Next Generation Audi A8 Test Mule Caught With New Interior Components

Audi's redesigned A8 has been spotted undergoing testing and this time our spies managed to catch a glimpse of the car's new interior.

While this particular test mule features a mix of current and next generation interior components, the redesigned A8 seems ready to adopt a new steering wheel, an updated instrument cluster, and an odd looking gearbox which should offer advanced functions such as automatic parking. The engineer's laptop also appears to show Audi's new car detection technology which uses a variety of discreet cameras and sensors to alert drivers to potentially hazardous situations.

Although the mule wears a current A8 body, the next generation A8 is expected to get a more dynamic appearance thanks to "softer, flowing lines" and Audi's signature LED accented headlights.

The redesigned luxury saloon will ride on an updated version of Audi's Aluminum Space Frame which should offer slight increases in wheelbase and width for improved passenger room.

Power is expected come from a variety of engines including a turbocharged four-cylinder with 230hp (172kW), a 3.0-liter V6 with 250hp (186kW), a 3.0-liter V6 FSI with 290hp (216kW), a 4.2-liter V8 FSI with 372hp (277kW), and a 4.2-liter V8 TDI with 340hp (253kW).

Recent reports put the A8 W12 and S8 with a 450hp (331kW) 5.2-liter V10 FSI engine in limbo for the North American market due to low sales. However there is no indication whether the same fate will follow through for Europe.

Expected to debut as a 2010 model, the new A8 could be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September.