Audi A8 Teaser Released

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 - only with it's current generation did the A8 really get put into the same league as these industry leaders. Audi wants to take things even further with this next generation of the car. As I've reported earlier, the A8 has been delayed a bit.

Originally, an introduction date for the Frankfurt Auto Show was planned. Now it has been pushed back later than that, most likely debuting at an event of it's own. Seems like Audi is planning something similar to Jaguar's exclusive London launch event for the XJ. Makes a lot of sense - why not get the spotlight for yourself when introducing a major new product?

Audi's chief designer Stefan Sielaff had some interesting things to say about the new Audi A8. This is a teaser of course, but even under the cover you can identify some unique Audi traits that we've seen on other Audis. For instance, the big grille and aggressive LED headlight graphic.

Sielaff says the next generation A8 will debut "the first of a new styling language at Audi." I'm noticing a lot of the usual Audi cues from the teaser so we'll see how much different it really is. A more coupe-like profile can be made out from the teaser, and that fits with Audi saying it will be the sportiest sedan in the segment.

Also, Sielaff offered some more information about how the upcoming A8 will compare with previous generation models: "The first generation was very dogmatic and product-design-like. With the second generation, the theme was 'elegance'—softer, flowing lines. The upcoming third generation will be stronger, sharper, and more precise."

MotorAuthority had a rendering done on the A8 that is pretty spot on from what we have seen in the official teaser. Take a look, this image pretty much captures the new A8.....