Audi goes crazy over crossovers; Plans Q2, Q4, Q6 & Q8!

07/05/2012 - 07:25 | ,   | Kaustubh Shinde

Audi Q3 concept crossoverJust like Mercedes has the ‘M’ moniker and BMW has the ‘X’ prefix, Audi calls its SUV range with the prefix Q. Earlier it was the Q7 which was the only SUV from Audi’s portfolio. Then came the Q5, a smaller Q7 to sit below it.

Then came a revolution in entry level crossover -BMW X1 and thus Audi shrunk the Q5 to Q3 to compete against the X1. Now Audi plans to fill in the gaps with a range of Q cars such as Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 to woo new segments of buyers.

First up is the replacement of the Q7 due in 2014. It will be based on an all new MQB evo platform which will be shared by the Volkswagen Toureg, Lamborghini Urus, and the Bentley SUV. The successor of the Q7 will be 350 kg lighter in weight thanks to a re-engineered body structure and panels made of aluminum.

Next up will be the all new Q5 based on the new MQB architecture. Later, Audi will introduce the Q2, a new entry level crossover that will sit below the Q3. The Audi Q2 will be available in five engine options

  • 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine rated at 125hp
  • 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine rated at 185 hp
  • 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine rated at 115hp
  • 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine rated at 177 hp
  • A super powerful 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine with 220-hp exclusively for the performance version dubbed S Q2.

After the Q2, Audi will launch the Q8 which will be an alternative to the A9 flagship sedan that will be the new range topper for the Audi brand. The Q8 will be based on the all new Q7 platform and will be an uber luxurious SUV to rival the likes of Lamborghini Urus and Bentley SUV. The Audi Q8 will be available in five engine options

  • Two petrol V-6 engines delivering 230 and 300 hp
  • A 3.0-liter V-6 TDI a 250-hp
  • A 4.2-liter V-8 TDI with 400-hp,
  • A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with 550-hp for the SQ8

After the Q8, Audi will land the coupe crossover Q6, Audi’s alternative to the popular BMW X6. It will be based on the MQB platform of the Audi Q5 but will have a sloping roof line with a tall boy stance. It will come in both two-door and four-door guise. Mercedes Benz is said to be working on a similar coupe-crossover on the M-Class platform for a mid-decade launch.

Finally, the Audi Q4 will complete the range in 2018 which will be based on the VW Tiguan platform and will be a smaller alternative to the Audi Q6 (just as the Q5 is for the Q7) and a rival to the BMW X4. Later in 2019, Audi will roll out the second generation Q3 to replace the existing model. Expect most of these crossovers to come to the Indian market as well in due course of time.

Overdose of ‘Q’?  You bet!

[Source: automobilemag.com]

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