Audi might ditch FWD and all-aluminum platform for next generation A8

With the current generation of the A8 all set to receive a face lift next year, Audi does not seem all too keen on discussing the details of what it has planned for the next generation of the model just yet. However, rumors doing the rounds of the blogosphere suggest that the automaker may be working on radical changes for the vehicle with an extensive redesign. According to these rumors, the next generation of the Audi A8 which is due to come out in either 2016 or 2017, may be offered with a standard modular architecture currently being concocted by Porsche.

Next generation Audi A8 will come with carbon/aluminum chassis

The platform is likely to be the basis for the next generation of sedans by Bentley as well as the upcoming new-gen Panamera. Since the Panamera 4 is reported to have a rear-wheel drive bias, the next A8 can use a rear-wheel-drive platform which would make it the first post-war sedan from Audi to have one. Sources close to Audi report that Wolfgang Dürheimer, Audi’s new head of R&D, is seriously considering the RWD layout for the next A8 though Audi’s front wheel drive platform is still considered to be one of the finest approaches in the luxury segment. Along with the layout redesign, the next generation of the A8 may also shun the all-aluminum body for a composite, high-strength steel/aluminum hybrid to make the vehicle more efficient.

Via: German Car Blog.