2017 Audi A8 electric suspension and driverless tech demonstrated

Audi will equip its next-generation A8 with its most advanced active suspension system, as demonstrated by a new preview video that has been released before the car's 11 July reveal.

The so-called electromechanically actuated suspension system is part of the car's 48-volt electrical architecture and new MLB evo platform. It uses a front-mounted camera to analayse the road ahead 18 times per second and prepare the electric suspension accordingly. 

Each wheel has an electric motor that's linked to a gearbox, a rotating tube with an internal titanium tube and a lever, which then adjusts the suspension with up to 811lb ft of torque. The system reduces body roll during cornering and pitch during acceleration and braking.

Audi claims that this technology can also improve passive safety in the event of a crash, by lifting the side of the that's due for impact. It says this concentrates the impact on the strongest parts of the car, such as the side sills.  

 The car will also use electromechanical rear-axle steering, another component of its 48-volt architecture. The system improves stability at speed by steering in the same direction as the front wheels or improves maneuverability by turning in the opposite direction in tight situations. It's also claimed to improve steering feel.

Full front and rear styling shots have been shown in earlier footage of the upcoming BMW 7 Series rival, which draws heavily from the design of Audi's Prologue concept of 2014, with a large central grille, geometric headlights and a light bar spanning the width of the car's rear. The large, intricate wheels also appear to be smaller, more production-friendly versions of the Prologue's 22in wheels. 

Also like the Prologue concept, the A8 will receive electrified powertrains from the entry-level model up, Audi has confirmed. Another preview also demonstrates the car's hands-off driverless technology, with an 'Audi AI' button activating the system, which prompts the driver to let go of the steering wheel.

The A8 will be the first in the Audi in the brand's lineup to be available only as a hybrid, as Ingolstadt looks to electrify its entire lineup in the coming years. Entry-level cars will be mild hybrids, although it's likely that plug-in versions will appear higher up in the range, with greater electric-only driving potential. 

A demonstration image of the car's powertrain confirms a V6 petrol engine will feature in the range, too, with electric power supplementing the internal combustion engine.

The 48-volt circuit incorporates two elements; a water-cooled alternator starter, and a lithium-ion battery pack in the luggage compartment of the car. 

The car was also recently spotted performance testing in S8 form at the Nürburgring, as well as on German public roads.

The flagship saloon will offer a fully autonomous driverless mode, using Audi's piloted driver technology, which can completely control the car at speeds of up to 37mph; beating even the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to Level 3 - conditional automation - autonomy.

The car also uses autonomous systems to save fuel and increase smoothness when driving; the sensors, for example, can tell when traffic in front moves, and can start the engine early, even if the brakes are still applied, allowing for a smoother transition between standstill and following the flow of traffic. 

We now know that the new A8's body shell, minus running gear and equipment, weighs 51kg more than the outgoing model, at 282kg compared to 231kg. It's 24 percent stiffer, too, which should contribute to improved handling, steering and refinement. Rear seat knee room increases by 28mm and headroom by 14mm. 

Other key technological features will include gesture controls, the latest organic LED headlight technology and a 48V electrical system, as seen on the SQ7.  
The car will make its debut in the upcoming Spiderman movie before its official reveal.