Some of the possibilities hinted at over the years include a new MPV based on the A4 line, a range-topping A9 four-door coupe, and a new city car to slot in below the A1 that was previewed by the Urban concept car.
While most of these are still on the drawing board, CAR is reporting that Audi managers have approved for production a new crossover with coupe-like styling. Likely to be called the Q8, the new model will reportedly share its platform with the next-generation Q7 SUV and go up against a new range of upscale SUVs and crossovers coming from the likes of Bentley and Maserati.
Just as BMW has the X6, which is essentially a coupe-crossover version of the X5, Audi is set to launch a new Q6 tied with the Q5. But with growth of SUVs and crossovers expected to grow in coming years, especially in markets such as China and Russia, Audi is said to be looking to capitalize with even more high-riding models. Close rival Mercedes-Benz is planning its own coupe-crossover as well, possibly called the GLS.
Being one of Audi’s high-end models, the Q8 will likely be overtly luxurious while also packing a ton of technology. Its platform will feature plenty of aluminum to keep weight down and handling sporty, while a choice of V-6 or V-8 power will offer all the power Q8 buyers could ever need. A high-performance RS variant is also said to be under consideration.
Audi isn’t making any comments on its future plans, and even the report says the project is only in its very early stages. This means that sales of such a vehicle are unlikely to start for several years, at the earliest.
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