Audi Launches A8 During Art Basel

Audi launched the new 2011 A8 flagship at Art Basel in Miami Beach yesterday, culminating celebrations surrounding the brand’s 100th anniversary.  The luxury sedan made its initial debut Monday evening at the “Art of Progress” event taking place during the annual international art festival, and was showcased inside the Audi Pavilion, a temporary structure designed for the event.  The sedan will next be featured at the Los Angeles International Auto Show – a venue dedicated to auto industry news.

It’s interesting to note that the auto was launched at an international event focused on art – positioning the A8 (and its counterparts) as more than just a functional vehicle – but as a design element.  Audi says the car will herald a new turn in its design language, making the choice of venue more logical.  According to Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management, Audi AG;

“Since our inception, Audi has embraced progress in the quest to create groundbreaking technologies and deliver new ideas to the road. Just as artists make it a mission to work for the untold future, so does Audi design to be relevant not just today, but for many years to come.  The new Audi A8 embodies everything Audi stands for: fascinating innovation, uncompromising perfection, consummate craftsmanship, iconic design and new ways of thinking. This is why we chose to present this car in this progressive environment while continuing our commitment to fostering design culture and the arts.”

The Audi Lounge at Design Miami will be housed at a temporary structure on NE 39th Street and 1st Court in Miami, and will be open to the public from December 2nd through the 5th.

[via Left Lane News]