(By Tom Lohnes) – The Audi A8 has been a slow seller compared to the BMW 7-series, Mercedes-Benz S-class, and even the Lexus LS500. Well, a new ultra-luxurious A8 is coming out bearing the lesser-known Horch name, and possibly being the last 12-cylinder Audi.

Mercedes-Benz has already ditched their V12 engine, BMW is going on strong with theirs, and Audi hasn’t had a long history involving 12-cylinder engines of late. There were a few models, but mostly loaded Audis came with V8s. Horch, a lesser-known coachbuilder turned ultra-luxe vehicle modifier, will be fixing that. The company will hot rod and this car with all the upgrades needed to compete with the big dogs wearing Alpina and Maybach badges on them.

Power will come from a Bentley-derived 6.6-liter Twin-turbo W12 making a whopping 626 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft of torque. All that grunt means that this A8 has a chance of being faster than its V8-powered S8 sibling. Even though this vehicle will deliver immense power and torque, it’s transmission will be tuned towards smoothness, and suspension will not be made to please in hairpin turns. As with all cars like this, passenger comfort for the rich guys in the back seat is paramount. One awesome thing though, to help with its size in cornering, it is likely this stretched A8 will be equipped with 4-wheel steering.

Pricing for the Horch A8 L hasn’t been announced yet, but expect numbers beginning with a two or three and carry s bunch of spots over to the right. We’re sure that there will be interesting and bespoke options galore.