Audi has frequently made high-profile introductions in Detroit, and this year’s North American International Auto Show will be no different. Audi announced its plans to unveil a compact crossover coupe concept at the show next month.
All-wheel drive coupes are nothing new to Audi, and the concept will blend Audi’s allroad AWD model with the “shooting brake” two-door wagon concept. An artist’s rendering released as a teaser shows Audi’s massive grille and crisp side lines providing a familiar look, as well as lower-body cladding and massive wheels similar to the allroad wagons already in Audi’s lineup.
The as-yet unnamed concept could be a compact improvement upon the impressive Sport quattro concept shown in Frankfurt this year. There’s also a good chance that the concept will predict the compact Q1, which is expected to be going into production in 2016 and will most likely do battle with the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. As an entry-level model in Audi’s Q-series line of crossover vehicles, the Q1 is rumored to be a possible recipient of a hybrid-electric engine as well. Concept drawing of the Q1 have featured Audi’s “e-tron” nomenclature which is usually reserved for its electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.
Although many of Audi’s more compact offerings have not made it to North America, a Detroit introduction for the car could mean that the compact crossover Q1 will be ultimately bound for our shores as well.
