Audi is presenting six new models at the Geneva Motor Show 2017. Making their world premieres are the Q8 sport concept, which is powered by a 3.0 TFSI V6 engine with a mild hybrid system, along with the new RS5 Coupe and its DTM cousin, as well as the RS3 Sportback, SQ5 TFSI and A5 Sportback g-tron.
Q8 sport concept
The athletic SUV features a 3.0 TFSI six-cylinder engine combined with a mild hybrid system with an electric powered compressor. The result is a total system output of 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque that enables the Q8 sport concept to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 275 km/h.
Despite the performance, Audi says the concept has a cruising range of over 1,200 km, making it ideally suited for long-distance driving.
Compared to the Q8 concept that was presented in Detroit, the wheel arches of the Q8 sport concept are 12 mm wider. A long roof edge spoiler, aluminum diffuser and oval tailpipes round off the concept’s brawny look.
Inside, the Q8 sport concept benefits from fancy materials as well as large touchscreens, Audi’s virtual cockpit and a contact analog head-up display that uses intelligent augmented reality technology that merges the real and virtual worlds.
RS5 Coupe
Powering the RS5 Coupe – said to be the Gran Turismo of the RS models – is a completely redeveloped 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo engine that generates 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque, which is an increase of 170 Nm. Equipped with an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Inspired by the 90 quattro IMSA GTO, the RS5 Coupe has large air inlets up front, bulging wheel arches which have been widened by 15 mm, a fixed spoiler lip as well as a rear diffuser with oval tailpipes.
In the interior, the RS5’s sporty character is underscored by RS sport seats, the flat-bottomed sport leather steering wheel, a special RS display in the virtual cockpit and of course, RS logos. Features like head-up display, matrix LED headlights and many driver assistance systems ensure greater safety, comfort and efficiency.
RS5 DTM
Presented simultaneously with its production sibling, the third generation RS5 DTM boasts an output of over 500 hp, which is provided by a 4.0-litre V8 mill.
Not much is revealed, except that the automaker has improved the precise fit of the parts and the aerodynamic performance of the DTM machine. It will also be using softer tyres from Hankook to improve lap times.
RS3 Sportback
Positioned below the RS5, the RS3 Sportback features a new 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine that churns out 400 hp and 480 Nm, propelling the sportback from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.1 seconds.
The car comes with Comfort, Auto and Dynamic driving modes, which adjust the quattro all-wheel-drive system, steering, transmission, engine management, exhaust flaps and suspension. Handling is perfected through the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) with wheel-selective torque control and the sport mode specially tuned for the RS.
Its tremendous capability is highlighted by the typical RS look that includes a Singleframe grille with the quattro logo, big air inlets, a roof-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and oval tailpipes.
SQ5 TFSI
Having made its debut at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, the SQ5 TFSI sits on the Q5 throne with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that generates 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque at just 1,370 rpm.
With an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. For even better response, the optional sport differential that actively distributes torque between the rear wheels, and the dynamic steering with variable ratios are always available for order.
Along with these two components, the dynamic handling system Audi drive select also exerts its effects on the engine, tiptronic and standard damper control. It allows drivers to adjust the characteristics of the vehicle in multiple modes. Optional air suspension allow the height of the suspension to be adjusted to the specific driving situation.
A5 Sportback g-tron
After the A3 Sportback g-tron and the A4 Avant g-tron, the A5 Sportback g-tron is the brand’s third model that can run on natural gas. It is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine with 170 hp and 270 Nm of torque. The tank module consists of four light yet remarkably strong tanks with a total capacity of 19 kg, allowing for a range of over 500 kilometers when running solely on CNG (compressed natural gas).
With its 25-litre petrol tank, the overall range is increased by up to 950 kilometers. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the A5 Sportback g-tron with S tronic transmission uses just 3.8 kg of CNG per 100 km, which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 100 g per km.
