The head of research and development for Audi has confirmed that the new A8 luxury sedan will be the last vehicle from the Ingolstadt-based brand offered with the W12 engine.
Speaking to Car and Driver, Peter Mertens said that the firm would “not have the 12-cylinder forever”.
“There are customers who really want the 12-cylinder and they are happy with it and are going to get it. But this is going to be the last installation,” Mertens told the US publication.
As Car and Driver points out, the 6,3-litre W12 is likely to live on in the new A8 for a good few years yet, while Volkswagen Group sibling Bentley is also expected to keep the 12-pot in its line-up for some time to come.
Audi’s naturally aspirated V10, however, will likely not live as long, after Mertens seemingly confirmed that Audi had no plans to build a third-generation R8 supercar.
