Audi has brought a sportier version of the Q8 Concept (that was first shown at Detroit Auto Show in January) to Geneva. Called the Q8 ‘Sport Concept’, it gives a glimpse of what a possible SQ8 could look like.
On the cosmetic front, there are quite a few changes to the new concept, but they aren’t too drastic. The Bombay Blue exterior paint has been replaced with a bright orange tone, the front fascia has been altered with restyled intakes and honeycomb pattern on the grille instead of vertical slats, the fenders have been stretched a bit and the exhaust tips have been changed.
Under the hood, there’s a 3.0-liter TFSI six-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system and an electric compressor. The total power output is 476 HP and the there is 700 Nm of torque. Sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.7 seconds and the top-speed is 275 km/h. Despite these insane numbers, Audi claims a range of 1200 km. For optimum dynamics, there’s Quattro AWD system, air suspension and ceramic brakes.
Move inside and you are greeted with a very upmarket cabin. Audi Virtual Cockpit is standard and apart from that, there are a couple of touchscreens on the center console. Once the Q8 makes into production, we expect it to get a myriad of autonomous driving aids as well.
The sportier Q8 (likely to be called SQ8) will primarily go up against the likes of the BMW X6 M and the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe.
Atleast Audi appears to be moving out of sombre design phase.
Mr. Lichte (New head of Audi designs) has promised more individual personality on each model going forward.
If it stays real close to concept, in terms of design, Audi may end up producing bucket loads of them.