Nother CarGuy

After months of testing having been spied on several occasions, the Audi SQ2 is finally ready to bow at next week’s 2018 Paris Auto Show. The range-topping version of the first-ever Q2 small crossover is powered by the same engine as the Audi S3 models. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit makes an identical 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW) and 400 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, and is connected to a seven-speed DCT S Tronic transmission, and Quattro AWD. Naught to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes only 4.8 seconds, or 0.2 seconds slower than the Audi S3 Sportback, and top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155 mph). Other mechanical work includes the beefier braking system, with 340 mm (13.4 in) front and 310 mm (12.2 in) rear discs, S-badged calipers available in red as an option, and new suspension. The latter brings the body by 20 mm (0.79 in) closer to the ground, makes the ride stiffer and improves the hot crossover’s cornering abilities. On the outside, the Au...

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...