Audi A8 2012 FAQs

Check out real-world situations relating to the Audi A8 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Audi RS8 - Will we ever see an ultimate performance version of the A8?

  (They did do this)

  While a one-off RS8 prototype of the previous-generation (D4 series) A8 was created in 2013, it never went into production, as we understand there just wasn't enough demand for that sort of high-performance internal-combustion engined limousine.

  Tesla's successful Model S, on the other hand, has demonstrated the viability of an electrically powered large-sedan flagship, and so with Audi going down that path with the help of Porsche with its e-tron GT series, it is unlikely that we will see anything racier than an S8.

  We hope this helps.

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• Genesis G90 - Any chance for Australia?

  Both the existing Genesis G90 (and its closely related Kia K9 sedan) are flagship models not available in Australia due to the tiny pool of buyers that swim in the upper-luxury segment dominated by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

  The main stumbling block is probably the prohibitive cost of engineering these left-hand-drive market models for right-hand-drive. At over 5.2 metres long (and counting if you include the limo version), these are way too large for British roads, and the expected sales volumes from the rest of the right-hand-drive countries combined including Australia just doesn't make a viable business case for them.

  Plus, big luxury SUVs are where the customers are heading, so a luxury crossover flagship from fledgling Genesis would make much more sense anyway. Sorry, but please don't hold your breath for a G90 in Australia any time soon.

  However, the all-electric G80 – Genesis' big 5 Series-priced rival – is said to be heading Downunder inside the next 12 months. The EV limo is the brand’s first fully electric model and will have “more than 500km range” to take on the coming Mercedes-Benz EQS electric luxury flagship sedan.

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