Audi has unveiled its ‘Prologue’ concept car at the LA motor show. The svelte concept previews the exterior styling treatment, advanced interior features, contemporary driveline technology and various chassis developments set to be adopted by its future generation of production models, and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine developing 597bhp.
The big four-seater showcases a progressive new exterior and interior design lineage developed by a team of in-house designers working under new Audi design boss, Marc Lichte – the talented German designer credited with the look of many existing Volkswagen models, including the latest Polo, Golf and Passat.
Said to closely resemble the upcoming Audi A9 – a plush new flagship coupe planned to be launched in 2016 as a rival to the likes of theMercedes-Benz S-class coupé, the new Audi concept also sheds light on developments set to be adopted on the fourth-generation A8, including a new 48-volt electrical system and four-wheel steer system.
Distinguished by its taut surfacing, prominent shoulder line, crisp crease lines and finely honed detailing, the prologue possesses an elegant yet muscular look that Lichte hints will be reflected throughout the Audi line-up in future years.
According to Audi chiefs, about 80 percent of the concept's design will filter down into production vehicles. Three production cars based on the concept have been decided and will appear in the next two or three years. The design of the next A4 and A6, for example, have already been frozen and incorporate elements of this new design language.
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