Audi Q8: the high-end SUV coupe approved

[Quest]

Audi Q8: the high-end SUV coupe approved
By Georg Kacher (artist's impression by Christian Schulte) 19 November 2012 10:34

Car Magazine UK



Audi has given the thumbs-up to the new Q8 range-topper, CAR understands. It's a high-end SUV crossover to crown the brand's burgeoning range of planned, sportier 4x4s and tackle the likes of the new Range Rover.
The Audi Q8 will be based on the long-wheebase edition of the next MLB architecture. Baffled by acronyms? Basically, the Q8 will ride on the hardware developed for the next-gen Audi Q7/Porsche Cayenne/VW Touareg. Our artist's impression depicts how it could look.

Audi Q8: the lowdown

Think of the Q8 as the crossover equivalent of the A8: Audi is planning multiple versions of its limo in future, and is mulling over a regular SWB A8, a LWB A8 and, maybe, a four-seater A9 coupe as well – all competing with the taller, high-riding Q8.

The existing range of Audi Q models use odd numbers, denoting 'regular' SUV shapes: Q3, Q5 and Q7 are boxy, upright 4x4s. Now it's preparing a range of even-numbered additions, from Q2, Q4, Q6 and – here – the Q8. They're coupe-inspired, lower, sportier. Yep, the Evoque has a lot to answer for…

Powering the new Q8

The new Audi Q8 will be an aluminium-intensive structure, designed to shave kilos off the existing crop of luxury SUVs. Our sources suggest it'll be 300kg lighter than today's lardy Q7.

CAR understands the Q8 will be powered by a range of V6 and V8 petrols and diesels, bolstered by a range of plug-in hybrids and a a 550bhp RS version.

[Quest]

Cadillac had better step up its game with next CUV's... new Jaguar and LR and VAG starting to take their game to the next level. Hey, it's great if you love cars as comp always improves the breed,

The A9 is the real question mark but the next gen MLB and the A8 looks to be cast, which makes sense.

[jry]

Well, the original Quattro was a Coupe.

[germeezy1]

Originally this " Q8 " was alleged to be an X6 competitor, and if this is a coupe/ suv variant of the existing Q7 then how will they position it as a true Range Rover competitor?

[Parlay84]

Seriously, this niche stuff is just ridiculous.

Yet I keep hoping they come out with more. Especially the M, S/RS, and AMG versions.

[tentacles]

When is VAG going to come out with a >10,000lb GVWR 3/4 ton HD pickup truck? As far as I can tell that's the same market of tasteless blind assholes that all these horrendous SUV-coupes sell to, except since it's German you don't have to make them reliable or anything. Have a Porsche and a Bentley variant, throw in a diesel V12 for the "S" version, build it in that new plant Mexico, avoid the CAFE hit and drown in a sea of money.

[mgescuro]

Seriously, this niche stuff is just ridiculous.

Yet I keep hoping they come out with more. Especially the M, S/RS, and AMG versions.

Why is it ridiculous? There's no real investment, as it's already on an existing platform, which was designed to be modular in the first place, so the overall cost isn't that big of a deal.

Some companies actually properly design and engineer platforms to support multiple types of vehicles.

[Parlay84]

Just a personal opinion really.

These 4 door coupes, and SUV coupes add no real function vs the sedan, coupe, or SUV counterparts. The fact that its supposed to be a niche segment means maybe you get a version of each in the midsize or large class. The ridiculous part, imo, comes in when every platform has this option. Eventually these segments won't be a niche anymore.

I also think that engineering these platform with multiple body styles in mind is a very good business move considering even with low volume from these segment added with the volume from the mainstream segments will only help reduce the time of ROI.

Edit: Not to mention the fact that the market allows them to charge ridiculous premiums for these cars. They just end up being fashion statements.

[zl-1]

Why is it ridiculous? There's no real investment, as it's already on an existing platform, which was designed to be modular in the first place, so the overall cost isn't that big of a deal.

Some companies actually properly design and engineer platforms to support multiple types of vehicles.

Exactly. Though there are investment/development costs, one can think of it almost from a marginal costing perspective: the higher volume cars absob the task of diluting fixed costs and these other body styles are nearly pure profit.