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.