SPYSHOTS: Next Audi A8

001, OF COURSE THIS ISN'T THE NEXT A8. It's a test mule of the current model, with the next model's (C4 modular) chasis.

If this was the next-generation, C4, 2009 A8, all they would've changed was the turn signals. They're now orange. Wow.

And, boring? Maybe with these wheels. But with the 19" twelve-spokes, the car is just SO tasteful... I feel like the A8 and S-Class are some of the best-looking sedans on the road, for very different reasons. A8 is for the conservative, old-money type that wants sleek, understated style and the S is for the extroverted "new money" family. I'll take either.

i don't think the C4 will be a A8 chasis

but we will see

we had the Audi A6 design team for the new car for 3 years for now/ our point to them 0-60 1/4 mile and hp

Oh, I meant D3. C4 is the next-generation A6.

The Lexus LS460/LS600 hl is a much more attractive car than this A8. This new and upcoming A8 look very dull for an Audi design. Eventually the Lexus LS460/LS600 hl will take over this segement too.

Lexus

Dummo ori gotmo Mr. Roboto.....Dummo...Dummo...Lexus is Rice Trash...

Friends don't let friends drive RICE........Phaetonmeister

THIS ISN'T THE NEW A8. AND THE LS IS EVEN MROE BORING THAN THE A8.

Rice is more comparable to spaetzle.

every audi post there are 4 or 5 lexus idiots

ist dieses ein deutsches Auto? oder ist es schnitzel trash?... beide!

In your dreams, yes.

It still looks like an over blown Camry.

Wow, I got a -10 boost above, pretty funny. It was really in response to Phaetonmeister's lovely dommo arigato lexus rice trash comment. But I see that his comment was not boosted down, when in reality, mine was a similar comment. Just goes to show you how biased some people can be. It's okay on this forum to bash Lexus, but when people bash German cars people go ape-shit.

Why is Lexus being brought up in this thread? The LS only sells well in the US, and while I think it is impressive being so new, the competition will not stand still.

Audi's new aggressive marketing campaign will surely propel the new A8 into the sight of prospective buyers.

The LS and A8 are two different cars.

Lexus,

Stop it. If myou read the article, and actually switched your brain on, you would understand that these are photos of the next A8 platform wrapped in the current A8 shell.

The LS won't take over the segement just because you say so.

001 time for another ban?

The LS is a fat, overpriced Asian interpretation of what a luxury car should be.

The car completely lacks the presence of the Germans. It just looks like a big, bloated Camry, with cheap wheels.

Matt, hey!..you have your opinion, I have my; we all have different opinion about car. The A8 is definitely not my cup of tea.

Lexus

The 2009 Audi A8 is gunna be unfreakinbelievable with lots of mofo bling-bling.

Well this is obvious this is the current A8 (that looks very elegant and has excellent design) that is running the new modular chassis. No one said that it will loook like that, of course it will look differently. I am sure it will looks very nice when it comes out in 2009.

we'll just have to wait and see. no comment here. I do like the fender buldges.. so maybe we're going to see a much more agressive car like the body of this article states.

Thank you! These Lexus fans are motarded!

I think Audis are the only brand that I like or can atleast tolerate every model they put out. I can't say that about Toyota or Nissan (who I LOVE dearly). Back to the topic, I am dying to get a glimpse of the new A8. I'm sure its gonna be fierce.

Will wants a big bumper like on the LS.

When you drive do you stick your head out the window and yell, look at me I'm drivin' a Lexus!!!

When you drive do you yell "Hey, I'm an un-funny horse's ass!" ?

I'm not putting the A8 down or anything, I just think it look kind dull for an Audi design. Look at the A4/RS4, now that some lively looking car. Currently in this segement I think the Lexus LS460/LS600 hl look the best. That just my opinion, you may disagree and I respect your point of view.

Lexus

Okay. However, may I ask what's better about the LS460 than the A8?

