Audi Confirms SQ2, New A1 And Other Models At Summit


During their annual press conference, Audi confirmed a host of new vehicles that will arrive later this year and in 2019.

Among them is the highly anticipated e-Tron GT, a proper Tesla Model S rival, as well as the range-topping member of the Q2 family, the SQ2.

Prototypes of what was believed to be the Audi SQ2 have been spotted testing  since mid-2016, but the performance crossover is almost ready for its big debut.

The automaker hasn’t announced when it will be unveiled or what will power it, but we could be looking at the same engine as the S3. The turbocharged 2.0-liter lump delivers 310 horses to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the S3.

In addition to the potent mill, the 2019 Audi SQ2 will also benefit from a host of visual updates. It will get different suspension tweaks too, along with other work carried beneath the body.

Audi is also replacing the A1 Sportback, which is being produced in Belgium pretty much unchanged since 2010, with a new generation. The supermini likely uses the same platform as the latest Volkswagen Polo, and will be followed by a hot S1 version.

For the Chinese market, Audi will offer long wheelbase versions of the Q2 and Q5. Referred to as ‘urban’ variants, these will be offered exclusively in the People’s Republic.

Among the 20 models that will be launched in 2018 and 2019 is the plug-in hybrid version of the new A8. The flagship saloon will also get a 12-cylinder model, but nothing else is known about it at this point.

Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more