Tokyo Motor Show - Audi

What’s new and relevant?
Audi surprised Tokyo with two world premieres: the new S8 high-performance luxury saloon and the Shooting Brake concept car.

The first is an explosively fast version of the A8, the second an elegant mix of coupe and estate.

Is the Shooting Brake the new TT?
No, but the concept car does reveal how the front end of the TT will look. Its proportions and much of the detailing will survive into production too, although the TT will continue today’s classic coupe and roadster formats.

However, a third TT model is likely and senior Audi officials told whatcar.com that a rakish hatchback model like this was on the cards.

Which bits of the concept are most significant?
The prominent grille and wraparound headlamps herald a fresh nose design for Audi, although the company’s Olympic-rings badge will be positioned in the middle of the grille on the next TT; the forthcoming Le Mans supercar will have them positioned on the bonnet like on this concept car.

How fast is the S8?
Very. It uses an unusual V10 supercar engine from sister company Lamborghini. The 5.2-litre motor is normally seen in the Gallardo, and Audi has tuned it to produce 444bhp to make one seriously rapid, four-wheel-drive super-saloon. It’ll sprint to 62mph in just 5.1sec and is limited to 155mph.

Is the S8 expensive, as well as fast?
Oh, yes. You’ll have to pay around £67,000 when the order books open in April. First UK deliveries are in June 2006.