All-new Audi A8 2017 coming your way

MANILA: It is no secret that Audi has been facing tough competition in the high-end premium sedan segment ever since Mercedes-Benz came out with their new S-Class in 2014. Moreover, BMW too released the sixth generation 7-Series sedan last year, thus enhancing pressure on the four-ringed German automaker to refresh its A8 sedan, which has been left devoid of any major update since 2009. And now, Audi seems to have woken up from their deep slumber, as the German automotive marque has officially announced that they will be introducing an all-new, fourth-generation A8 next year.

The fact that the design team is responsible for developing the all-new Audi A8 sedan is headed by Marc Lichte, who was in-charge of the Prologue concept project that was showcased in 2014, points to the possibility that the new A8 might get its looks inspired from the Audi Prologue Concept car. Internally code named as the D5, the new A8 2017 will be built on the MLB Evo platform developed by the VW group. This new platform has been designed using light weight-high strength elements, that help in reducing the weight of the car by around 200 kgs, as compared to the model currently on sale. This weight-loss will not only help enhance performance, but will also play a vital role in minimizing fuel consumption.

Powering the new Audi A8 will be the mighty 6.0-litre W12 engine which was recently seen under the hood of the Bentley Bentayga. While this engine manages to put out around 600 PS of power and 900 Nm of peak torque under the Bentayga, Audi engineers will be retuning it to suit dynamic of the A8 premium sedan. This engine will likely come mated to an 8-speed gearbox, which will send power to all four wheels through the company's highly acclaimed Quattro AWD system.

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