2011 Audi A8L Prepared for Shanghai Auto Show

The long-wheelbase version of the 2011 Audi A8 is going to be presented at the Shanghai Auto Show, despite that most people were expecting to see the car going live at the North American International Auto Show in January. The reason behind this decision actually emphasizes Audi's plans for China, a market that slowly became a key target for the German brand.

The next version of the A8 was officially unleashed on November 30 in Miami and is expected to hit US dealerships in late 2010.

The car will be offered with a total of four engine choices, one petrol, for the US market, and three diesels. The petrol engine is the already-popular 4.2-liter FSI V8 unit that now develops an output of 372 horsepower and 445 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. Translate this into performance figures and you get a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds and an electronically-limited maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The other three engine choices are a new 4.2-liter V8 TDI, delivering 350 HP and 800 Nm (590 lb ft), and a 3.0 V6 TDI that comes in two power versions: 204 HP and 250 HP.

"The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment," says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. "It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it's unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior."

Audi has already announced UK pricing for the A8, with the cheapest model to be sold for 54,780 British pounds.