Its bloated front bumper?

Its slab sides?

Its oversized light clusters?

Its boring wheel options?

I would say that, on the LS, it's less about "subtlety" and more about "perfection". They went too far in the dampening of the design. The car has no character to speak of.

I'm not going to get into the same song and dance with you, Will... but 9-3 rear lights? THAT is a low blow! Especially because Audi had the lights first; Saab just suddenly decided to go conservative.

You never seem to forget that I can easily say that the LS looks like a Camry in the front. I don't know how or why, but there is an off-putting Toyota-like appearance in the front of the car.

No, El34 you fail again, Lexus and Audi owner does not do that when they drive. It is the rich snob that buy/drive the BMW for the image instead of it performance. They're the one that scream and says, look at me I'm driving a BMW.

Lexus,

Who always screaming "look, my brand is better then everyone else's car"?

Hello Kettle.....

Just get that BMW and come out of the closet.

Anyway, Current A8 is beautiful and I would guess then next will be as well. It is not meant to look "lively', just subtle and bad ass.

S4, Lexus LS460/LS600 hl has the first 8 speed, triple zeon headlight, and it has a very distinctive look. And a very good price as well;)

Lexus

DISTINCTIVE?

When pigs fly!

530N52, if you want a subtle and bad ass ride get a real car like a Lexus;) The IS350 look better than any car in it class. So is the LS or the GS both of which look best in it segment. No I don't a BMW because people might I'm a Snob. Plus Lexus is more realible anyway.

Lexus

Gogo, you need to stop swallowing those German bolognie when you talking bro. Like anyone care about your opinion anyway reject;)

The A8 is a beautiful car with an awesome interior. I am sure the new one will only expand on its' winning formula- just like BMW, and MBZ and Lexus does with each new generation. I love them all.

Hey! Lexus fans read this, you guy know how the German fanboys alway call us Lexus fan Ricer?

Here to the German fanboys, I would rather drive a car from Japan than a German Hot dog or bolognie car. That right the hot was invented in Germany.

That right go ahead and buy your hotdog car German fanboys LOL:) ah...ha...ha...ha...ha...

correction, the hot dog was originated in German

Even though Audi could very well be the safest luxury manufacturer out there right now?

A3, A4 and A6 all got double-best picks from the IIHS in 2006, the most of any car manufacturer, ever.

The Q7 got some snazzy safety award this year.

The A8 is made of aluminum, which is stronger than steel.

(SIGH) Is it even worth telling you that this isn't the new A8?

They did a comparison a couple weeks ago between the Lexus LS460 and MB S-Class and the Lexus LS460 won. And to make matter worst; it was done in Germany.

Lexus

Can you post this article please?

Because in every comparison test on this planet, the S-Class has come out the winner. On one occasion, the LS460L came in dead last.

When Audi become the #1 lexury brand in America than we talk.

Lexus

Tooooooooooo bad that Audi sells about double (yes x2) the amount of cars in the world that Lexus does.

pwned

I think I'll drive my Lexus to Las Vegas and gamble at the Luxor casino.

Lexus and Luxor must have hired the same PR firm.

Audi's German tagline is "Vorsprung durch Technik"; this is used either untranslated or in its English translation, "Advancement Through Technology". The American tagline is "Never Follow".

The origins of Audi
The company traces its origins back to 1899 and August Horch. The first Horch automobile was produced in 1901 in Zwickau. In 1910, Horch was forced out of the company he had founded. He then started a new company in Zwickau and continued using the Horch brand. His former partners sued him for trademark infringement and a German court determined that the Horch brand belonged to his former company. August Horch was forced to refrain from using his own family name in his new car business. Horch immediately called a meeting at the apartment of Franz Fikenstcher to come up with a new name for his company. During this meeting Franz's son was quietly studying Latin in a corner of the room. Several times he looked like he was on the verge of saying something but would just swallow his words and continue working, until he finally blurted out, "Father - audiatur et altera pars... wouldn't it be a good idea to call it AUDI instead of HORCH?". The idea was enthusiastically accepted by everyone attending the meeting. [1] It is also popularly (but incorrectly) believed that Audi is an acronym which stands for "Auto Union Deutschland Ingolstadt". Audi produces over 2 million vehicles annually at its main production site in Ingolstadt. Audi has another production plant in Neckarsulm.

