Audi crossover concept official sketches

Within a few days of confirming the Audi Q1 for production in 2016, Audi has released first official sketches of yet another new model – this time it’s a sporty three-door crossover concept, set to debut at the Detroit motor show in January.

The unnamed concept measures in at 4.2m long, just a few mm shorter than the A3, and identical to the 2012 Crosslane Coupe concept that previewed the Q1. But whereas the Crosslane Coupe hinted at the future design direction for Audi’s range of Q-badged SUVs, this (as yet unnamed) concept is believed to point towards the styling of Audi’s regular road car line-up – models like the new TT, due in 2014, and the new A4, due in early 2015.

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An inside source revealed that this new concept won’t wear a Q badge, and if you compare the front end to the Q1 sketch released earlier this week, the differences are clear. Whereas the Q1 sports a more three-dimensional grille, these sketches show a simpler chrome-framed grille, with neat rectangular lights either side.

In its press release, Audi refers to the concept as “a crossover with a distinctly sporting slant – a car for all roads and tracks, for everyday driving and recreational use.” Audi also refers to its “allroad” design more than once, suggesting this is more of a jacked-up hatchback than a full-blown SUV.

An e-tron badge on the flanks hints that there’s a plug-in hybrid powertrain under the skin, although there are no official details on the powertrain just yet, while quattro badging on the lower lip of the front grille confirms a four-wheel drive transmission.

We’ll be able to bring you more details on Audi’s latest show car when it debuts at the Detroit show, including it’s name, what’s under the bonnet and exactly what it means for Audi’s production model plan.