Audi to reveal new design direction at Los Angeles motor show

Audi plans to unveil the new design lineage to be adopted by its future models on a large saloon-cum-coupé concept at the Los Angeles motor show in November, sources close to the German car maker have revealed.

The new concept, which is also claimed to provide hints to the appearance of a four-door A9 model planned to sit at very top of the Audi range, has been created to preview a fresh design direction developed under the company’s new design boss, Marc Lichte – the man behind the look of the latest Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Passat.

Official details of the new coupé, which measures more than 5000mm in length and is based around the same MLB platform as the upcoming fourth-generation A8, remain under wraps.

However, an Autocar source privy to a series of design proposals of the new Audi suggest it boasts a highly technical look with a newly interpreted single frame grille, hi-tech laser headlamps, precise detailing within its aluminium body structure and defined shutline architecture.

“It builds on the design in place today but takes it to a whole new level. The design department is working very closely with the production department to give future Audi models a more technical look with added accuracy in terms of build – in keeping with their engineering,” said the source.

As well as previewing the exterior design of future Audi models, the new concept will also showcase new interior developments, including the future direction of the company’s new digital instrument cluster – as found on the new third-generation Audi TT – and new connectivity options to be made available on the new A8 and its A9 sibling. The latter car is expected to join the Audi line-up in 2017.

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