Audi will unveil next-gen A8 in November

The current Audi A8 has been on sale since 2003 and since that time has only received a minor facelift to keep it fresh alongside the updated Mercedes Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and new BMW 7-series. The minor styling changes implemented during the recent facelift will have to soldier on for at least another year as the next-generation 'D4' A8, according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, won't arrive until the second half of next year as a 2011 model.

Speaking at the carmaker's annual meeting, Stadler said the new A8 will be "the sportiest luxury sedan in its class" and that it will be unveiled for the first time in late November. Pricing hasn't been announced but don't expect much to change from the $74,875 starting price for the current 4.2L V8 model.

Recent reports have speculated that Audi may introduce a new four-cylinder version overseas. While this model will almost certainly miss out on a U.S. launch, a smaller V6 option may be heading Stateside for the first time and this could see the starting price of the range actually fall from current levels.