2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Audi A8

First shown to the public at Miami's Design Week in December, Audi's A8 sedan flagship took center stage on the first media day of the Detroit auto show. Somewhat conservative, and dare I say, disappointing in photos, the big Audi sedan absolutely and positively comes to life in person, with beautifully subtle detailing that while simple, exudes a level of elegance completely appropriate for this type of car.

With a subtly reworked single-frame grille, full-LED headlamps, a nicely sculpted body side character line that runs from the headlights to the taillights to the clean break at the rear corner, and rear graphics that accentuate the cars width, the new A8 moves the game on in terms of Audi's design language functionally, aesthetically and aerodynamically.

Based on a development of the aluminum Audi Space Frame pioneered in 1994 by the first generation A8, the big Audi is powered by a reworked 4.2-liter V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. More powerful as well as more efficient than its predecessor, the A8 is also longer and wider than its competitors - although its height is lower than its German rivals, contributing to its excellent luxury-car proportions.

The increased dimensions translate to an incredibly spacious and airy interior with jaw-dropping good looks. You'll find the usual impossibly tight panel gaps and impressive craftsmanship the German manufacturer is known for, as well as unprecedented levels of technology nestled within the twisting, wrap-around shape of the interior's upper panel. The A8's considerable computing power is accessed through a touchpad interface with a large 8-in. screen. To illustrate the attention to detail that's gone into the A8, let's focus on the headlights. The car's adaptive light system not only features full-LED lighting that gives the car an imposing stare, but also a high-beam assistant system with continuously variable headlight range control. The system is linked to the navigation system, which analyzes the road ahead and relays the data to the lighting computer so that it can anticipate lighting needs depending on what curves or straight-aways lie ahead. It can even activate the cornering lights as the car approaches an intersection - raising the question, "what will they think of next?" One simple thought that sums up the A8: absolutely incredible.

We look forward to a full road-test of this spectacular car, our pick as OnCars Best Production Car from the North American International Auto Show.

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