Although some two months ago, the new Audi A8 has made it’s first appearance at a private function held in Miami last November, the official debut of the luxury sedan has been made at this years North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Pretty lightweight but packed with goodies, the new Audi A8 is in direct competitor to the BMW 7 Series, with Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ considered as secondary rivals. The new technology advances installed in the car include the new-generation MMI system, the latest quattro AWD system and the regenerative brakes. As for what sends power to the wheels, a wide range of engine is available, out of the which a 184kW (250hp), 550Nm 3.0 TDI engine or the 4.2 petrol V8 that churns 274kW (373hp) and 445Nm of torque.

Looks damn cool, don’t you think?

Slated for an early debut next year at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2011 Audi A8 is one of the most thought-after luxury sedans. Caught testing on the Nurburgring circuit, rumors have it that the upcoming model comes with new engines. Apparently there’s the new 6.5L V12 which replaces the 6.1L variant for a monsterish output of over 500 horsies, or the supercharged V8 capable of churning 400 hp. Mileage is also on the priority list for Audi which means the new A8 lineage will also include a 2.0L diesel option mated with twin turbos that sport some 200hp. For those who can afford it, sales will begin late 2010. [via Autoblog]