2017 Audi A8 Tech Secrets Revealed: Piloted Autonomous Driving, Organic LEDs, Gesture Control and Brand New Look Confirmed!

Audi bosses have lifted the lid on some of the revolutionary techthat will make its way into the next-generation Audi A8 saloon when it arrives in 2017.

Everything from Audi's piloted driving autonomous car tech to gesture control, and organic LED lighting will find its way into Audi’s flagship saloon, ensuring it becomes the technological showcase it needs to be to tackle the Mercedes S-Class. The new A8 will also be the first model from Audi to feature the brand’s new design language as showcased by the Audi Prologue concept at the LA Motor Show last year.

With the next-generation A8 to be based on the new MLB platform, around 200kg of excess weight is expected to be shed, while new and revised V6 and V8 engines will be offered. A plug-in hybrid version under Audi’s e-tron strategy is also certain, with the brand committing to having a plug-in hybrid model in each of its model ranges.

All of this technology will be wrapped up in a whole new look for the A8, too. It will be the first model from Audi to feature the new design language from the Prologue concept penned by new design chief Marc Licht. Expect bolder styling, exaggerated proportions and a new take on the trademark wide-mouthed grille.
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TheSteve - 5/25/2015 5:29:21 PM

+2 Boost

I'm sure not caring for Audi's "brand new look." We'll see how the market in general responds to it, and note if Audi keeps breaking sales records or if they flatten/decline.

GermanNut - 5/26/2015 11:46:13 AM

-1 Boost

The new Q7's look is not going to be indicative of Audi's new design strategy. It was designed by Audi's previous head of design, Wolfgang Egger. The new A4 will also not be indicative of Aud's new design strategy because it too was designed by Egger.

The new A8, A7, A6 and Q8 will be representative of Audi's new design strategy, however. The three sedans and one suv will be based off the Prologue Concept, which was designed by Audi's new design chief Mark Lichte.

Firewombat - 5/26/2015 12:22:59 PM

+1 Boost

Would you like us to post links from this site, multiple links, where you said the new A4 and Q7 would herald in a new design language and be more aggressively styled? Or have you lost your mind?

Honestly, your China-like mentality to conformity and acceptance is concerning "Yes Master Audi, anything you say Master Audi"

It's ok to like more than one brand. An automotive brand is not God. Take a holiday.

TheSteve - 5/27/2015 11:32:18 AM

0 Boost

I don't know if GermanNut is right or not, but I do know I'm not okay with Firewombat's insta-flame reaction to it :-(

GermanNut - 5/26/2015 12:55:40 PM

-1 Boost

It was previously thought the new Q7 and A4 would usher in the new design strategy but when Lichte came in the Q7 and A4 were already too far along in the development phase for Audi to scratch their designs and have Lichte create his own new design.

They will not be based on the Prologue concept with its more aggressive and differentiated design features.

Firewombat - 5/26/2015 2:02:06 PM

+2 Boost

It was thought by whom? By you? Because you worship Audi?

Your comments were not speculative, you stated for fact, in your own words, that would be the case. Based on Audi press releases no doubt, but still. What happens in 2017 when this doesn't happen again? Will you still believe the almighty?

You've used the words "more aggressive" and "differentiated" again in your post, as you did last year.

None of the technology mentioned in this post is new, all of it is being used or will be used in 2016 models from Merc or BMW. So what's the big secret?

By the time the A8 lands with this tech, new styling or not, if what you're saying is true, according to your religious audi beliefs, the A8 will continue to be an 'Also ran' in sales as it is now.

Start an Audi blog of your own, like BMW fans, that will make you happier, instead of peddling this insecure nonsense. Your history of comments vs. facts is very sad.

GermanNut - 5/26/2015 10:26:46 PM

+1 Boost

Things change. Companies are not constant. What is reported at first is not what will definitely happen. Just because something is written does not make it guaranteed. I understand this and welcome changes as they are needed.

Firewombat - 5/27/2015 2:56:20 AM

+1 Boost

Well I'm glad to see you can admit that, finally, and that you're taking such a mature attitude to being so wrong so often. If you just use phrases like "I think" or "In my opinion" a little more often you wouldn't come across as so unreasonable.

Either way, let's hope you're right about the styling because Audi needs a real revamp in terms of their styling direction, not that they are the only ones who do but if they can design cars like the R8 and the original TT then they should try a bit harder with their saloons.