New four-door concept, thought to preview the flagship Audi A9 due in 2017, outlined ahead of Los Angeles motor show debut.

Audi has started trailing its upcoming Los Angeles motor show concept, which will preview its future design direction. However, the concept has not been named yet.

It is also understood that the photographs provide clues to the size, shape, appearance, packaging and features of the long-mooted A9 — a high-tech, range-topping model scheduled for launch in 2017.

The concept is the first Audi styled under new design boss Marc Lichte, who joined the firm from Volkswagen in February. Few clues are given away about the concept, which is understood to be a swoopy four-door.