The 2017 show of the North American International Auto Show, also known as NAIAS, is currently underway — and Audi arrived ready to play.
Hitting the scene with a trio of impressive concepts and model upgrades, there’s very little doubt about Audi’s future as one of the top automotive manufacturers.
Here’s What We Learned About Audi at the 2017 NAIAS
The Audi Q8 Concept
This unique concept car provides the spacious interior of a full-size SUV with the athletic elegance of a coupe. Audi’s Head of Design Marc Lichte states that, “…[the] design strongly evokes sportiness and prestige.” The goal?
To uncover a new segment of the full-size SUV category.
While the front-end is distinct to the Q8, some homage is paid to the 1980’s Ur-quattro. Featuring a wider octagonal Singleframe grille, a flat but wide C-post, and prominent flared shoulders, the Q8 is set to be a well-balanced, trendsetting SUV.
Other notable features include an improved Audi virtual cockpit and a plug-in hybrid model.
Audi plans to have a production model ready for market by 2018, so stay tuned.
The Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet
Already available in a Coupe and Sportback, Audi revealed the A5 and S5 will now be offered in a Cabriolet body style.
Mirroring the sporty lines of the Coupe, the Cabriolet appears sleek, athletic, and powerful. The Cabriolet models feature a flatter rear window, short overhangs, and long wraparound hood with a power dome.
Easily open and close the soft top automatically with a quick pull of the switch, even at speeds of up to 31.1 MPH. In addition, the Cabriolet offers the latest driver assistance features and performance technology. A variety of engines are also available, including:
- 2.0L TDI ; 190 Horsepower
- 2.0L TFSI ; 190 Horsepower
- 3.0L TFSI ; 354 Horsepower
The Audi SQ5 TFSI
Boasting a V6 engine and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, the SQ5 TFSI is a powerful addition to the Q5 model line.
The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers an impressive 354 horsepower and 368.8 lb.-ft. of torque and can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 5.4 seconds. Add the optional sport differential and dynamic steering with variable ratios for an even more dynamic drive.
Alcantara leather S sport seats, LED headlights, 20-inch cast aluminum wheels with a 5-double-spoke star design, and various other packages set this new model apart from the rest.
Important note: Unfortunately the A5/S5 Cabriolet and SQ5 TFSI will not yet be available in the United States, but we’ll certainly keep you posted with updates as we learn them.
If you have questions about any of the updates listed above, feel free to contact the experts at Jack Daniels Audi of Upper Saddle River in New Jersey.