The Audi A8 Gets A Concept C Makeover, And It Looks Fantastic

Designer Luca Serafini blends the Audi Concept C's minimalist styling with the A8's classic proportions to create a striking luxury sedan.

Photo by: Luca Serafini | Instagram

By: Jeff Glucker

Oct 28, at 4:00pm ET

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The Audi A8 isn't dead. It's just dormant at the moment. The automaker seems to be evaluating how and where the next-generation A8 will be built.

Designer Luca Serafini should send over his notes on the "how" because he has created a rather stunning interpretation of what a future A8 could look like.

Taking inspiration from Audi's Concept C, Serafini has created a bold take on the A8. It certainly won't be for everyone, but a design like this allows Audi to stand out. And that's exactly what a flagship sedan should do.

Concept C Meets Full-Size Luxury

Photo by: Luca Serafini | Instagram

Luca's goal with this render is to bridge the gap between the Concept C and what an Audi A8 should be. He says, "The aim is to transfer luxury and premiumness through unexpected treatments, finishes, and contrasts that surprise the eye instead of relying on traditional chrome and gloss."

You can find that in the grille's metallic elements and the vertical side strake. There's a touch of brushed metal on the wheels, too. Both the black and metal features pop against the beautiful soft blue paint.

It's a unique contrast to the lines of the car, which seem to trend toward Bauhaus, Brutalism, and Mid-Century Modernism.

And if Audi could pull this off in reality, then make the cabin feel like a broken-in Eames Lounge chair, I'd be all in on it.

Still No Word On The (Real) Next Audi A8

Photo by: Luca Serafini | Instagram

Audi is reportedly in talks with Porsche as it tries to figure out where a future A8 could be built. Historically, the A8 has been built at the Neckarsulm plant in Germany. In an effort to reduce costs, however, the future A8 could be rolled off the assembly line at Porsche's Leipzig plant.

This would allow Audi to build an A8 on the bones of the Panamera, which would mean lots of powertrain options and reduced development costs.

What do you think?

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Those talks appear to be ongoing, with no clear indication of Audi's ultimate direction regarding the next A8.

But Audi, if you're reading this, please take a good long look at the design choices you see here. A big, bold A8 built with Concept C styling could be a glorious return for your top-tier sedan.