Audi Could Build the A9 on a Platform Shared with the Estoque

Audi is reportedly planning a new, range-topping model in the form of a four-door luxury sedan, bigger than the current A8 flagship. The car will take on the best that Porsche’s Panamera can throw at it. The model will also be a rival to the Mercedes-Benz CL and the long-awaited production version of the BMW GranCoupé concept, due in early 2012.

“The project isn’t officially confirmed for production, but work is progressing on the business case, both at an accountancy and engineering level,” an Audi insider told AutoCar magazine.

The model will be based on the current A8 platform and could later serve as a base for the Lamborghini Estoque. The idea sounds similar to what happened with the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo, which were co-developed in order to reduce costs. Despite this, the two models ended up looking very different, so we can expect the same to be true for the luxury sedans.

The two siblings should use the advanced A8 platform, that has a lightweight structure and air-sprung chassis, but in a lengthened form created by using the German carmaker’s MLB (Modularen Längsbaukasten, modular longitudinal architecture). The model has its own specialized production line at Audi’s Neckarsulm factory.

“We couldn’t approach a thought like this [production of the Estoque] without the VW Group. It’d be very difficult to do something. The investments are so high that if you don’t have synergies, it’s financially impossible,” said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann. Although the two cars should use the same chassis, the engines should be different, as the Audi should have a full engine range, while the Estoque is rumored to come with the 5.2-liter V10 from the Gallardo.