Autoblog

Audi exec reconfirms plans for BMW X6 rival

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Crossover, Audi, BMW, Luxury

It's been a spell since we caught wind of the rumored BMW X6 fighter from Audi, but Automotive News Europe reports the vehicle is still in development. The publication quotes Walter de'Silva, design chief with the Volkswagen Group, as saying Audi will definitely launch a more athletic crossover positioned between the Q5 and the Q7. Details are understandably scarce at the moment, but the vehicle will likely be designed to help Audi tap into the premium softroader segment where buyers aren't afraid to pay top dollar for a vehicle. Unless Audi unexpectedly decides to completely scrap its alphanumeric naming scheme, odds are the newcomer will wear Q6 badges when it bows.

Previously, we've heard the Q6 will ride on the same bones as the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, though no engine specifics have surfaced as of yet. It doesn't take otherworldly powers of deduction to realize it wouldn't be difficult for Audi to produce a hybrid Q6 if the vehicle does, in fact, share a chassis with its Volkswagen and Porsche cousins.

What about other bouncing baby crossovers from Audi? De'Silva said that the company is still investigating whether to introduce a new Q4 to give BMW X4 buyers another option.

Audi exec reconfirms plans for BMW X6 rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi Q7 to shed 650 pounds?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

Audi is continuing to pour cash into the development of its next generation crossovers, and in addition to a range of new high-riding models, the next Q5 and Q7 are set to go on a serious diet.

According to Automobile, the redesigned Q5 will drop around 220 pounds from its curb weight, while the larger Q7 will reportedly shed some 650 pounds thanks to a new aluminum body.

The aforementioned Q5 will share a platform with the forthcoming Porsche Cajun when it arrives in 2016 and will spawn two new models: the Q4 and Q6.

The Q6 will supposedly take on the BMW X6, with a steeply raked windshield and low-slung hatch, but will maximize cargo and rear passenger space, while making ingress and egress easier.

More interestingly, Automobile says that the Q4 could take one of three shapes: a hardened off-roader, a more luxurious Acura ZDX competitor or a high-performance crossover. Regardless, power for both models will come from a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, boosting efficiency over the current supercharged six by up to 20 percent. A plug-in hybrid model is also in the cards, mating the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 100-horsepower electric motor.

Next Audi Q7 to shed 650 pounds? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi developing new Q1, Q4 crossovers

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Audi, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 Audi Q3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Known though it has been for decades by its Quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi didn't launch its first crossover until the Q7 in 2005. Ever since, the German automaker has been steadily expanding its crossover lineup. But while most vehicles seem to get bigger and bigger with every successive generation of models, Audi's high-riders keep getting smaller.

Following on the launch of the Q5 in 2008, Audi has just started production of the Q3. But it's not about to stop there. A Q6 is rumored to be in the mix to take on the likes of the BMW X6, but rumors are also surfacing that Audi could opt to build an even smaller crossover than the Q3.

Potentially labeled Q1, the diminutive softroader could follow one of three approaches, taking its platform either from the A1 hatchback, the modular architecture planned for the next-generation A3, or the upcoming A2. Whatever the basis, sources suggest the Q1 could be rushed to market in as little as two years from now, hitting dealers as early as 2013.

Rumors are also circling of a more performance-oriented Q4, that could (like the Porsche Cajun) offer a three-door body-style, with flared fenders and such. One way or another, Audi's crossover range isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Audi developing new Q1, Q4 crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi developing Q6 to square off against BMW X6

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, Audi, Design/Style, Luxury

Still think the BMW X6 is a dumb idea? Well, you're not alone, but given that the "Sports Activity Coupe" has reportedly sold more than double its original projections, you'd also appear to be betting against the market. Apparently Audi can't ignore those kind of numbers, spurring reports that Ingolstadt is preparing a coupe-like crossover of its own.

Tentatively dubbed (predictably enough) the Q6, the slant-roofed Audi crossover would slot in between the Q5 and Q7. Sources suggest it will be based on the same platform that underpins the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne (as well as the Audi Q7, albeit in an extended form).

Engines would naturally borrow from the Audi parts bin, but a hybrid version like the Touareg and Cayenne is also reportedly in the cards. As is a potential RS version, which would have another go at the on-again, off-again reports of Quattro GmbH delving into the hyperpower CUV game to battle the AMG-fettled Mercedes-Benz ML and BMW's X5 and X6 M.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Audi developing Q6 to square off against BMW X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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