they're only a higher volume seller in the U.S. Outside of the U.S. Lexus sales are very poor. They don't sell worth a damn in Europe and they didn't even sell cars as Lexuses in Japan until recently. They sold the same vehicles we call Lexuses in the U.S as Toyotas in Japan (so don't ever pretend the cars aren't rebadged Toyotas). And guess what? When they changed the name to Lexus to try and raise prices to BMW/Audi/Mercedes levels, sales tanked even more there.

Lexus makes fine cars, but come down off your podium before you get yourself in trouble.

The U.S. might be the strong point of Lexus, but it sure as hell is the weak link for Audi.

Big ass fenders

The LS also has a little servo motor that turns the
wheel when the car is backing in.

Lexus, help me park the car because I'm to lame.

All aluminum construction, first to feature LED driving lights (S8) and other nice stuff.

Will, you don't need a car, you need an airplane!

I don't think there is any feature either automotive or medical that can help with your lameness.

BMW - Mercedes-Benz - Audi - Porsche - VW

Lexus - Infiniti - Acura

One group sounds like car companies and other sounds like a bunch of boom box manufactures sold at the Piggly-Wiggly.

And you, as usual, sound like a fool.

I guess you German fanboys know what it feel like when someone put your favorite auto brand down. Hey! you guys did the same thing with the Lexus IS-F. So were here to return you guys a favor with interest;)

Lexus wrote:
"I guess you German fanboys know what it feel like when someone put your favorite auto brand down. Hey! you guys did the same thing with the Lexus IS-F. So were here to return you guys a favor with interest;)"
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At least the German Fanboys don't talk like you. At least their educated. I feel sorry for the Lexus fan cause they got a couple dummies who can't spell. Read the dictionary for christ sake!.

LOL:) ah...ha...ha...ha....he..he..

Lexus

NO it goes like this
1.Lexus
2.audi
3.bmw
4.MB
5.Porche
6.Infiniti
7.VW
8.Acura

You should put Buick up there at #1 with the Lucerne.

lol and hes always yapping about design.

I kind of like Gogo's posts - when he's not screwing around.

He does have very interesting views on design and I happen to agree with some of his views such as his comments on the BMW X5 being overrated (as the best SUV on the planet etc.) for instance. I also agree with him that the new C Class is gorgeous. I drive the old C230 V6 and this new model totally owns my car, I feel, in design, quality etc. Yes, I am making these statements without even having seen the car in real life.

Once I see it person, testdrive it and get to know it better, I am seriously thinking of getting one too.

[[S4Cabriofoxone1 wrote:]]
"Gogo! why are you so insecure? get it pal, Lexus fan are here to stay and crashed the parte....... The person that sound gay here is you. Stop with the name calling than we stop. What Lexus fans says here, are mostly true."

What are you some moron who can't spell? What the hell is parte? You must be a punk kid who can't spell. Don't waste people's time here. Also another thing, NAME CALLING? What are you in grade 5 being all immature? grow the &#$#@ up.

I'm done here with this post, what else to says? we all know that Lexus make vechicle that is as good or better than any German brand/bolognie. Period, no if or but.

Lexus wrote:"I'm done here with this post, what else to says? we all know that Lexus make vechicle that is as good or better than any German brand/bolognie. Period, no if or but."

-----------
Damn homie, grammmra duud, yuo nede to laern hwo to wrtie btteer. =)

what the hell is bolognie?

I am going to keep out of this thread, but just a note to the Toyota / Lexus worshippers.

