Audi Confirms SQ2, New A1 And Other Models At Summit

During their annual press conference, Audi confirmed a host of new vehicles that will arrive later this year and in 2019.

Among them is the highly anticipated e-Tron GT, a proper Tesla Model S rival, as well as the range-topping member of the Q2 family, the SQ2.

Prototypes of what was believed to be the Audi SQ2 have been spotted testing since mid-2016, but the performance crossover is almost ready for its big debut.

The automaker hasn’t announced when it will be unveiled or what will power it, but we could be looking at the same engine as the S3. The turbocharged 2.0-liter lump delivers 310 horses to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the S3.

In addition to the potent mill, the 2019 Audi SQ2 will also benefit from a host of visual updates. It will get different suspension tweaks too, along with other work carried beneath the body.

Audi is also replacing the A1 Sportback, which is being produced in Belgium pretty much unchanged since 2010, with a new generation. The supermini likely uses the same platform as the latest Volkswagen Polo, and will be followed by a hot S1 version.

For the Chinese market, Audi will offer long wheelbase versions of the Q2 and Q5. Referred to as ‘urban’ variants, these will be offered exclusively in the People’s Republic.

Among the 20 models that will be launched in 2018 and 2019 is the plug-in hybrid version of the new A8. The flagship saloon will also get a 12-cylinder model, but nothing else is known about it at this point.

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20 models in just one year! Which models will #Audi bring to market in 2018? #AnnualPressConference #etron #FutureMobility pic.twitter.com/YHaBdlE3VH

— AUDI AG (@Audi_Press) March 15, 2018