Audi still doesn’t know what body style would be suitable for the A9 flagship

Still a few years away

Audi still hasn't decided on what sort of car the A9 flagship model would have to be.

Rumors about a range-topping A9 have been going on for several years but Audi still hasn't figured out what body style should its flagship model have. Audi chairman Rupert Stadler says an A9 has "a great deal of potential, especially in the SUV and prestigious full-size car category." The company's marketing chief Luca de Meo says a Sportback or a coupe are not innovative enough to receive this moniker.

De Meo confirmed during the North American Auto Show this week in Detroit that Audi is analyzing the prospects of launching the A9, a model which if will ever reach production phase it will have to "be a statement for the brand."

Previous rumors indicated a 2016 launch for a model which would be an Allroad sedan based on the next generation of the Q7. The same report indicated the A9 would receive underbody skid plates and an increased ride height, as well as a semi-autonomous driving system.

Note: Audi A9 concept design study pictured

Source: autocar.co.uk