Detroit show: Audi to debut sporty crossover

AUDI has confirmed it will debut a two-door crossover concept at the Detroit motor show in January that could preview the styling direction for its next-generation Q-series SUV range.

Describing the unnamed concept as a sporty crossover, Audi said in a statement that the show car is a “systematic development” of its design language, combining styling elements from its future models in a Shooting Brake body-style.

The Ingolstadt-based car-maker says the 4.2-metre long concept features high ground clearance, and the sketches released today hint at a low-slung, chunky SUV design with an aggressive stance.

The sketches also reveal a new twin-T headlight design that is reminiscent of Volvo’s single-T design showcased on the stunning Concept Coupe at this year’s Frankfurt motor show.

At the front, the slatted grille is almost identical to that of the A3 e-tron, while chunky Audi Allroad-esque wheel guards protecting 19-inch wheels hint at some off-road ability.

A pronounced line runs along the length of a body and the sketch reveals short overhangs and a low roofline for a compact sporty look.

It is unclear whether the concept will preview a specific model or if it is simply a design study, but it could point to the Q1 sub-compact soft-roader that was confirmed for production by Audi earlier this week.

The Q1 will be based on the Audi A1/Volkswagen Polo and will sit below the Q3 SUV in Audi’s line-up when it eventually launches in the next three years.

The German car-maker released a teaser sketch of the Q1 earlier this week, showing a pumped-up design with pronounced wheel arches, a fastback coupe-like roofline and what appears to be a new grille design for the brand.

Audi is also busy testing near-production ready versions of its next-generation Q7 SUV that is due in 2015, with heavily camouflaged vehicles spotted undergoing hot weather testing in Spain last month.

Audi has previously announced plans to expand its model line-up from the 46 models it currently offers to 60 by 2020, and boost its global sales to more than two million units in the same period.