Bada Bing

Those have got to be the worst Audi rim design I've ever seen. Chrome rims just don't belong on an Audi. Save those for Lexus cars, along with gold badging. I'd be interested to see how much mounting of the front license plate adversely affects the look of the front grille. As far as front headlights go, I currently prefer the more conventional headlight cluster shown in some D4 pictures but the radical design of the cars in the pictures in this thread may grow on me with time.

I like the front end and the interior (not sure about the shift **** but it looks better with wood trim at least) but the rear end is not worthy of a flaghsip. It looks like a larger version of the A4 rear end. One thing I noticed is that the D4 A8 did not benefit from the shortening of the front overhang the way the A4/S4 did with the B8 redesign. The NWB car is 3" longer and the wheelbase is 2" longer, so it potentially has an even longer front overhang. That's unfortunate since the front overhang of the D3 A8 and current C6 A6 are the only things that bother me about the current Audi line-up.

AeroSmith

OK, these are the wheels I'd get if I was getting.

derfA8L

According to AoA, pricing won't be announced until just prior to the Fall launch. I did see on the blogs where AoA did suggest that D4 pricing will increase due to new/increased technology manufactured into the platform. No mention of what that price hike will be at this point.

I've heard on several occasions that AoA's aim is to attempt to bring the A8 closer in line with BMW 7-series and MB S-series pricing---So yes, expect a price increase over the current D3 model.

Another cost-related issue has been non-competitive A8 (read: non-subsidized) lease programs over the last several years, thus making the car less attractive for leaseing compared to BMW and MB. AFS' money factors have been OK, but the very low residual value tagged on the A8 is a killer on a lease's monthly nut. Perhaps they'll change things around a bit for the D4's launch; especially if they plan on selling the 6,000 units they've set as an annual sales goal here in the U.S.

We shall see.

derfA8L

You are correct about the overhang gain---

The D4's front overhang increases by 0.8 inches; the rear overhang gains 0.3 inches (converted from milimeters). 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.

Here are the D4 vs. 2010 D3 NWB comparative stats:

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")

darry_99

Stunning interiors. I love my 06 D3, but the D4 looks incredible. Was the event at AoA HQ?

darry_99

Stunning interiors. I love my 06 D3, but the D4 looks fab. Was the event at AoA HQ?

Edge

The chrome wheels look like they were stolen off of a Chrysler 300. I can't bear to look at that car with those wheels.