Preview: 2010 Audi A8

With a world reveal set for sometime later this year, the 2010 Audi A8 is already peeking out from behind its corporate covers, thanks to a news item on Inside Line.

These photos are said to be of the final version of the new A8, due to enter production next year. While it will be shown in some form later this year, Inside Line reports the A8's first public showing will be early next year, at the 2010 Detroit auto show in January.

Details are few, but with the more radical-looking Audi A7 emerging this year to challenge the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the new 2010 A8 will remain more traditional in appearance. The aluminum space frame design will also bring back its hallmark quattro all-wheel drive, but new V-6 and V-8 engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission will be new additions. LED headlamps will be drawn from other Audi designs, like that of the R8 sportscar.

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has said the new car will be “the sportiest luxury sedan in its class" and expects it will be shown for the first time in November.

We'll have more on the 2010 Audi A8 and the other models due at the world's auto shows throughout the fall.

2010 Audi A8Enlarge Photo With a world reveal set for sometime later this year, the 2010 Audi A8 is already peeking out from behind its corporate covers, thanks to a news item on Inside Line. These photos are said to be of the final version of the new A8, due to enter production next year. While it will be shown in some form later this year, Inside Line reports the A8's first public showing will be early next year, at the 2010 Detroit auto show in January. Details are few, but with the more radical-looking Audi A7 emerging this year to challenge the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the new 2010 A8 will remain more traditional in appearance. The aluminum space frame design will also bring back its hallmark quattro all-wheel drive, but new V-6 and V-8 engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission will be new additions. LED headlamps will be drawn from other Audi designs, like that of the R8 sportscar. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has said the new car will be “the sportiest luxury sedan in its class" and expects it will be shown for the first time in November. We'll have more on the 2010 Audi A8 and the other models due at the world's auto shows throughout the fall. 2010 Audi A8Enlarge Photo