The 2017 Audi A8 was spotted winter testing on Swedish roads alongside outgoing models. Audi is preparing a new generation of the Audi A8 that will be lighter and more agile, rendering it competitive with the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes S-Class and the Jaguar XJ.

Spy photographers captured one of the test units of the 2017 Audi A8 in the snow, where Audi was determining how its car performed in low-temperature environments. It was photographed in a convoy with other prototypes of the brand, as well as old models, according to Motor1.

This is already the fourth generation of the A8, and so we can deduce its hidden body will be equipped with the already-anticipated lines of the automaker's Audi Prologue concept, the brand presented in 2014.This could lead the way to the future A9, from the look of the spy photos.

Despite the obvious camouflage, the 2017 Audi A8's new features are clearly visible. With a size similar to the current A8, the new design makes it look more stylized. Starting with the front, clearly inspired by the Prologue concept, we find very marked flatter angles and a grille with horizontal and slanted front pilots. In the rear, we find a clear third volume and a fairly steep rear window, although the concave window of the 2014 concept does not appear.

The 2017 Audi A8 will use the MLB Evo platform, according to AutoEvolution, a derivative of the MLB platform released by the Audi Q7. This will considerably reduce the overall weight of the car. It will also apparently incorporate the virtual dashboard that Audi presented at the last edition of CES 2016, in Las Vegas, through the Audi e-tron Quattro concept.

As for its engines, the 2017 Audi A8 range will consist of four petrol engines, three diesel and two plug-in hybrids. These will be coupled with state-of-the-art technology like electric turbochargers, quattro traction, automatic gearboxes and a new eight-speed ZF transmission.

For the top end, it has been confirmed that a W12 6.0-liter biturbo engine that can generate 608 hp and 900 Nm of torque will be present. There will also be a 2017 Audi A8 e-tron 3.0 TFSI.

The 2017 Audi A8 is expected sometime in the second half of 2017, with a possible launch at the 2017 IAA Frankfurt which will be held in September.

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