Audi has said they will only produce 50 units of this A8 L W12 concept, each emblazoned individually with an identifying serial number, and “Audi Exclusive Concept” lettering. Audi A8 L W12 Exclusive will reportedly be powered by a 6.3 liter W12 gas engine, producing an astounding 493 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. That’s about as powerful as the regular A8 W12 – so what makes it extra special?

A “highly-refined interior finish” complete with the best leather money can buy dons the interior. The finish comes from Italian design house Poltrona Frau.

The seats are a Cognac-colored leather, highlighted with granite gray piping. Olive ash wood inlays come in a light gray-brown veneer, in addition to a leather finish on dashboard, center console, door trims and seat consoles.

Image: WCF

Wow Audi…simply WOW.

New design and equipment packages for Audi A8

Two new equipment packages can now be ordered for the Audi A8: the Audi comfort plus style package and the Audi sport plus style package. The new paint color Panther Black, crystal effect is now also available exclusively for the A8.

Equipped with the Audi comfort plus style package, the Audi A8 is finished in Night Blue, pearl effect and fitted with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels of 12-spoke design. The comfort seats are upholstered in silk beige Valcona leather; the full-leather trim for the center console, doors and dashboard is in silk beige Fine Nappa leather. The equipment package also includes heating for the front and rear seats, and front seats with seat ventilation and massage function. The “adaptive light” system with LED daytime running lights is another special feature. The Audi comfort plus style package costs between € 4,200 and €14,500, depending on engine version.

The Audi product program also includes the Audi sport plus style package with all-new Panther Black, crystal effect paint, which was developed exclusively for the A8. This package includes “adaptive light” with LED daytime running lights, sports seats in goa beige Valcona leather and heating for the front seats. The center console, doors and lower dashboard are trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. 20-inch “S design” cast aluminum wheels in a dark steel finish round out the exterior of the new equipment version of the Audi A8.

The Audi sport plus style package costs between € 2,100 and € 9,600, depending on engine version.

This is the second year in a row Audi will run a Super Bowl ad, but will be the first one featuring Statham. Details in the press release below.

Official Audi Press Release:

Audi’s new Super Bowl ad, “Chase,” defines luxury for the new era
- 60-second creative will star Jason Statham
- Spot will include new supercharged Audi A6 luxury sedan
- Audi is advertising in the Super Bowl for the second year in a row

HERNDON, Va., Jan 21, 2009 – Audi aims to create as much on-screen excitement in its second Super Bowl ad as the players create on the field. Inspired by iconic Hollywood chase scenes, actor Jason Statham, known for his action-packed roles in the “Transporter” series, “Snatch” and “The Bank Job,” rushes from decade to decade to avoid capture, trying to find a vehicle to aid his getaway. He finds that several other luxury vehicles fail to get the job done. That is, until he finds the supercharged Audi A6, the company’s redesigned, mid-sized luxury sedan. This ad will mark Jason Statham’s first time doing a Super Bowl commercial.

In 2008, Audi placed old luxury on notice with its first Super Bowl ad in nearly 20 years. This year’s spot is a high-speed journey through luxury automobiles in American history, sending the message that some things are best left in the past. Audi chose this trip through history as the theme for its Super Bowl ad to send the message that, in the luxury automotive marketplace, Audi is the most progressive choice.

The new supercharged A6 is the latest in the line of successful new products Audi has introduced in recent years, including the stunning R8 sports car, the A5, the A4 and the TTS, as well as the upcoming Audi Q5 crossover, which will be introduced in the spring of 2009. These models combine to form one of the industry’s most complete and compelling product line-ups. Audi engineers its products to meet the needs of its consumers now and in the future, ensuring that while fads may come and go, Audi is here to stay.

“After an exceptional last two years, the Audi brand has experienced unprecedented growth, not just in sales, but in awareness and excitement,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. “Every new model we introduce is making more and more consumers stand up and take notice of the single best line-up in the market. Last year’s spot sent the message that Audi was truly redefining luxury. This year’s spot will ensure that everyone realizes that Audi is the best choice, period.”

“In addition to having had the opportunity to drive Audi models in several of my films, I drive one in my personal life, as well. I have always loved the mix of style and performance they offer,” said Statham. “I am thrilled to be affiliated with a company I so believe in on the biggest stage in American television.”

Audi’s advertising agency, San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners, created the ad, which was shot on-location in Los Angeles. The agency painstakingly recreated different eras in American history with costuming, lighting, film stock and period-specific automobiles to create a stunning depiction of the different eras explored in the ad.

Thanks to Auto Spies for the concept photo

Fans of Audi will love the A8 W-12 returning to the silver screen. “W-12″ combines two Audi V6 engine, along with a mix of special effects and top Audi technology, keeping this car in the air almost as much as it’s on the ground. Or, maybe just up on two wheels.

The Transporter has relocated to beautiful Paris in an attempt to stay low-key while running his illegal delivery service. “Low-key” – hard to do when your hobbies include driving into other cars and kickboxing armed thugs. We hope Audi and Statham continue to partner up in many sequels to come.