Friday, July 20, 2012

Future Car: 2016 Audi Q2


What It Is: When it makes its debut in another three years, it will be Audi's smallest crossover, and one of the smallest models of this type on the market. In Audi's nomenclature of Q models, those with even numbers hint at a coupe-like appearance. The Q2 will be based on the A1 platform; it will be the junior member of a full lineup of Q “coupes,” which includes the A3/Q3-based Q4, the Q5-based Q6, and likely even a Q8 derived from the Q7.

Why It Matters: The crossover segment is strong and still growing; markets gobble up the pseudo off-roaders at an astonishing rate. Scaling a crossover to the A1's platform will help Audi to meet future, more-stringent consumption and emissions targets. A vehicle such as the Q2 seems right for today's congested cities, if one must have the SUV look.

Platform: The Q2 will ride on the Volkswagen Group's A0 platform, which it shares with the VW Polo, Škoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza, and, of course, the Audi A1. The platform is being modified to accommodate all-wheel drive; the Q2 will benefit from this option, but front-wheel drive will be standard. The Q2 was initially conceived as a three-door hatch with a five-door version (as rendered above) also on the table.

Powertrains: The A0 platform can be fitted with a large variety of engines, including a 1.2-liter TSI, a 1.4-liter TSI with optional cylinder deactivation, and a powerful 2.0-liter TSI. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo is a mostly theoretical option, as it would require deep structural changes to the vehicle's front end. Of course, there also is the VW Group's lineup of diesel engines, with the 1.6 TDI and the 2.0 TDI being the volume units. Power will be fed to the wheels through five- or six-speed manuals and six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions. Performance probably will hit a ceiling with a 225-hp, high-power SQ2 derivative, in order to leave room for an upcoming SQ4.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

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