
Concept car previews new design language and a potential luxury coupe called A9
Hey, that's an elegant-looking coupe ...
Welcome to the Prologue concept car from Audi, whose designers say previews a new look inside and out for future cars from Ingolstadt.
Currently starring at the Los Angeles motor show, the 5m-long luxury coupe is based on the A8 saloon but is 40mm shorter in length, 70mm lower in height and has a 50mm smaller wheelbase. It rides on 22-inch wheels.
Intriguing exterior details include the slim lights on both ends and the hexagonal front grille. Arguably, it appears Audi and Mazda have very similar design philosophies for faces of their cars.
A bit. That's a very simple dashboard ...
Yeah, in a very similar vein of Mazda's latest interiors. In fact, Audi has always been greatly known for dashboards that are well-built and easy to use.
Take note of the neatly packed info screen behind the steering wheel and touchpad operations of other functions on the fascia.
It surely is the next step forward for Audi's interiors in the future. Innovations already seen in the all-new TT this year are the TFT screen that integrates all driving information, and air-con controls located in the air vents themselves. All neat touches.
Agree. Any headlines on the technical front?
Nothing that's particularly groundbreaking news. There's that familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, but producing a high 605hp. Its 11.6kpl average is helped by a 48-volt mild hybrid and cylinder cut-off for four cylinders when driven gently. The transmission credentials are all the familiar: eight-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive.
Will the car be made?
At the moment, the Prologue is merely an experimental vehicle.
But since one of Audi's most crucial models, the A4, will be thoroughly overhauled next year, punters can expect the BMW 3-series competitor to bear some design cues of the Prologue.
But as a whole package, the Prologue could evolve into a fighter for the S-class Coupe from Mercedes-Benz.
With a potential A9 badge, the luxury coupe could serve as the new flagship for Audi.