Audi leaves door open for A9 flagship as new R8 details emerge
Audi has not dismissed the prospect of an A9 flagship model while confirming technical details for the next-generation R8 ahead of its Geneva debut.
Audi has not ruled out adding an A9 flagship model to its line-up, according to a company representative, as speculation continues following the Prologue concept’s unveiling. The A9, if approved, would sit above the A8 and could target the same luxury coupe market as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
A9 remains a possibility, not a confirmed project
Rumours about an A9 production car have circulated since Audi revealed the Prologue concept, which previewed a new design direction for the brand. While no formal decision has been made, Audi’s position remains that the A9 is not an approved carline but is not off the table. The model would likely become the marque’s new flagship, positioned above the long-wheelbase A8, and could compete directly with large luxury coupes from rival German manufacturers.
No technical specifications or launch timeline for the A9 have been released. The company’s cautious stance suggests that any move towards production would depend on market conditions and internal priorities. For now, Audi continues to focus on its existing upper-tier models and the imminent launch of the next-generation R8.
New R8: V8 dropped, S tronic only, quattro for the road
Audi has confirmed that the new R8 will drop the 4.2-litre V8 engine from its line-up, leaving only the 5.2-litre V10. The V10, shared with the Lamborghini Huracán, produces up to 602 hp (449 kW) and 560 Nm of torque in its most powerful form. The new R8 will use an S tronic dual-clutch transmission exclusively, with no manual gearbox option. Audi says the decision reflects the need to manage the V10’s output and deliver faster, more controllable acceleration.
Quattro all-wheel drive will remain standard on the road-going R8. Audi’s reasoning is that rear-wheel drive would not effectively handle the V10’s power in a road car, although the R8 LMS racing version will continue with rear-wheel drive for motorsport applications. The company points to quattro’s banned status in some racing series as evidence of its performance advantage.
The new R8 is built on the same platform as the Lamborghini Huracán, bringing weight savings and improved rigidity. With the V8 dropped, the R8’s focus shifts further upmarket, consolidating its position as Audi’s flagship supercar. For more on the R8’s Geneva debut and technical details, see 2016 Audi R8 debuts at Geneva with new V10 and e-tron variant.
What these moves mean for Audi’s line-up
If the A9 is eventually approved, it would extend Audi’s reach at the top end of the luxury market and provide a direct rival to flagship coupes from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. For now, Audi’s focus is on the new R8, which will reach customers with a single, high-powered V10 option and a technology package aimed at delivering both performance and daily usability. The absence of a manual gearbox and the V8 marks a clear shift in Audi’s supercar strategy, aligning it more closely with its Volkswagen Group stablemate, Lamborghini.
