Gone are the days when cars were segmented into hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. As car designs advances, so are the shapes of the car. The lines in between the standard classifications are increasingly blurring away.
The best example of this phenomenon is the BMW X6 coupe crossover. It is an extremely niche tall riding SUV with a coupe-like roofline. The BMW X6 was a massive success for the Bavarian automaker. Till date, the automaker ships close to 50000 units every year across the globe. Considering it is the only coupe crossover that you can buy, the segment is pretty much a BMW monopoly.
It won’t be a monopoly for long if Audi has its way around. The Ingolstadt giant is developing its own rival to capitalize on the success of the BMW X6. Expected to be unimaginatively called the Audi Q6, the crossover was confirmed by Chief of VW Group design, Walter de Silva.
Since then a lot of rumors are floating around the webosphere. Here is all that we know of the Audi Q6 –
- The Q6 is being developed specifically targeting customers in emerging markets such as China, Russia and India, which favor high-performance SUVs and crossovers.
- Initially it was expected to be built on the A6 platform, Audi then decided to build it on an extended version of the Q5’s Modular Longitudinal platform.
- The more advanced and lighter MLB Evo matrix promises better economy, enhanced safety and superior dynamics. The longer wheelbase will give a better ride because the added length.
- Audi plans to lighten the whole structure by using a judicious mix of materials including aluminum for the roof and hood. The target is to keep it under 2 tons to make sure that the performance and handling is superior to the BMW X6
- Just like the BMW X6, the Q6 will be five-seat crossover with the all-wheel drive underpinnings. It will come in both two-door and four-door guise.
- This pantomime crossover It will feature a sleek silhouette with a roofline that will resemble the A5 and A7 Sportback models. However, it will be less radical than the BMW X6 to maintain good outside visibility.
- It should be offered in a variety of potent engines such as:
- 2.0-litre TFSI good for 217bhp
- 3.0-litre V6 TFSI good for 296bhp
- 2.0 TDI diesel good for 190 HP
- 3.0-litre V6 TDI good for 249bhp
- Audi may also develop a Q6 RS version with a turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine under the bonnet. All powerplants meet the EU6 emission norm.
- It will also feature a hybrid powertrain from the Touareg which allows for about three kilometers of purely electric driving with at about 50 km/hr.
- Many publications are quoting an official starting price of the Audi Q6 to stand at approximately 39,000 euros , which will make it 3,000 euros more expensive than the Q5.
This new fascination of crossover is the first for Audi to become the largest luxury automaker in the world. Audi aims to sell to sell 2 million cars and SUVs by 2020 and such niche products will go a long way in achieving the target.
[Source - AutoBild.de]
