No official confirmation yet, but word has it that the mid-sized coupé – a bigger sibling to the A5, the A7 – will be unveiled in 2009.

A first in this segment for Audi, some pundits are even predicting a launch at next year's Geneva Motor Show with an on-sale date possibly two years later.

By launching a so-called four-door coupé, Audi no doubt expects to secure some of the market which is dominated by Mercedes-Benz, currently the only manufacturer with a model in this segment, the CLS.

Debate about the under-bonnet power is already highly fuelled, not surprisingly, speculation suggests both FSI and TDI versions with a 4.2-litre being the favoured option at launch. There´s even talk of an S7 version following shortly after with the usual bigger wheels and tyres, sport suspension and increased performance.