panamera II does. It is a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine developing 324 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Most likely this engine will be used.
Both new A8 and S8 models will be using the MLB platform, developed and announced in 2012 by VW for shared modular construction of its longitudinal, front-engine cars. Having the market position of the sedan, lot of aluminum is expected to be used. It is also rumored that the new model might spawn an ultra-long wheelbase version and even a coupe.
The debut is expected in the second half of 2017. Currently available monster is offered at $115,900, and we think that the next year model will retain this price or it will go up slightly.
