Audi will develop a new luxury model, called A9. This model will be the “coupe brother” of the A8 and could be developed as a convertible version. Thus, the Ingolstadt manufacturer wants to reach a niche provided by the Mercedes-Benz since 1980, the Coupe version of S-Class W126. Subsequent generations of S-Class also received its Coupe version and the model has begun to bear the name CL. Audi wants to quickly cover the premium niche coupe class and generate more than a niche that could be achieved by the future Mercedes-Benz S-Class convertible.
Audi A9 will receive an improved A8 interior and a particular exterior. The model will provide only four seats and will be a true luxury coupe. The new A9 will be built at its plant in Neckarsulm, beside R9 with A8 and the first generation of A9 is expected to enter the market in the beginning of 2014. The engine range starts with a V6 3.0 liter TFSI and 211 hp and will be “enhanced” by a V6 TFSI of 290 hp and a V8 twin-turbo 4.0 liter TFSI of 420 hp. The V8 will receive a 520 hp version, which is said to be the future engine of the future S9. TDIs fans have nothing to be sad about, because it will be placed two units of its kind: a 3.0 TDI with 250hp and a 4.2 liter TDI V8 with 350 hp.
The all wheel drive system will be offered standard and the eight speed automatic transmission will be offered with the optional hybrid module. Regarding to the future price of the A9, it will be higher than the current BMW 6 Series, but lower than the price of Mercedes-Benz CL.
