Audi Liu Wow!

Audi threw a party at the Fountainbleu last night that was pretty darn amazing.
The occasion was the world unveiling of the new 2011 Audi A8, a car that Audi will tell you is all about design and style - which is why the German company chose Miami for their launch.

But really, this car has so much going for it in the technology area that it will amaze even those skeptics who don't see Audi's A8 as being serious competition for the Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 Series. Among the multitude of cool features are headlights that will automatically dim or brighten depending on the lighting.

And how about this: when an approach car comes you're way, the headlights will adjust but only the left headlight – the one that might blind the approaching driver – will dim. The right headlight will adjust to the side to help you continue seeing ahead. You'll be able to read more about this cool car – which has its drawbacks by the way, including a small trunk and not a lot of leg room in the backseat in the short-wheel base model – in upcoming blog post and in the On the South Florida Road column in the Sun Sentinel on Saturday Dec. 12.

But for now, let's focus on last night's party that was hosted by actress Lucy Liu. Audi went all out, inviting more than 500 automotive journalists, including 200 from outside the U.S. You could have heard just about every language imaginable. The Fountainbleu was the perfect setting and Audi used its temporary pavilion a short distance to the north to put on an incredible show. The party was invitation only and we were fortunate to be there thanks to our good friend Bob Rubin, who has some pretty amazing connections.

During a brief conversation with Audi President Johan de Nysschen, we learned that Audi decided to skip the LA Auto Show, at least with the A8, and come to Miami because it was more interested in introducing the car to journalists than consumers – at least for right now. And everyone knows that most automotive journalists wouldn't consider skipping a trip to Miami - in November - on Audi's dime. For the record, we on the other hand, chose to drink only water and skip the food. Old habits die hard.