Next-Gen Audi A8 to Debut at Detroit?

The next-generation Audi A8 was expected to make its first appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show but the parent manufacturer decided to delay the launch until early 2010. The official release date is yet to be disclosed but L'Automobile Magazine wrote that Audi will present the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2010, in spite of our expectations to see the car on the showfloor at Geneva.

The new Audi A8 will be based on an extended version of the A4 modular platform but will comprise more lightweight materials, in an attempt to improve engine performance and, at the same time, increase efficiency and cut emissions. Aluminum and magnesium are expected to be used when producing the car, unconfirmed reports are claiming.

The engines will be mostly improved to correspond with current requirements and have a more environmental-friendly approach. The engine lineup will be pretty much the same with the one available on the current A8, but a new 2.8-liter petrol V6 and the 4.2-liter V8 FSI will be available as well, while the 6.0-liter V12 TDI is still under consideration.

According to the aforementioned source, the German brand will debut, sometime in 2010, a new and more powerful engine that will boast an output of around 400 horsepower. Thanks to the adoption of direct injection, Audi will therefore aim to cut fuel consumption but preliminary figures are yet to be disclosed.

If we are to trust the current rumors, the A8 will be offered as standard with FWD but an all-wheel drive version will join the range from the launch.