Hey, Look! It's the 2019 Audi SQ8
The 2019 Audi SQ8 has been photographed without camouflage, essentially revealing the new performance crossover well ahead of its debut.
The 2019 SQ8 is expected to feature Volkswagen Group.s 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine. The Q8 Concept featured a hybrid powertrain consisting of the 3.0-liter engine and a plug-in hybrid system that was good for 442 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. We could see a similar setup appear in the SQ8, with the regular Q8 featuring the same V6 and a 48V mild hybrid system. Audi’s 444 hp 2.9-liter V6 could also be employed, but we’d be surprised. An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and all-wheel drive will almost certainly be on the cards.
Other sport-inspired equipment on the SQ8 may include a performance-tuned version of the air suspension system and retuned steering. The regular Q8 is also offered with all-wheel steering and we’re expecting the system to be standard on the high-end SQ8.
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As this prototype shows, a different rear fascia with four black exhaust tips will appear on the SQ8, along with large 22-inch alloy wheels. The interior should get a mass of sporty equipment as well, like a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel, bolstered sport seats and performance pages for the Virtual Cockpit driver’s display.
The 2019 Audi Q8 won’t arrive in the US until early next year, so we’re not expecting the sportier SQ8 to arrive until at least mid-2019.
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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Looks like the front of a helmet.