near production AUDI Q8 concept car premieres in detroit at NAIAS 2017

north american international auto show (NAIAS) 2017: at the NAIAS 2017 in detroit, AUDI is set to debut its ‘Q8’ concept which will unlock a new segment for the full size category. although seen as a study car that explores a totally new market, the ‘Q8’ offers a glimpse into what the production model would look like. in doing so, the creation fuses the emotional styling that is commonly seen on a coupé with the spaciousness offered by an SUV.

‘with the AUDI Q8 concept, we have created a new spearhead within our Q model line. its design strongly evokes sportiness and prestige,‘ declared AUDI head of design marc lichte. ‘what’s more, we believe an important aspect of this showcar is that it offers a spacious interior with four equally comfortable seats, even with the flat roof line.‘

front view of the concept car
all images courtesy of AUDI AG

at the front end of the AUDI ‘Q8’ concept, the study vehicle appears imposing with an octagonal singleframe that is considerably wider than those seen in the brand’s current production models. it is positioned well forward, with three-dimensional sculpting that accentuates lines running up the front and along the body. many styling elements of the car concept are reminiscent of the german manufacturer’s ‘ur-quattro’ of the 1980s. as part of this, they feature the extremely flat but very wide C-post, and the prominent, flared shoulders above the wheels. overall, with these balanced proportions, the ‘Q8’ displays an equal emphasis to the front and rear wheels, which is a typical notion for AUDI.