Audi boss Rupert Stadler outlined the marque’s upcoming new product line-up at a recent shareholders meeting, during which the names 2010 A8, A5 Sportback, A1 and Q3 and were mentioned…
By Kyle Kock
Stadler confirmed that the A8 will be unveiled in November and has reportedly stated that it will be “the sportiest luxury sedan in its class – and set new standards with regard to interiors.”
Speaking of interiors, spy photographers managed to catch a glimpse of the grand saloon’s cabin while undergoing testing. Although the pictures, courtesy of , show that the test mule uses elements from current generation A8 extensively, they also reveal the A8’s new steering wheel, revised instrument cluster, and what appears to be quite an odd gearshift guide.
The monitor to the right of the driver also reveals the use of mounted cameras and sensors – likely to be used for an advanced form of other vehicle detection and/or automatic parking system.
The test mule uses the current car’s sheetmetal, but the next generation A8 is expected to flaunt “softer, flowing” lines and Audi’s signature LED-adorned headlamps. Expect it to sit on an updated version of Audi’s famed Aluminium Space Frame, and power to come from a variety of engines of V6 and V8 engines.
Stadler also announced that the A5 Sportback would be “a revolutionary vehicle concept offering the ideal blend of functionality and aesthetics.” We’re not exactly sure what Ingolstadt has in mind in terms of design, but the A5 frontal treatment can surely be expected, though styling aft of the front doors design-wise remains a mystery.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Audi designers go for the traditional hatch style shape of the A3 Sportback, or a sleeker fifth-door design similar to that of the Sportback Concept unveiled in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year.
The A1, infamous for its Mini-fighting projection, will be exactly that – the direct competitor to the Mini Cooper. The A1 is the direct production descendant of the Metroproject Concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. Expected engines for this luxury-level supermini include a 64 kW naturally aspirated 1,2-litre engine, two 1,4-litre units (a naturally-aspirated mill with 90 kW, and turbocharged powerplant with 126 kW), as well as 1,6-litre and 2,0-litre turbodiesel units.
Audi’s SUV line-up vehicles will gain also gain the Q3 Crossover by 2011, with Audi investing €300 million to ensure production capacity of up to 80 000 units annually at the Seat plant in Martorell, Spain.
“Following in-depth consideration of all relevant factors and an extensive international comparison of various sites, we selected Martorell. This decision enables Audi to continue its strategy of growth and internationalisation. We are counting on this Spanish site’s efficiency, the excellent quality of the Production department, and its highly trained staff. We will use the Group’s synergies to sharpen our competitive edge and help protect around 1 200 jobs,” explained Stadler.
It’s difficult to determine exactly where the Q3 fits in because Audi claims to have a “coupé-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV” on the cards, with a “sporty driving experience” – already taken care of by the Q5.
A notable addition to the Audi range will be the RS5, confirmed by . A senior source at Audi reportedly leaked details of the new car’s powerplant to UK, who confirmed that the RS5 will not feature forced induction, but a reworked version of the high-revving 4,2-litre V8 employed in the B7 RS4 that produces in excess of 330 kW and 450 N.m of torque.
The 2010 A8, A5 Sportback, and RS5 are likely to be launch within the year, while A1 and Q3 look set to hit European showrooms in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
