Audi showed us the all-new A8 at a private function in Miami last November. Now for the first time the luxury sedan has made its public show debut in Detroit.

The lightweight A8 is a primary competitor to the BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class while the Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ were identified as secondary rivals.

Technologies installed include the new-generation MMI system, brake energy regeneration, and the latest quattro AWD system.

Several engines can be selected by interested buyers, including a 184kW (250hp), 550Nm 3.0 TDI, and a 4.2 petrol V8 worth 274kW (373hp) and 445Nm.  However, the later will be the only engine on offer in the U.S. initially.

The V8 model, which has a 29.7mpg (UK) average, will soon debut at US dealerships with the standard 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.

[Via:WCF]