derfA8L

Here are the D4 specs (converted from milimeters) vs. 2010 D3 NWB comparative stats (from A8 brochure):

Overall Length: D4= 202.2" D3= 199.3" (D4= +2.9")
Wheelbase: D4= 117.8" D3= 115.9" (D4= +1.9")

Front Overhang: D4= 39.5" D3= 38.7" (D4= +0.8")
(Mid-tire to Front-end)

Rear Overhang: D4= 45.0" D3= 44.7" (D4= +0.3")
(Mid-tire to Rear-end)

Width/Body: D4= 76.7" D3= 74.5" (D4= +2.2")

Front Track: D4= 64.7" D3= 64.1" (D4= +0.6")
Rear Track: D4= 64.4" D3= 63.6" (D4= +0.8")

The D4's front overhang increases by 0.8 inches; the rear overhang gains 0.3 inches. BTW, the D4 really isn't that much wider than the D3 in practical terms---From the specification diagram I saw, they measure side-to-side from door handle to door handle; which are newly designed and extend off the body by approximately an inch on either side vs. the flush D3 door handles. However, the front/rear track is a little wider, which is a good thing.

Bada Bing

I thought when they developed the new platform used on the A4/S4, A5/S5 and Q5, they would use a modified version of it for all upcoming Audi models. That would have meant having the engine not hanging mostly in front of the front axle and having a shorter front overhang. It appears that what they've done is basically stretch the car 2 inches between the wheels and add roughly another inch to the front overhang.

Unless they have managed to move the engine farther back than where it resides in the D3, I don't see how this new model can have much better driving dynamics (F/R weight distribution, etc.). It's a shame that wasted this opportunity to make a quantum leap the same way they did with the A4, A5 and Q5.

derfA8L

Not sure why they continue to have that front overhang, but I did see this on the Audi press site in the reveal press material---

"The installation position of the new tiptronic follows a special layout – as in many models from Audi: The differential lies in front of the torque converter. The front axle is then moved forwards – the advantages are a long wheelbase, a short front overhang and a finely balanced weight distribution."

Don't get the comment re: "short front overhang," but perhaps under the skin Audi did follow through with the power train layout re-position (ala the B8 A4). At any rate, the front overhang on the D3=19.4% of total vehicle length compared with 19.5% for the D4; about the same overall overhang proportionality.