Page "Audi A8" Paragraph 11

In 1997, IVM Automotive of Munich, Germany built a two-door Audi A8 Coupé.

The car was unveiled at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show.

Audi contracted IVM to build the prototype, and was considering production of the vehicle.

The coupé had a re-engineered aluminium body, shorter than the production A8 saloon.

Like the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, there was no central " B " pillar, giving the car a seamless design with a gradually sloping roofline.

The car included custom leather seats which could seat four.

Ultimately, Audi decided not to put the A8 Coupé into production, citing lower-than-expected sales figures for the similar BMW 8 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé.

Only one A8 Coupé was ever built.

The single prototype, painted a colour called " Ming Blue pearl ", remains the property of IVM Automotive, and resides in Munich.

Its last public appearance was in 2002 on a series of test drives.