Audi launches prologue of the new design DNA

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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27 videos
unveiled the PrologueAudi PrologueGermany, 2014 > 2014 concept in Los Angeles Motor Show, a vehicle that besides being able to point out some characteristics of the future super-luxury A9 serves as the presentation of new lines of exterior and interior design and technology that will be part of future models of the brand.

The Prologue is equipped with the latest developments in chassis and driving technology from Audi and powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine with 605hp and 750Nm of torque.

The concept features a more craved design than the current line of the German brand and was developed by a team led by the new Director of Design, Marc Lichte. The German designer was responsible for the design of many recent models of VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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, including the PoloVolkswagen Polo Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present247 versions
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, GolfVolkswagen Volkswagen Golf Gen.7 [VII]Germany, 2012 > present363 versions
458 photos
and PassatVolkswagen Passat Gen.8 [B8]Germany, 2014 > present57 versions
26 photos
.

At first glance it is possible to see that the new design DNA will have a much more muscular image, but without leaving the elegance that has always been characteristic of Audi.

The strong presence of horizontal elements and the large wheel arches give the concept a more powerful stance than the current range. One major change is the grid which is significantly wider and it has been positioned lower to give a greater horizontal emphasis.

The vehicle is equipped with a narrow-line matrix laser beam headlights, which includes five individual lenses that offer adaptive functions, including reducing linght intensity when another car is detected in the opposite way.

Considered as a rival for models such as Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
9852 photos
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S-Class coupeMercedes-Benz S 500 CoupéGermany, 2014 > present, the Prologue already has several traits of the future Audi A9 which is being scheduled for launch in 2016. The concept also includes developments that will be introduced in the fourth generation of the A8, as the 48-volt electrical system and the four-wheel steering system.

In terms of dimensions the Prologue is 5100mm long, 1950mm wide and 1390mm high, 40mm shorter and 70mm lower than the current generation of the A8. The wheelbase is also 50mm shorter at 2940mm.

Engine

The Prologue is equipped with a twin-turbo V8 engine of 4.0 liters with 605hp and 750Nm of torque which appears in models such as the A6Audi A6Germany, 1994 > present4 series
338 versions
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, A7Audi A7Germany, 2010 > present39 versions
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and A8Audi A8Germany, 1994 > present3 series
94 versions
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and even in some BentleyBentleyUnited Kingdom, 1919 > present37 models
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models. Power is routed to the axles through an eight-speed automatic transmission with torque vectoring technology. In theory the Prologue can reach 100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Besides being equipped with Audi's cylinder deactivation technology, the Prologue debuts the new 48 volt electrical system which, according to the German brand will allow further increase in the efficiency of vehicles. This system offers to the V8 engine a mild hybrid capacility and still allows energy recovering during braking. The average consumption indicated for the Prologue is 8,6l/100km, with CO2 emissions of 199g/km.

Interior

The focus for the interior design of the Prologue is in minimalism, with a clean and unobstructed image that makes great use of touch and swipe functions. The design includes a full-width instrument panel with an OLEC display that allows digital interaction between the driver and the front passenger.