THE new generation of Audi's flagship luxury model the A8 boasts more efficient engines and pioneering MatrixBeam LED headlamps.

Built around the lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame, the almost entirely aluminium body of the new A8 has a re-sculpted bonnet, single frame grille and front bumper.

And at the rear, the design of the LED tail lamps has been revised and the bumper in all models bar the S8 has oblique-angled tail pipes, while fresh chrome touches, high gloss black window surrounds and five new colours also mark out the updated car.

The car, now featuring the optional MatrixBeam technology using 25 individual LEDs per headlight, will make its debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Each headlight can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation, enabling the system to react precisely to other vehicles while brightly illuminating the road.

When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the lamps mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes while bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

Route data from the navigation system with MMI Touch lets the A8 adjust the light depending on the driving situation, and can recognise corners and road classifications.

Audi says the length, width and height of the new generation A8 remains unchanged in both the standard model and the A8 L version with its extra 13cms of wheelbase and body length.

Seven petrol and TDI diesel engines will be available, the majority revised to improve performance and efficiency.

The supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol unit is boosted from 290PS to 310PS, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 420 to 435PS, the 3.0 TDI diesel increases from 250 to 258PS and the 4.2 TDI gains 35PS, taking it to 385PS.

Paired with quattro all-wheel drive, the 4.0 TFSI now powers the A8 from 0 -62 mph in 4.5 seconds, but under partial load the Audi cylinder on demand system deactivates four of its eight cylinders to give priority to fuel economy.

Most efficient diesel engine is the 3.0 TDI, which returns up to 47.9 mpg and 155g/km of emissions, and all the engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard, helped by friction-reducing measures which reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent.

Inside, there's now a new range of upholstery and inlays in fresh colour schemes, front seats with ventilation and massage settings, relaxation seats with powered footrests, electrically adjustable, individual rear seats, a leather-covered centre console and power-assisted door closing.

As for optional technology, there's Audi active lane assist - which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary - a park assist system with 360-degree display and a head-up display, while the night vision assistant can now also recognise larger animals as well as pedestrians.

Prices will be revealed at a later date.