Audi reveals new Q8 Sport Concept 07 | 03 | 2017
AUDI HAS UNVEILED a more powerful, sportier version of its Q8 petrol-electric hybrid concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The new model previews a high-performance variant of its upcoming flagship SUV, the Q8, which is set to go head-to-head with the Range Rover. The Q8 will enter Scottish showrooms next year.
Badged the Q8 Sport Concept, the model revealed in Geneva gets a more potent hybrid powertrain than the first concept — which was showcased as a plug-in hybrid e-tron — shown earlier this year in Detroit. It also gets a racier, more aerodynamic bodykit which points towards the possibility of an SQ8.
Powered by a 444bhp 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder engine developing 700Nm of torque, it’s mated to a more powerful 20kW electric motor plus an electronic compressor to reduce turbo lag. The combined power output rises to 470bhp and Audi claims this car is capable of hitting 62mph from standstill in 4.7 seconds and will carry on to a top speed of 171mph.
According to Audi it will have an overall range of up to 746 miles, in combination with an 85-litre fuel tank and 0.9kWh lithium ion battery pack.
The updated, more powerful model is identified by its new black honeycomb octagonal grille at the front. This is flanked by larger air intakes, while a new body coloured blade pokes out from underneath the front bumper.
Pop round to the car of the car and there’s an aluminium and carbon-fibre diffuser, alongside two large oval shaped exhaust tips.
The new Q8 will sit above the Audi Q7. Measuring five metres long with a wheelbase of three metres, it shares a similar footprint to the current Q7. The Q8 though is 40mm lower.
Worth highlighting that due to the concept’s sloping roofline and tapered rear end, it only has four seats. But we should expect the production version to be available with a five-seat layout.
“The drive system of the Audi Q8 sport concept is a major step towards optimising efficiency and sustainability in large-volume series production,” Audi chairman, Rupert Stadler, said.
“The combination of mild hybrid technology and a TFSI engine sets a new benchmark for the synthesis of electromobility and combustion engines. In the future, this combination will be used in many Audi models.”
Related: Audi unveils 2017 RS3 hatchback
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Jim McGill