Motoring News
Today, 06 May 2014New Audi Q8 to lead upmarket SUV push
Audi's new Q8 will go on sale in 2017, priced between £50-90k, and is just one of seven new large SUVs planned by VW Group
Audi has approved plans to launch a new range-topping crossover SUV to challenge the likes of the BMW X6, Range Rover Sport and upcoming Mercedes-Benz MLC, company chief Rupert Stadler has revealed. The new model, set to be called Q8, has been granted official production approval and is progressing through a development programme that aims to have it on sale within the next three years. Speaking at the recent Beijing motor show, Stadler revealed that the upmarket crossover forms a crucial part of Audi’s growth strategy that will see it extend its line-up by no fewer than 11 new models by 2020. Five of those models have been identified as additional SUVs in the form of the Q1, Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8.This will push Audi’s range to a 60-strong model line-up, with the company predicting that 40 per cent of its annual sales - around 800,000 units - will come from SUVs. Stadler admitted
read moreVolkswagen plans new SUV offensive
Next-gen version of the Porsche Cayenne and new Audi Q8 to lead SUV push by VW Group, alongside other large models from Lamborghini and Bentley
The upcoming Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne coupé are just two of the seven uniquely styled SUVs from five different brands that the Volkswagen Group is planning to spin off the new MLB platform Audi is engineering.While the new Q8 will lead a model push from within Audi which will see the production of 11 new cars by 2020, the Cayenne will spearhead a similar attack for Porsche by expanding its current lineup.While the new Audi A7 will be the first model seen from the new assault when it goes on sale later this year, there are six others also in the pipeline.Audi Q7 - 2014Chief among the changes for the Q7 will be the shedding of more than 300kg thanks to the lighter MLB platform. The result will be improved agility and economy. A plug-in hybrid variant will be offered. Expect a less aggressive look, too. Porsche Cayenne - 2017The third-generation Cayenne is in development, even though a
read moreElectric car sales remain off the grid
Fiscal incentives in countries such as the UK are failing to encourage take-up of the cars, says a report by independent research group ICCT
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