If you think how long it takes to design a new car, then gear up to a production change over, marketing, parts, service engineers trained etc etc and this is all global (ok starting with individual countries!) It's a hell of an operation that takes years. Think of it like the millitary or Microsoft. When a new product is put out there into service, they start to look at the next generation. Clay models of a next gen car about - to 12 months after a new model is out is expected, otherwise you'd have a very expensive design team sitting about.
Also don't forget this could be for a new A3 or even it could be wind up!