Your anti-German accusations are pretty pathetic, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WORD "LEXUS" IS QUITE CLEARLY RIPPED FROM THE ***GERMAN*** WORD "LUXUS", which means "luxury" in German.

Just thought you should know...

"Lexus" comes from a mix of "elegant and luxury" according to the Lexus people themselves.

But since you know everything, let's just take your word for it.

And since we are getting into word origins, let's take it a few steps further.

Assuming your allegation were true, the word luxus is actually a derivitive of the Latin "luxuria".

So the name Lexus would actually be Latin and not Germanically based to tell the whole story, if what you said were true.

What's up with these posers here trying to ruin the comment boards here? impersonation goin on. Anyways, i dont think the LS will take over this segment as this segment is primarily dominated by the A8, 7, and the S. The Japanese will never capture the essence of true european luxury like Audi, MB, and BMW have. Putting a bunch of high tech stuff in a car and wrap a bunch of leather seats over foam does not mean it's a winner in the luxury segment. It's about how the car makes you feel and how you feel when you drive it or how you feel when you're driven in it.

Now, don't think for one second i'm putting down Lexus. Lexus is a great brand with some pretty impressive designs. But if i was to get an 'understated' luxury car over 100K, then an A8 would be my choice, not an LS.

In my opinion, if you pull up to Bellagio Hotel in Vegas with an A8 it would be more slick than arriving in an LS. No offense to the great brand of Lexus, but the LS is trying to be a Maybach/Benz all in one with that extended version. However, that's if you want to judge the car by looks, the A8 is sleak as they come. Very professional, understated & conservative therefore the next gen should carry on what's good with the A8 now and improve on the misses that the current gen has.

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Bill - 1/24/2007 7:45:11 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I am going to keep out of this thread, but just a note to the Toyota / Lexus worshippers.

Your anti-German accusations are pretty pathetic, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WORD "LEXUS" IS QUITE CLEARLY RIPPED FROM THE ***GERMAN*** WORD "LUXUS", which means "luxury" in German.

Just thought you should know...
------------------

That's hilarious! Wow i learned something new today.

Wow, those photos of the "supposedly" new A8 is really ugly. Whats up with those fender bulges. It looks like an extended A6. Nothing special.
I've never been a fan of Audi because I thought their designs are really boring. Plus, I've had Audi owners told not to buy an Audi if there's no dealership nearby because you'd be visiting it frequently with problems.

Styling is subjective. You're entitled to your own opinion( at least you didn't comment like couple of the immature die-hard/try-hard Lexus fanclub boys ). Anyways, to many the A8 design right now is understated luxury in a very conservative way. The next-gen will continue to carry on that philosophy I believe. It's not as flashy as a Merc but has all the basic functionality of an upscale 100K luxury saloon. Anything 100K and above will always have the usual luxury features. It's just how those features blend with the design and quality of the build; Of Course, what luxury, quality, & a good design is is totally subjective as well.

just ban these lexus idiots, please.

Well, if you go around banning people that don't respect Audi, you might as well ban those who don't respect Lexus.

It's only fair.

I was just looking at the Lexus LS460 brochure and this is what it says.

An entire 2 pages devoted to the worlds first 8 speed transmission.

An entire 2 pages devoted to a rear passenger seat that reclines.

An entire 2 pages devoted to the CD player.

An entire 2 pages devoted to the navigation system.

And to top it off, an entire 2 pages of a photo of the LS460 with not 1, but 5 parachutes popped out in the back to display how this car can't stop with it's brakes alone.

Now look at the MB, BMW and Audi brochures and you will find no filler like Lexus uses.

ToyLex should be ashamed of thier brochure.

And on the 2 pages in the brochure on the 8 speed transmission it only has 6 words talking about the transmission.

Could they be any more vague?

Well, when you don't attach the suffix "-tronic" to the end of every feature you do save some paper.

