Audi A9 concept teased

AUDI has released a video of what is tipped to be its Benz CLS-slaying A9 concept, revealing the German brand’s “more emotional” future face, ahead of its Los Angeles motor show debut this month.

Following an aerial image released by Audi in October, the clip gives far more away about the large, swoopy sedan.

Narrated by the company’s head of design Marc Lichte, the video begins with him walking around the sheet-covered car as footage is mixed in of Audi’s motorsport past while he lists inspirational cars, before introducing himself.

“My name is Marc Lichte, I’m the new design chief at Audi and that is my new vision,” he says pointing at the cloaked car.

With this he pulls away the sheet for a spilt-second glimpse of a silver four-door coupe saloon before its engulfed in darkness.

Revealed is a grille that has a strong resemblance to the one worn by the TT Sportback Concept, which is still hexagonal but stretched laterally.

Similar too, are the narrow angular headlights which sit above a new bumper with large air intakes.

Bulging wheel arches housing intricately designed alloys rise up to meet a long bonnet. With a heavily raked windscreen the narrow glasshouse leads to what looks to be a fastback hatch.

Mr Lichte said the design of the A8 limousine and TT sportscar have had a major influence on him.

“A very important inspiration for me is the Audi A8 because it’s just so perfectly proportioned,” he said.

“Then there’s the first generation of the TT, a tremendously inspiring car for me, because I see it as the essence of Audi.

“As for the future, I’d like to see the face of Audi to display a more emotional design. The design should be timeless but at the same time very progressive and I want quattro to be a design element people see in every Audi.”

No cabin images have been released but it’s understood the concept will adopt a full interior design change.

Engineering details have not been revealed but reports suggest the A9 will be based on the new MLB platform, with close mechanical and electrical ties to the upcoming new-generation A8.

When it arrives, the A9 will become Audi’s new flagship model sitting above the A8 and compete against rivals in the form of Benz’s CLS and BMW’s 6 Series Gran Coupe.

But for now Audi has stopped short of referring to the concept as the A9.

At the launch of the S1 in September GoAuto asked Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle if he knew anything about the A9 but his response was guarded.

“That’s a freeway in Germany, I think,” he said.

“I don’t know about an A9, but imagine the luxury car tax on that thing.” The new concept will be part of what’s expected to be a spectacular presence featuring three world debuts by Audi at the Los Angeles motor show starting November 17.