Audi chose the design festivals in Miami, Florida to stage the world debut of its A8 sedan - to make the point that this is a technological work of art.
There's no doubt the latest version of Audi's latest luxury flagship is bursting with the latest technology, luxury features and performance.
Power comes from two 4.2-litre V8 engines - one petrol and one diesel. A 3.0-litre V6 diesel is in the pipeline. The FSI petrol engine delivers 272kW/445Nm while its diesel sibling is good for 258kW/800Nm.
With all that torque it's understandable the diesel A8 is actually quickest - zero to 100km/h coming up in 5.5 seconds (5.7 seconds for the petrol model).
The common rail turbo-diesel is the latest from the Volkswagen Group and injects fuel at incredibly high pressure (2,000 bar) for maximum combustion efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Both the diesel and petrol engine have regenerative braking (they convert the excess energy from braking into electrical charge for the battery).
Overall Audi is claiming a 22 per cent improvement in the fuel consumption of the new A8.
Drive is through a new eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and all-four wheels via Audi's Quattro system. Adaptive air suspension and damping are standard with dynamic steering available as an option.
The glorious bodywork is an aluminium spaceframe which is 40 per cent lighter than a comparable steel structure (lighter weight means better fuel consumption).
Inside, Audi's latest navigation system debuts an innovative touchpad operational controls and the same MMI (Multi Media Interface) comes with many new drivers aids including Night Vision Assistant with pedestrian markings. Seats have optional ventilation and massage functions and the rear seat are electronically adjustable.