And when a company has to save money by saving paper for brochures for an LS it makes me think of their materials used to make the car. Did they budget on that too?

Agent63,

I was making a joke. But in reality you should really check out a LS brochure. There is nothing cheap about it. Their focus is on presenting attractive pictures and quick info. Details are reserved for the Lexus website.

If you want to see cheap brochures, I recommend a visit to your local Land Rover dealer.

Oh, and please tell me you are not a real "agent". I would hate to find autospies had lowered their standards so drastically.

I own an A8 and I'm considering another one. I hope like hell they don't mess with the design too much. IMO it is still the most elegant car in its class. And the interior (I know it's over stated) truely can not be beat.

The A8 is a car that has never been marketed. Audi chose to focus its' small marketing budget on the A4 and Q7.

It's one of those "never talks, always delivers" cars, whereas Lexus, and especially the LS are "always talks, never delivers" cars.

By the way, self parking technology was tested, applied to several concepts, and heavily funded by VW in the late '80's and early '90's. They had this technology far before Toyota.

Also, I hate to bring this up, but Lexus owners statiscally have lower incomes and education levels than the German three.

I'm not sure about recent demographics, but Audi has held the crown as having the most educated and wealthiest customer base out of any other competitor.

Lexus really tries to appeal to an educated set in their magazine, but it's just silly--Lexus owners (many of them in southern states), simply are incapable of comprehending and processing such information.

You can rationalize the stupid decision to pay a premium for a Toyota product, but you can never rationalize being stupid enough to actually do this!

With a post like that you aren't one to speak of education and comprehension.

Fortunately, I believe your ignorance is not representative of the majority of German fans here.

Yes, SMART PEOPLE BUY THEM.

Well I've got reason to believe this ignorance is in fact representative of Lexus owners. They believe their cars to be on the same level as already established Audi, BMW, and MB.

You see, Audi is actually more prestigious than Lexus (their technological forefronts, (diesel, hybrid, self parking (VW), Le Mans, Quattro), and the fact that Audi's average transactions prices are higher.

Couple this with the fact that Audi's offered long wheelbase and W12 versions of its' A8 long before Lexus' one model flagship, and I'd say it's obvious who's on top here.

The difference is that Lexus was marketed in the US as a premium brand that took on MB. We know this is hardly the truth, but the US public bought it and now many here see Lexus as more status worthy.

Glad I was able to clear up.

"Also, I hate to bring this up, but Lexus owners statiscally have lower incomes and education levels than the German three."

I would be interested to know where to find such information.

Whoah!

Here I was thinking audiman4 was just trying in vain to be funny. But now I am starting to think that he may in fact just be that stupid. Pretty amazing.

I think the Big III from Germany had the luxury segment captured long before the LS was even made. Isn't the LS cheaper than the German's? Anyways, since Toyota's are so reliable does that mean the Lexus buyers are people who have saved up 100K to buy a Luxury car so they can drive it forever? whereas people who buy A8's, 7's, & S's tend to change car quite frequently, primarily before the factory coverage has run out. Anyone who can afford these cars can afford to buy a new one every 3-5 years.

So it would be alright to produce a product with inferior quality since the purchaser would not keep it very long?

That mindset hasn't really helped Chrysler, GM, or Ford. Thankfully, I don't think the Germans think that way either.

Why am I a snob for acknowledging the truth? Lexus is not yet on the same level as the German competitors. Why is this so difficult for you to accept?

Some may say Audi is not yet on the level of MB. They'd be right. Audi lacks the models, history, and engine development of MB.

The sooner you learn that something isn't true just because you think it is, the better off you'll be.

People that drive Audi's have bigger houses in better neighborhoods than Lexus owners.

So there.

Will, you mentioned earlier that Lexus's motto was "The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection."

Wrong.

They changed it to a less-interesting "The Pursuit of Perfection." Check your latest LS advertisement. It's in every freaking magazine. Another example of sales-by-marketing, from the "ingenious" Lexus brand...

