Audi’s SUV family, called as the ‘Q’ family, is suddenly in a lot of spotlight after the world is tilting in the favor of crossovers. Sensing the shift in the paradigm, Audi is extending the Q family with more models in the near future.
Currently the Q family has three members – Audi Q3, Q5 and Q7. But pretty soon we will be able to see many more members in the family such as –
Audi Q2
Inspired by the Crosslane Coupe Concept which was showcased at the Paris Motor Show, the Audi Q2 has been churning the rumor mill since the Q3 showed up. While the concept version is a two-door targa roof crossover, Audi's product planners are tilting in favor of a conventional four-door hardtop crossover because of the practicality that it offers.
The Concept avatar was fitted with a super frugal three-cylinder hybrid powertrain which delivers a fantastic 34 kmpl, and the production version will most certainly be powered by fossil fuels. Based on the MQB architecture, the Audi Q2 will be powered by a range of TFSI and TDI engines. A hotter SQ2 is also in the works.
Audi Q4
A five door coupe derivative of the successful Audi Q3 crossover will be called the Q4. It will be based on the next generation Tiguan platform. Being a coupe crossover, expect the roof to be sharply raked leading to limited headroom at the back. It will be offered only in two door version and the roof will be very similar to the Crosslane Concept.
Being a lifestyle vehicle, Audi is developing a plug-in hybrid system for the Audi Q4. The hybrid technology will be borrowed from the Audi A3. Also in the works is a hotter 310 hp RSQ4 which will use an Audi TT RS engine with an improved lightweight low-friction all-wheel drive system and a faster-shifting seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.
The Audi Q4 will go head to head with the upcoming BMW X4 in a whole new segment which will be created from scratch.
Audi Q6
Inspired by the success of the BMW X6, Audi has issued directives to the product planners to develop the Audi Q6 – a coupe crossover. Based on the MLBevo architecture, the Audi Q6 will be a coupe sister to the Audi Q5. However, it will be lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamic than the Audi Q5 thanks to a steel content of only 70 percent.
Mercedes is also developing the MLC for this same segment. The BMW X6 is going to see some tough competition in the future.
Audi Q8
A coupe sister of the Audi Q7, the Audi Q8, is likely to arrive a year or two after the launch of the next gen Q7. It will be based on the Audi Q7’s ‘MLB Platform’ and will use a range of V6 and V8 motors. The Q8 will measure 5.1m long, have a sloped roof and may offer the option of a plug-in hybrid to provide customers better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Audi Q9
Finally the king of Q range will be the Audi Q9 – a super luxurious SUV based on an extended platform of the next generation Audi Q7 (MLB platform). It will be massive enough to dwarf the Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes GL. It will be powered by a huge 3.0 V12 TDI engine with Quattro all-wheel drive. The target market will be America, Europe and China in the next 3-4 years.
[Source: Automobilemag.com & Automobile-Magazine.fr]
