Audi is sending in a real light-weight to fight some seriously heavy hitters in the battle for the title of best car in the world. The prestige of the entire VW Group is at stake as an all-new, hi-tech, alloy A8 prepares to take on the next BMW 7-Series and revised Mercedes S-Class.
This exclusive picture of the car, codenamed D3, was created from photos of the final production model which were smuggled out of Audi's headquarters. They show exactly what the German car maker's rivals will face in 18 months when it hits the road.

The new look aims to attract a more conservative buyer than the ostentatious S-Class and 7-Series, but the styling will disappoint those expecting a big TT. As with the last model though, the latest A8 is expected to grow old gracefully, with an anticipated lifespan of 10 years. Meanwhile, under the evolutionary bodywork lies plenty of revolutionary technology.

The Audi will pioneer V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines plus active suspension, all housed in an aluminium shell no heavier than an A4's.

At its launch at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, however, the range will feature conventional petrol engines, starting with the all-new 220bhp 3.0-litre V6 initially seen in the latest A4. Replacing the current A8's 193bhp 2.8, it will be available with front-wheel drive plus a CVT Multitronic gearbox or a conventional auto mated to the quattro system. A 310bhp 4.2-litre V8 will be available exclusively with quattro.

The range-topper is to be fitted with the new W12 engine, recently unveiled in the current A8. Boasting 450bhp, the 6.0-litre unit ensures the fresh model retains the crown of most powerful saloon car in production. The engine is in essence two V6 units 'merged', making it incredibly compact for its size – and light. From summer 2003 to early 2004, Audi will gradually roll out its range of direct-injection petrol engines – called FSi – bringing greater economy to the sector without affecting refinement or performance. The line-up is eventually to include a 150bhp 2.5-litre V6, a 260bhp 3.5-litre V8 and a 310bhp 4.0-litre V8.

The S8 performance model is set to receive a 375bhp 5.0-litre V8, and there is even talk of turbocharging it to create a monster 500bhp RS8 later in its product cycle. Buyers looking to stretch out in the back must also wait as the long-wheelbase version won't arrive until the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. With arch-rivals all heading towards sophisticated air-suspension systems, Audi engineers have worked hard to make sure the A8 has superlative refinement and handling. Through conventional springs and electronically controlled dampers, the Audi constantly monitors road conditions and the driver's style to ensure optimum comfort.

The system can also alter ride height, sitting lower when cruising and higher when stationary to ease entry and exit from the car. Don't expect the A8 to be first with a steer or brake by wire system, though – the firm's engineers do not think they are sophisticated enough yet for customers.

Buyers will insist on the ultimate in safety though, so Audi is aiming to provide the A8 with the best occupant protection in the world with airbags to cushion feet, backs and heads in the front and rear. So while it may look innocent and barely tip the scales for the heavyweight class, the A8 is set to pack a knock-out punch when it enters the executive market.


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Gabriel
CL Type S

oh goddamn that is sweet!!!

The Audi A8 is already one of my favorite lux-barges...

But these is just a beauty... sign my up for the S8 version!

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2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fog Lights
Aftermarket Black Wood Trim Kit

BOOOOO! WTF is Audi doing? "Hi! I'm a $90,000 Passat." Boooo, Audi! BOOOOO!

I know it's just concept art, but SHIT, that's just not right.

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a study in pimp daddy gold

we need more pics and more a feature list to judge.

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2001 CL-S
Black/Black
Moonroof Visor
35% Tint All Around
Black Wood Dash Kit
Currently on TL rims with Nokian Winter Tires
My Bitch

Yes sir, right away sir. Here is your pics. Great quality pics by the way...hehe.



This is the ultimate A8 engine...W12 and 450HP



Just for comparison reasons, look how old design the current A8 looks



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Gabriel
CL Type S

For the 80K I will buy myself a LS430 and a CLS.

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01 3.2 CLS Non-Navi
San Marino Red
Tinted 35% all the way
Winter Rubber mats
Piaa High Beam lights (Not worth it)

Some of you guys aren't reading it right. The point is that the A8's structure is all-aluminum and all that 4wd power, with possibly a W12, is pushing a body shell as light as an A4's. Can you say Skyline Eater?

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051/LP/SR/LD/HH

A8 an CLS, got versy similar Rims, Who copied who? hehehe

Ah, A8 drivers will drafted in the scractched rims cub in no time!

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Black, Ebony, 3.2 CL Type-S.
- Acura NAV.
- 3M clear bra (full front bumper, and side mirros)
- Wheels locks
- Mooonroof visor
- Splash guards
- Winter mats
- Trunk liner
- Acura Spoiler
- Valentine V1 Radar Locator
- HELMS Service Manual
- PIAA 19169 road lamps
- 03/19/01: Injen Polished CAI

Not neceserily. The current A8 is using an alloy frame and it is still heavier than all its competitors. So I am waiting till I actually see what the weight of this new car is from Audis spec sheet till I decide if it will be a Skyline beater. I doubt it will be though.

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Gabriel
CL Type S