Make it stop, make the stupid posts stop.

(S4's posts aren't bad though)

I heard that when the black lion is in the shop, the Audi A8 forms the head of Votron in its place.

Actually, Audi has made tremendous strides in quality over the last several years. In fact, no one I know with an Audi (up to five years old) has had any significant problems, including me.

answer - 1/24/2007 10:41:28 PM

Agent63,

I was making a joke. But in reality you should really check out a LS brochure. There is nothing cheap about it. Their focus is on presenting attractive pictures and quick info. Details are reserved for the Lexus website.

If you want to see cheap brochures, I recommend a visit to your local Land Rover dealer.

Oh, and please tell me you are not a real "agent". I would hate to find autospies had lowered their standards so drastically.

-----------------------

Ever thought about my comment being sarcastic? Did I even mention anything about you and your name? No, so don't even start saying i'm "lowering standards" when you're making yourself look bad for stirring up sh!t. Just leave it as it is. I never once mentioned anything about you so save your words for someone else who actually offended you.

Also by your reaction, I take it your pro-LEXUS. Fair enough cause I like some of what Lexus has to offer but I also like Audi. I think all the luxury brands have great models and features.

Oh how I wish I had a webcam so you could see the single tear your comment made me shed.

I am a Lexus fan, but more so a fan of cars in general. I think Audi makes great stuff.

However, I get really tired of the attitudes people have here where defending a German car company is acceptable, but defending Lexus is seen as being stupid.

HAHAHA I'm sure that comment teared you up. Anyways it's perfectly fine to defend Lexus, they make good cars. I'm more towards the Germans but a Lexus is not on the bottom of my list that's for sure. I like the RX, IS, and GS.

Hope this ends our little 'debate'. =)

Debate over.

Sorry if my comments were mostly directed to you.

Will.

IS<A4 ( IS350 is very boring to drive. I was surprised that there was no connection to the road and driver at all. I concidered the IS before buying the A4 about a year ago. )

LS=A8 (Depends on model. But for the price, Lexus is hard to beat)

RX doesn't compete with Q7.

GX, LX<Q7. ( LX is outdated POS. GX is aging rapidly. Looks old. Q7 has a combination of performance and comfort.)

GS=A6. ( GS has a wonderful interior on par with Audi. Exterior is on par with Audi as well. But I chose the 530i over both of them.)

Audi is getting better at advertising. Ads are everything in America.

I love these postings about any given topic...they start as subtle observations and end in name calling and my dad can beat up your dad arguements. All I can say is whatever your OPINION is its right. However, no one should pay any attention to what Will says...he drives a toyota highlander ooops i mean Lexus RX 330 (when his wife lets him have it). When you get a car Will and some pants...chime in.

I think you mean, when his husband...opps, boyfriend, lets him have hit!

But I don't know, Will may be the man in the relationship, so maybe it's his boyfriend who drives the RX?

There should be an annual autospies convention. Think of the fun!

Boxing rings for "debates".

Whose spouse is the fatest contest.

Free food/drinks.

Reps from the auto companies to harrass.

EL34 giving out real-estate information.

Come on Agent001. Make it happen!

SpyFest!

Now that's an idea!!!!!

001

It would be awesome if there was a convention at one of the larger car shows in the US or even in Canada and all registered members for this website could attend the show through Autospies.

1) Each member would basically be marketing autospies.com
2) Each member would be getting in the show.
3) Each member would have a chance to meet and interact in person and share personal views.

Just a thought..

Great idea number 63!

001

Testing

can you make spyfest in july somewhere close to toronto?
i'll be there then, otherwise i'll be about 5000 miles too far away in europe.

Too bad half the people who will attend are 12 years old or under, wearing a Toyota F1 cap and talking about their daddy's 'cool' Lexus.

I'd knock 'em out for being uneducated prats.

that made me laugh...hahahaha