![Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti-veyron-swim-1258147199_143x85.jpg)
Spy Shots: 2009 Audi A8
by John Neff on Jan 23rd 2007 at 6:02PM 
At first glance, you'll hardly be able to tell a difference between the 2007 Audi A8 and the testing mule you're staring at here. The most obvious differences are the extra-wide fenders flares on the mule. Nevertheless, this is the next iteration of the A8, which will also sport some mechanical upgrades when it debuts in 2009. Audi will be looking to make the A8 lineup a more athletic group of luxury sedans by lowering the car's weight and distributing it better on the Modular Longitudinal Platform it will share with the bulk of Audi's passenger car lineup. We're particularly excited about the possibility of Audi dropping in the 6.0-liter V12 TDI that will first be offered in the Q7 SUV. Inspired by the same engine that propelled Audi's pair of R10 LMP1 racers to victory in the American LeMans Series, this engine produces a beastly 500 hp and 737 ft-lbs. of torque. The V12 will be crazy in the Q7 and Grade-A insane in the lighter A8. You can check out more spy shots of the A8 at the link, but we'll warn you there's not much new to see for now. Thanks for the tip, Jason!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
che culattone 6:17PM (1/23/2007)
best high-level luxury sedan by any measurable possible, bar none...
Reply
Jason 6:14PM (1/23/2007)
I dont get it. Mercedes is the king of the engines with the 738 torque SL65/CL65
why would Audi come out with 737 torque? They want to make sure Mercedes is still the power champ?
Reply
chris 6:38PM (1/23/2007)
Jason, Merc-AMG create the V12 65 engine to have exactly 1000Nm of torque, a number that the rest of the world can understand, not a specific number to be measured in ft-lbs for the American market. The Audi V12 TDI also has 1000Nm, but perhaps there's like .3Nm different or something which changes 738 to 737 when converted into ft-lbs.
Reply
chris 6:43PM (1/23/2007)
It's a test mule, a version of the new car under the body of the current model. Just like the Nissan GT-R was originally tested around the Nurburgring looking like a G35 on steroids, but now we all know what it'll look like and it's a completely different car.
Reply
JON C 6:47PM (1/23/2007)
Cool
Reply
MikeW 7:17PM (1/23/2007)
Now that 60 degree V angle will be a problem.
The Q7 has way more vertical space in the engine compartment. (See VR6)
With the pedestrian regulation dictating taller hoods or lower engines, a 90 degree V angle is advantegous.
Also the driveshaft has to go under the crankshaft in the platform, and a shorter vertical height engine (90 degree and dry sump) would be a key virtue.
Reply
Steve S 10:16AM (1/24/2007)
I'm guessing the V12 will end up n the S8 and not the A8. Nice car now i they would only offer it with a 6 speed manual or dual-clutch.
Reply
ZTuned 7:40PM (1/23/2007)
738 ft lbs of torque from a twin turbo V12...running on diesel with decent MPG to boot! Holy sh**, this is the ultimate luxo-sedan. Can you imagine what a simple modification like a chip that raises boost and timing, remaps the A/F would do? This thing is a monster.
Reply
Car Videos and reviews 12:10AM (1/24/2007)
Its hard to tell which is A4, A6, or A8. They all look alike.
Reply
chewy 8:12PM (1/23/2007)
Jason
It's all about the transmission. The transmission in both cars limits the torque to 1,000 nm or 738 lb-ft. I am sure the V12 TDI diesel can make much more torque. But I am aslo sure that the A8 with the V12 TDI will get much better fuel economy than the MB S65.
This new A8 should be very nice like the current one but even better.
Reply
ruggels 10:17PM (1/23/2007)
Dope, I'm not so much concerned about the v12 as I am about a new A8, the current gen A8 remains the unchallenged design leader from the outside or within, no body does it like audi... that and 800 miles per tank with the v8 tdi is pretty cool :P.
Reply
Talis 12:54AM (1/24/2007)
nice.
Reply
Jason 1:37AM (1/24/2007)
Thanks guys for your responses.
I do think Audi should have gone for it. When you make this much power you are trying to prove something. You dont give up on the last ft-lb of torque.
The slightest of computer enhancement could have given a 2 torque improvement to make 739 and be the power champ.
Reply
Albertville 1:39AM (1/24/2007)
You are missing the point. The Audi makes 737 torque because they want to hook it up to a Boeing 737 for tow.
Its for a commercial maybe.
The same engine in Touareg towed a plane.
Reply
hank 5:46AM (1/24/2007)
Actually, it doesn't matter how much power they have, 250 lb-ft, 400, 800 or 1000. Audi limits the top speed on ALL versions of the US A8 to only 130 mph! So, save your money and just get the V8,
Reply
TDIMeister 5:59AM (1/24/2007)
Someone forgot to fully close the fuel filler flap.
Reply