Audi A8 bows in Detroit

The all-new Audi A8 has made its public debut at the 2010 Detroit motor show, after its initial launch in Miami late in 2009.

With an all-new spaceframe that reduces weight and improves static torsional rigidity by 25 per cent, not to mention a raft of new technologies, the new Audi A8 also shows off a fresh new look, one that stringently adheres to the German company's current design ethos.

Power for the new model will come from a pair of advanced V8 engines, both displacing 4.2-litres. The petrol unit generates 273kW, while the turbodiesel engine delivers 258kW of power. Audi will also offer what it claims will be the most fuel efficient vehicle in the luxury segment, a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that powers the front wheels and uses an average of just 6.0 litres of fuel per 100km travelled.

"The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment," said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. "It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it's unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior."

Being the range-topping model, the A8 is packed with technology, such as an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, adaptive suspension and dampers plus a new MMI navigation system that is hardwired into the car's safety and drive systems. This means that the sat nav influences everything from the automatic transmission, to the headlights and even the Adaptive Cruise Control stop and go function, which in turn will ready the car for different traffic environments, such as tunnels, differing speed limit zones or traffic congestion.

Audi will also offer a night vision system to help identify pedestrians and there is a 'pre-sense' safety system that combines the car's multitudinous sensors and safety features to pre-empt dangerous situations and act accordingly (should slow driver reactions require it).

Electrically adjustable leather seats can be augmented with in-cushion ventilation and massage functions and Audi will also offer a  colossal 1400-Watt Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers, replacing the 1000 watt version of the previous A8 model.

Longer, wider, sportier, safer, more efficient  and smarter than previous models, the new A8 is the flag-bearer for Audi's aspirations to give its rivals -- BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class -- a run for their money.

And with talk of the hybrid A8 arriving at the Geneva motor show in March and high performance models in the works (possibly seeing the return of a V10-powered S8), Audi could find its flagship model in a much more favourable position in 2010.

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