New-gen Audi A8 to be unveiled on 11 July 2017

Audi’s most technologically advanced vehicle yet, the A8 is set to be officially unveiled in production-ready guise on 11 July 2017 in Barcelona. The new model is indeed the German car manufacturer’s first international product that will be available only in hybrid guise, along with a fully autonomous driving mode. The new model gets MLB Evo underpinnings and might be powered by a 48-volt electrical system.

The new Audi A8 boasts of featuring an electromechanically actuated suspension system which uses a front-mounted camera to analyse the road ahead 18 times per second and then prepares the suspension accordingly. Moreover, the suspension system also assists in event of a crash by lifting the side of impending impact, thereby concentrating impact on the side sills. The vehicle will also get electromechanical rear-axle steering system for better control under all circumstances.

Speaking of features the new Audi A8 will also get a fully autonomous driving mode, which uses Audi's piloted driver technology. The technology is capable of controlling the car at speeds of up to 60kmph and also return a better fuel economy. Additionally, the upcoming vehicle will also get gesture controls and the LED headlight technology. The vehicle’s design element is based on the 2014 Audi Prologue concept and might feature a large central grille and geometric headlamps. The car is also expected to sit over 22-inch wheels.

The vehicle is expected to be launched in Australia in 2018, however it might not come with the three autonomous systems. This is primarily because local regulations in Australia state that the driver needs to be in control at all times. As for its India debut, the vehicle is not expected to be launched here anytime soon.