There are speculations coming out about the next-generation Audi A8 model, its flagship sedan. The next A8 is slated to appear in 2016 or 2017. It’s rumored to be the first modern-day production Audi sedan to get a rear-wheel drive platform. A source said that the new A8 will drop the outgoing model’s all-aluminum body. Instead, it will get an “aluminum hybrid” body that is comprised of high-strength steel and other composite materials. Audi is also thinking about using the MSB platform for the A8. Porsche is developing this platform for its next-generation Panamera mode as well as the upcoming Bentley sedans. If these rumors are to be believed, we have Wolfgang Dürheimer to thank. He is the latest chief of research and development at Audi. He had served as Bentley CEO and as Porsche’s R&D chief. There’s no denying then that Dürheimer is knowledgeable about the MSB platform and rear-wheel drive platforms. Audi has offered all-wheel drive as an option. The new vehicles obviously outnumber the front-wheel drive luxury sedan. [source: Caranddriver]
Rumor: Next-generation Audi A8 to get a rear-wheel drive platform
by Andrew Christian, Email, 31 Aug, 2012
