Audi continues public road trials of its next-generation A8, a car we?re expecting to be launched for the 2018 model year. This time the new Audi flagship sedan was spotted undergoing handling tests at the challenging Nrburgring race track in Germany. The next-generation A8 will be based on Audi?s new MLB Evo platform, an evolution of the MLB platform found in the current A8 and several other Volkswagen Group models. The MLB Evo was first showcased in 2013 in Audi?s Sport quattro concept, and recently made its production debut in the 2016 Q7. There have been reports that Audi may adopt the sportier MSB platform being developed by Porsche for its soon-to-arrive 2017 Panamera, but the fact that earlier test-mules had been based on the current A8 suggests otherwise. The new A8 will benefit from a lighter curb weight: one of the key areas of focus in developing the MLB Evo has been weight reduction. Another key area has been alternative powertrains. The engine lineup should be similar to the current A8?s offerings, meaning V6 and V8 units. A W12 is also likely to be offered once more, and we should see a plug-in hybrid option and possibly even an all-electric option. European markets should also receive a four-cylinder A8. Finally, we can expect advanced infotainment features as well as new autonomous driving technology. Look for the new A8 to be revealed in late 2016 or early 2017. A sporty S8 and long-wheelbase A8 L should also be introduced around then. Iscrivetevi al nostro canale: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=motorionlinetv Seguiteci su Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/motorionline/ Seguiteci su Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/motorionline/ - @motorionline Le nostre migliori foto su Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/motorionline/ - @motorionline Tutti gli aggiornamenti su Tumblr: http://motorionline.tumblr.com/