Frankfurt show: Audi sketches stunning sports concept

AUDI has released sketches of a stunning new Quattro sports coupe concept that will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

No official details accompanied the sketches posted on Audi’s social media outlets overnight, but the vehicle could preview a new limited-edition flagship model for the German luxury brand that will sit above the recently launched $408,200 404kW V10 Plus R8 coupe.

As the pictures show, this new concept is a more aggressive piece of work than the Quattro Concept presented at the Paris motor show three years ago, which was a lightweight short-wheelbase two-seater based on RS5 and packing a 300kW punch with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

The latest Quattro concept is almost certain to be based on the same ‘MLB’ platform underpinning the A5 and a variety of other Audi passenger cars (the R8 not included), although it looks to have a longer wheelbase than the 2010 concept and is certain to up the ante in all key areas such as powertrain, technology and lightweight materials.

The main thrust in the powertrain department could come from Audi’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine – as seen in the $225,000 412kW/700Nm RS6 Avant launched in Australia late last month – with some reports suggesting that electrification might also be involved.

The 2010 Quattro Concept celebrated the 30th anniversary of the car-maker’s quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system and channelled the spirit of the 1984 Sport Quattro that dominated rally car racing in that era.

This new concept will have a similar role, and follows on from a massive ‘Land of quattro’ marketing campaign launched in Europe last year – with a similar version now underway in Australia – designed to emphasise Audi’s quattro heritage and expertise as its rivals increasingly turn to all-wheel drive.