Audi unveiled its Pologue concept car at the LA motor show recently. This concept is said to closely resemble the upcoming A9 - Audi's new flagship set to arrive in 2016. The A9 will be Audi's rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe.

The new design chief Marc Lichte and tech chief Ulrich Hackenberg are promising greater visual differences between future Audis. The concept also closely previews the next-generation Audi A6, A7 and A8 models.

Speaking at the LA motor show, Hackenberg said that the next-generation A8, due in late 2016, would kick-off the firm’s new era. The design for the new luxury sedan has already been signed off, and was designed alongside the next-gen A7 and A6, both of which have already been finalised.

Visible on the Prologue concept is the single-frame grille that has been redesigned to be significantly wider than that used on existing Audi models. Matrix laser beam headlights that provide adaptive functions, including automatic high-beam dipping when oncoming traffic is detected, also makes its way to the concept. It has an aluminium and high-strength steel body, and is 40mm shorter and 70mm lower than the current A8. Wheelbase is also 50mm shorter. It also gets 22-inch wheels.

Power comes from Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that has been tuned to deliver 597bhp and 71.34kgm of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and Torsen four-wheel drive system will be used with the transmission system.

The new Audi concept also provides clues to the advanced chassis, ready to be adopted by the new A8 and its more sporty A9 sibling; it uses a new five-link suspension with adaptive air springs capable of varying the ride height.

Inside, the dash incorporates a full-width instrument panel featuring an OLED display that enables digital interaction between the driver and front seat passenger.