Secret supercar is go

Our spies are lost for words when they caught sight of this wild-looking Audi A8 prototype on test in the UK

Auto Express Car Reviews

Is it an Audi? Or a Bentley? Prototype stumped our spies

By Dan Strong

27th July 2007

Guesses about the production mule’s real identity were varied, with suggestions ranging from a small Bugatti to a Bentley-badged rival to the Ferrari F430. A new Audi A7 coupé was hinted at, and there was even mention of a possible Volkswagen supercar!

But whatever the true origin of the mystery machine, there are a number of tell-tale signs which indicate that it’s very significant. Starting at the nose, the widened track suggests that excellent handling will be a top priority for engineers during the car’s development process. keeping the powerplant cool will be, too – that is, if it is even located under the bonnet! Additional vents cut into the wings supplement the already large radiator grille at the front.

Thick sills hint at an enormously stiff chassis, while the disguised rear end appears to feature air intakes that could perhaps cool
a mid-mounted engine. Another possibility is that the car is being tested with some sort of hybrid powertrain, with an electric motor propelling the rear wheels and a petrol unit driving those at the front.

It’s worth noting that the holes cut into both the wings, as well as the distinctive design of the alloy wheels, are reminiscent of those on Bentley’s Continental GT.

And a hybrid replacement for that car could help the luxury marque meet tough new CO2 emissions targets. These look set to be adopted by the EU, and will force auto manufacturers to cut average emissions to a mere 130g/km. At the moment, Bentley models are producing in the region of 440g/km.