Audi A9 To Take On S-Class Coupe: Report

The Volkswagen Group has its sights set on becoming the world's number one carmaker by 2018. As the group's main premium brand, Audi is expected to play a big part in that march to global domination, and a rumoured A9 may be the next step.

This week, new reports out of Europe suggest the A9 will enter as a coupe version of the A8 flagship sedan, bringing a sporty four-seater option for the brand's top-end range. 

A large coupe could also be a coup for Audi if recent reports of a next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe come to life.

According to British magazine car, Audi is planning not only an A9 Coupe, but also a Convertible. The Coupe would reportedly debut in 2014, with the Convertible to follow in 2015.

The report adds that Audi insiders have confirmed that the A9 will be built in Germany alongside the R8 supercar, with quattro all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission to feature as standard equipment.

Whether the report can be believed remains to be seen, but rumours of variants for the large A8 have been circulating for some time. Watch this space for more information as it comes to light.