14 May 03
Audi also took the wraps off its Nuvolari concept car - a big 600bhp V10 twin-turbo coupe that clearly signposts the company's aggressive new style direction.
Based on a shortened version of the A8's aluminium spaceframe chassis, the 2+2 grand tourer features a single front air intake rather than the usual split grille. Expect the next new Audi model, the A6, to wear this new nose.
Although the Nuvolari - named after the legendary motorsport hero Tazio Nuvolari - is unlikely to see the production green light, it highlights the versatility of the A8's aluminium platform and hints at other models that could be spun off from the big Audi. Our insiders hint that a big A6-sized coupe to take on BMW's upcoming 6-series is on the cards.
Also making its European debut on the Audi stand was the stretched version of the luxury A8. The car's wheelbase has grown by 130mm to give rear passengers legroom. It comes with the option of either a 3.7- or 4.2-litre V8 engine. Prices have yet to be announced. Likewise, prices for the new quattro version of the A4 cabriolet have not yet been listed, but expect to pay around £29,000 for the 3.0-litre version and £24,000 for the 1.8 T model when they arrive in the second half of the year.
