Cold Weather Test Mule: Next Generation Audi A8
Compiled by: AudiWorld Staff

Although the R8 is capturing a good deal of Audi-related press right now and the big S6 and S8 sedans also do a good job of representing Audi’s top end, the A8 remains the everyday flagship for the company. As such Audi is busy developing its next generation A8 expected to debut in 2009.

The A8 was the first to receive Audi’s corporate grille re-styling, sporting the single-frame grille way back in 2003 on the A8 L 6.0 quattro, and later on throughout the model line-up.

While the vehicle has received many rave reviews for comfort and styling, perhaps the one weak spot has remained mediocre handling and steering feel. This is one area which will be addressed head on in the D4 A8 with a 40/60 percent front/rear torque split, better distribution of weight and Audi’s MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which it will share with the A4, A5, Q5 and A6.

The A8 was the first to receive Audi’s corporate grille re-styling, sporting the single-frame grille way back in 2003 on the A8 L 6.0 quattro, and later on throughout the model line-up.

While the vehicle has received many rave reviews for comfort and styling, perhaps the one weak spot has remained mediocre handling and steering feel. This is one area which will be addressed head on in the D4 A8 with a 40/60 percent front/rear torque split, better distribution of weight and Audi’s MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which it will share with the A4, A5, Q5 and A6.