Audi Confirms A5 Sportback and new A8 for 2009, Q5 Hybrid also in the Works

During his speech at Audi AG's annual shareholders meeting in Germany, Audi Chairman of the Board, Rupert Stadler, revealed that the automaker is planning to present the next-generation A8 in November and extend its range with the new A5 Sportback sometime in 2009. Furthermore, Stadler confirmed earlier reports that Ingolstadt based company is also working on a hybrid version of the Mercedes GLK rivaling Q5 SUV and that the A1 minicar is due for a 2010 market launch with the Q3 small SUV following in 2011.

This means that unless Audi has another surprise up its sleeves, the four-door coupe derivative of the A5 is most probably the new model that the maker said its preparing to unveil during the celebrative festivities for the firm's 100th anniversary in Germany on July 16.

The A5 Sportback is in essence the production version of the sleek-looking Sportback Concept that was first shown in Detroit in the beginning of the year. Expect to see a familiar Audi engine lineup, including the latest 2.0-liter TSI with 211HP, the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 290HP and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel cranking out 240HP.

"The A4 has attracted the largest share of customers loyal to the Audi brand. And a great number of them want to move further upward while carving out their own unique identity," said Stadler.

"The A5 Sportback is precisely what they're looking for. This vehicle will pose a genuine innovation in the B segment: a revolutionary vehicle concept offering the ideal blend of functionality and aesthetics"

As for the brand new A8 sedan (see the spy shots here), Stadler said claimed that it will be the sportiest model in its segment and that it will redefine people's notions of a luxury car's interior.

"We will also be presenting the next-generation Audi A8 and rest assured, Ladies and Gentlemen, it's going to be a sensation. The A8 remains Audi's flagship: it embodies our understanding of the word "premium"," Stadler told Audi's shareholders.

"The A8 will be the sportiest luxury sedan in its class – and set new standards with regard to interiors. Its precision and build quality are second to none. This model naturally means a great deal to us, because it played a greater role than any other car in the rise of the Audi brand. And we will unveil it to the world in a remarkable fashion in late November."

2011 Audi A8 Test Mule with New Interior Spied

Looks can be deceiving. What appears to be a current generation Audi A8 in these photos is in fact a test mule of Ingolstadt's next generation flagship sedan that is planned to go on sale in 2011. As you can see in the spy photos, the prototype model features a newly styled dashboard that drops the current's model instrument panel layout in favor of a new design while there's also a different automatic gearbox setting and a restyled four spoke steering wheel.

Underneath the current model's sheetmetal, the test mule hides an upgraded platform that uses more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium components in order to save weight and improve dynamics. The same architecture will most likely be used in future generation Bentley models.

Audi's new BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class adversary will be offered with a revised engine lineup that will include the S4 / S5's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 delivering an output of around 290HP in the A8. Buyers will also be offered naturally aspirated V6 and V8 petrol engines along with the usual range of 'oil burners'. It is rumored, but not confirmed, that the German firm may drop the range topping 6.0-liter W12 as well as the 5.2-liter V10 unit in the S8.

Audi Launches Sport Plus and Comfort Plus Packages for A8 Sedan

Since the next generation A8 isn't due for another year or so, Audi decided to spice up the interest in its luxury sedan by revealing two new special packages called Comfort Plus and Sport Plus. Offered exclusively with a new Panther Black, crystal effect paint, the Sport Plus package adds various goodies such as 20-inch "S design" alloy wheels in a dark steel finish, "adaptive light" with LED daytime running lights, sports seats in goa beige Valcona leather and heating for the front seats.

Furthermore, the center console, doors and lower dashboard are trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Depending on the engine version (how typically German...), the Sport Plus style package for the A8 costs between €2,100 and €9,600.

For those that prefer more luxurious appointments, there's the Comfort Plus package. Finished in Night Blue, pearl effect and fitted with 12-spoke, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, the A8 Comfort Plus gets seats upholstered in silk beige Valcona leather while full-leather trim for the center console, doors and dashboard is in silk beige Fine Nappa leather.

The equipment package also includes heating for the front and rear seats, and front seats with seat ventilation and massage function plus "adaptive light" system with LED daytime running lights. Price for the Comfort Plus style package costs between € 4,200 and €14,500, depending again on the engine version.

Audi Recalling 13,900 A8 Sedans over Transmission Issue

A faulty automatic transmission locking cable is to blame for the recall of 13,900 MY 1996-2003 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. According to NHTSA, the locking cable may move out of position over time therefore allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "PARK" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. Audi said that its dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece securing the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month (September 2008). For more detailed information, owners can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.