If you believe the old adage that where there’s smoke there’s fire, then continued rumors of a new A9 model by Audi are a strong indication that the range-topping super coupe is on its way.

According to the latest info the A9 will be the crowning glory of Audi’s goal to be the world’s number one premium car brand, a target it hopes to achieve by 2015. Likely to be based on the current A8 platform, look for similar engine options, including the 500-hp 6.3-liter W12 engine available in the A8 L.

But that’s not all, no, the A9 could also spawn a convertible version to go bumper-to-bumper with a planed S-Class drop-top.

[Source: CAR]

Rumors of a new uber sedan from Audi have been circulating for quite some time, badged as the A9 and slotting in above the brand’s current flagship model, the A8. According to a new report by Auto Bild, the A9 is getting the go-ahead, but it won’t be a 4-door. Instead, plans are to build an A9 Coupe, rivaling the likes of the Mercedes CL.

Similar power plants to those found in the A8 could be used, as could a new turbocharged V8 that Audi is working on.

Previous reports had suggested the A9 would be more of a CLS rival and retain 4-doors, with coupe-like styling, but this new info suggests and exciting direction for Audi, offering a vehicle that sits as a stepping-stone to the Bentley Continental GT.

If it does get the go-ahead, look for an A9 Coupe some time around 2014.

[Source: Autobild]

With Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmamnn desiring a third vehicle for his company’s product lineup, the Lamborghini Estoque appears to have been given the go-ahead rather than the obvious choice of an SUV.

Although Lamborghini pioneered the exotic SUV segment with its outlandish LM002, the company will forge ahead with the Estoque, after Audi decided to approve its ultra-luxury A9 4-door coupe. The Estoque will hopefully double sales for Lamborghini and increases revenues for the brand, allowing them greater independence from parent companies Audi and Volkswagen. Expect Lamborghini’s V10 and V12 engines, as well as all-wheel-drive, to make an appearance.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Audi is reportedly planning to develop a new A9 model that would sit atop its current A8 flagship in the German luxury brand’s lineup. The coupe-styled luxury sedan would target the Porsche Panamera, as well as high-end coupes like the Mercedes CL.

An inside source at Audi, speaking to AutoCar, commented that, “The project isn’t officially confirmed for production, but work is progressing on the business case, both at an accountancy and engineering level.”

Developed off of the current A8′s platform, the modified chassis could then serve as the basis for a Lamborghini 4-door based off of the Estoque concept. Like with the product sharing between the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo, engineering similarities will be used to cut costs, but each vehicle would get its own unique engine.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann in speaking with AutoCar, made it clear that development of such a model would only be possible through shared resources with another VW Group brand.

[Source: AutoCar]

The Panamera is an incredible performance machine and the execs running the show over at Volkswagen intend to exploit all that the 4-door Porsche has to offer. According to a new report by Autozeitung, VW is planning three new models based on the Panamera: one for each of its high-end brands. In other words, look for a Panamera-based Lamborghini, Bentley and Audi in the years to come.

The cars are designed to compete in an increasingly busy segment, alongside the Mercedes CLS, BMW Gran Coupe, Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte.

News of a Lamborghini sedan has been around since the Estoque was first shown at the Paris Auto Show several years ago, and would probably already be in production were it not for the recession. Recent rumors have indicated Bentley is planning a 4-door coupe model, although it was earlier believed to be based on the Audi A7 Sportback platform, while using a turbocharged V8 to deliver 450-hp. As for the Audi version, it’s touted to get 500-hp and wear the A9 badge.

[Source: Autozeitung via GTSpirit]

The incredible Porsche Panamera platform will, as expected, live on, even if Volkswagen goes through with its plans to cancel the model after its initial production run. The Panamera is currently slated to run until 2016.

According to a report on Inside Line, the platform will be shared with other brands in the VW umbrella. That group could includes Audi, Bentley and Bugatti. The only premium brand that has been ruled out so far is Lamborghini, which could presumably use the Panamera to built a production version of the Estoque concept.

Considering the Panamera’s relatively small size and its sporting nature, it seems unlikely that Bentley could make use of the vehicle. The same goes for Bugatti. Out bets hedge on a high-powered Audi sedan, a possible A7 or even A9 sportback…

[Source: InsideLine]