Audi said to be moving forward with A9 flagship

Audi is said to be moving forward with its long-rumored A9 four-door coupe flagship.

Audi has made it clear that it plans to expand into virtually every niche segment, with a high-dollar four-door coupe next on the automaker's radar. More extreme in execution than the A7, the new model would likely sit above Audi's current range-topper, the A8.

According to reports out of Germany, Audi is moving forward with its long-rumored A9 four-door coupe. Porsche is said to be leading the development of the performance sedan, using its Panamera architecture as a base.

As its name implies, the A9 would hail as Audi's new range-topper, trumping the current A8. Befitting of a flagship model, A9 pricing is expected to start at about $140,000. Not only is that well above the A8's starting price, but also about on par with a top-level Porsche Panamera Turbo.

Although the A9 will have a sporty demeanor, it's possible Audi could use a hybrid-only strategy for the four door. However, that doesn't mean the A9 will be slow, with the hybrid system expected to churn out at least 500 horsepower - good enough for a top speed of 185mph.

No word on when we might see the A9 in Audi showrooms, but it's production nod signals the Lamborghini Estoque sedan isn't far behind.

References
1.'Secret new Audi...' view