Heralds Audi's new design direction.
Auto & Design presents what is claimed to be the teaser image of the Audi A9 concept slated to premiere at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show which opens to the media on November 18.
The A9 concept previews the VW-owned premium brand's future design direction in addition to serving as a harbinger for the brand's range-topping model with the same name.
Designed under the leadership of Marc Lichte, head of Audi Design, the A9 Concept is claimed to add a touch of sportiness to the brand's appeal. The single-frame grille has been retained to make the car instantly recognizable as an Audi.
To be based on the VW Group's MLB Evo rear-wheel drive platform, the production version of the A9 is expected to be ready in 2017. A go-faster S9 with a 600 PS twin-turbo V8 engine is also being rumored. More technical details are expected to surface at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. The A9 falls into a larger plan of Audi having 60 cars in its lineup by 2020, up from the present 49.
Also read: Next gen Audi Q7 to premiere at the Detroit Auto Show 2015
While the A9 has no direct competition, it could target the prospective customers of the Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte.
[Source: Auto & Design]