Audi Q8 Sport Concept previewed the brand’s next crossover, and even though it
hasn’t reached the production line, it seems work is already being done on a
performance-oriented version.
AutoGuide recently discovered that the carmaker has
filed a trademark for the name ‘SQ8’ in both Europe and Canada, suggesting that
soon after the standard Q8 arrives, this faster and more powerful version will
reach dealerships. At this early stage though, it is impossible to say what
powertrain the SQ8 may have.
Audi’s initial Q8 Concept from Detroit had a
3.0-liter turbocharged V6, joined by an electric motor making for a total of
442 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. At Geneva, the Q8 Sport Concept bumped that
horsepower figure up to 469 hp.
The SQ8
may debut with similar power figures to the Q8 Sport Concept, allowing Audi to
offer less powerful and cheaper alternatives throughout the rest of the Q8
range. So unless an RS Q8 sees the light of day, it's hard to imagine the
company offering a Q8 variant with over 500 hp.
