MIAMI — In an unexpected move, Audi confirmed on Thursday that it will bypass the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show and 2010 Detroit Auto Show and instead will host the world debut of the 2010 Audi A8 on November 30 in Miami. In a statement, the German automaker underscored that the updated flagship sedan's debut is being held in an "unconventional" style.
The redesigned A8 is due in showrooms next year. Earlier, Inside Line learned that the A8 will get more evolutionary restyling as opposed to a dramatic exterior makeover. Expect a new range of engines and an eight-speed transmission. Audi did not provide any specifications or images with this latest update on the rollout of the 2010 A8.
Audi said that it will show off the A8 in the Audi Pavilion, a building that it describes as a "temporary museum structure." The debut is linked to Design Miami, a high-profile event in the design community. Audi is the exclusive automotive sponsor of the event.
"We see the bridge between art and architecture as a logical step in advancing our brand," said Rupert Stadler, Audi AG chairman of the board of management, in a statement about the debut of the A8. Audi said it is acting as a "designer among designers at Design Miami."
Audi of America said the car will be shown at an invitation-only Audi Collectors' brunch on December 1 and then will be opened to Design Miami visitors and Miami residents from December 2-5.
By skipping the first big U.S. auto shows of the season, Audi sets itself apart and puts the spotlight solely on the A8 without the distraction of other reveals. But it also misses out on the tens of thousands of people who will stroll by the A8 in the course of an auto show, such as Detroit or L.A.
Inside Line says: Audi skips the unwashed masses at two upcoming major auto shows in favor of a ritzy and exclusive setting in Miami Beach for the A8's reveal. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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alman08 says:
03:21 PM, 11/19/2009
car is beautiful, except it's not the same after you hung the lic. plate...