The annual Detroit Auto Show has always seen some pretty important global unveils and concepts from Audi and this year has been no different. The 2017 North American International Auto Show or NAIAS played host to Audi’s brand new and long awaited flagship coupe SUV concept, the Audi Q8. The Q8 will be more expensive than the Q7 and feature future styling when unveiled in production form sometime later this year.
Audi Q8 concept SUV
Staying true to the design sketches, the new SUV features a coupe-like styling and a very wide and distinct stance in the flesh and also features a new colour from Audi – Bombay Blue! The SUV features a two stage grille with a honeycomb insert and a six slat vertical design that is a new direction for Audi. The new vertical design looks similar to the likes of the updated Mercedes-Benz AMG GT but is far more aggressive due to the contrast surround that amplifies the grille even further. The headlamps on the Q8 are flanked by a air vent right under them and features the Matrix technology like on the A8, A6 and the R8.
From the side, the concept Q8 continues with the pronounced styling language with sloping roofline and angled tail gate along with the thick C-Pillar that is reminiscent of the original Audi Quattro from the 1980s. The large wheels add to the SUV’s stance. From the rear, the Q8 adapts the concept SUV design that was showcased in 2016 at the NAIAS too. The tail lamp (similar to the likes of the Porsche Panamera is one slim and large piece that lights up and the bumper, painted in a shade of contrasting silver gets a diffuser and hexagonal exhaust tips.
Audi Q8 concept SUV interior
Under the skin, the Q8 is a plug-in hybrid. The internal combustion engine is a 3.0 litre petrol TFSI unit with 324 bhp and 500 Nm. The electric motor makes 132 bhp of power and combined, both units produce 436 bhp of peak power and 700 Nm of peak torque. The Q8 concept car is a working prototype and accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 5.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 kmph. The electric motor is powered by Lithium Ion batteries and has a capacity of 17.9 kWh. The battery power alone can give the Q8 a range of about 60 kilometers and can be charged up in about two and a half hours.
The Audi Q8 was seen being tested recently will see production form in early 2018 and should be launched soon after as Audi’s flagship SUV offering. The Q8 will go up against the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport amongst others.
