What is it?
This is Audi's new A8 flagship saloon, which sticks with all-aluminium construction and four-wheel drive for the more powerful models. The first UK deliveries start in March, but the hugely important American market has been chosen for the A8's first chance to meet the public. There's a single 4.2-litre petrol V8 from launch and 3.0 V6 and 4.2 V8 turbodiesels, with the smaller diesel fitted with stop-start technology as standard.
Why's it here?
Audi has chosen Detroit for the A8's first public appearance as the USA is the biggest market for the German luxury saloon. It also gives Audi two bites at the cherry as the company is expected to unveil a hybrid version at the
Geneva show. Detroit is also a chance for Audi to show off the A8's new touchpad MMI interface that allows the user to simply write down satnav destinations rather than typing them in. This outdoes current infotainment systems from BMW and Mercedes, rivals Audi is keen to beat in the US.
Show stopper or floor filler?
It's not the most radical of large saloons - see
Cadillac's XTS Platinum for that - but the new A8 is important. Take the time to study the spec sheet and it draws you in with the new MMI Touch display, as well as other technical details such as the eight-speed auto gearbox and the Pre Sense safety system that works much like Mercedes' Pre-Safe package. There's also satnav that works in conjunction with Google Earth for the display, so the A8 is certainly worth lingering over.
Full 2010 Detroit Auto Show report.
Alisdair Suttie - 12 Jan 2010