In the current mag (946)...

In the current mag (946) our spies caught the A8 test mule on the road completing its first few miles of dynamic development. At first glance it might look like just another example of Audi"s luxury flagship, but check out the wheelarches. The enormous bulges are there to house a wider track, and confirm the model as a prototype.

With testing for the new car only just beginning, the big Audi isn"t expected to appear until 2010 at the earliest. The focus is likely to be on improving the A8"s driving experience with more polished handling. A smoother ride will also be paramount to knocking Mercedes" S-Class from the top of the luxury car sector.

Engines are set to be carried over from the existing model range, using the latest FSI petrol and TDI diesel technology.