Audi Reveals the Audi Q8 Concept In Detroit
Audi describes the vehicle in question as: dynamic, highly efficient and extremely comfortable. This is the new Audi Q8 concept. Revealed at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, this is probably one of the most appealing vehicles to hit the world’s automotive scene in the last few years. And no, not just in the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) product range.
With the Audi Q8, the premium manufacturer is tapping into a completely new segment for the full-size class – an elegant alternative to the robust presence of a classic sport utility vehicle; a fuel-efficient, performance oriented, luxury vehicle.
The Q8 concept stands for maximum prestige. It combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the emotional lines of a coupe. The vehicle is powered by a highly efficient plug-in hybrid with 330 kW of system output and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque. The concept car will serve as the basis for a production model that Audi will launch on the market in 2018.
Furthermore, the Audi Q8 stands at 5.02 meters (16.5 ft) long. The sheer presence of the vehicle is impressive. Even in the full-size class of vehicles. Thanks to a wheelbase of three meters (9.8 ft), the concept offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, together with impressive comfort levels and luxury. Despite the sloping, coupe-like roofline, even the rear-seat passengers enjoy ample head and shoulder room.
The control concept uses large touchscreens in the cockpit and is rounded out by an expanded version of the Audi virtual cockpit and a contact-analogue head-up display. The latter uses intelligent augmented reality technology that merges the real and the virtual worlds.
“The Q8 concept is an Audi in peak form. It demonstrates the strengths of our brand in both technology and design while providing a glimpse at a future full-size, production SUV,” said Dietmar Voggenreiter, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “With its next-generation display and control solutions, we are enabling customers to experience connectivity in a whole new way.”
While this Audi Q8 is still a concept, it utilizes production technologies for the drive system and suspension. The power source is a plug-in hybrid combination, yielding impressive performance and low fuel consumption, producing low Co2 emissions. The combustion engine is a 3.0 TFSI producing 245 kW (333 hp) and a maximum of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque.
The electric motor generates 100 kW of power and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft). Together with a decoupler, it is integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic. The complete system produces 330 kW and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque. The Audi Q8 concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
The lithium-ion battery located in the rear consists of 104 prismatic cells. With a capacity of 17.9 kWh, it enables an electric range of 60 kilometers (37.3 mi), and the total range with the TFSI engine is up to 1,000 kilometers (621.4 mi). A full charge with 7.2 kW output takes about two and a half hours. According to the standard applicable for plug-in hybrids, it consumes just 2.3 liters of fuel (102.3 US mpg) per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) in the NEDC, corresponding to 53 grams CO2 per km (85.3 g/mi).
With the contemporary design and all the goodies you would expect from a full-size Audi model, this vehicle will definitely be a high-seller for the German auto maker when it arrives. The Quattro all-wheel drive system paired with the powerful and highly-efficient hybrid powerplant that combines two great power delivery systems, to produce an impressive driving capability overall.
Please take a look at the full details of this concept in the high-quality media gallery filled with wallpapers, right below.
