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Audi's Q8 Sport concept packs an electric supercharger

Audi's Q8 Sport concept doesn't wear S or RS badges, but it does have impressive performance that would qualify it for one of those monikers. Beneath the tangerine skin, Audi says there is a hybrid V6 displacing 3.0 liters, which isn't particularly interesting, but the forced induction system is. Rather than a conventional turbo or belt-driven supercharger, the V6 uses an electrically-powered supercharger. Audi doesn't provide any details on what kind of compressor it is, but it says the total output of the engine and motor combo is 476 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This is apparently good for a 4.7-second sprint to 62 mph. This also isn't the first time Audi has implemented an electric supercharger, having used it before on the SQ7 TDI. That orange shell also has updates to show that this Q8 Sport is the fast one. Most of the brushed aluminum trim of the normal Q8 concept has been swapped for gloss black versions. The regular Q8's grille with its chrome vertical bars is also gone in favor of a black honeycomb piece. The fenders have all been stretched by half an inch, and the exhaust tips are now large ovals that protrude from the rear bumper. Audi still hasn't said anything about when a production Q8 will reach the market. However, there's clearly one coming soon, as we've spotted prototypes running around that look similar to the concepts. Related Video:

Adventures in lazy badge engineering | Autoblog Podcast #505

On this week's podcast, Mike Austin joins David Gluckman to look back at some of the less labor-intensive badge engineering the industry has seen over the years. They also recap what they've all been driving lately, and the episode wraps up with Spend My Money buying advice to help you, our dear listeners. Also, in honor of episode 505, here is a picture of a Peugeot 505. The rundown is below. Remember, if you have a car-related question you'd like us to answer or you want buying advice of your very own, send a message or a voice memo to podcast at autoblog dot com. (If you record audio of a question with your phone and get it to us, you could hear your very own voice on the podcast. Neat, right?) And if you have other questions or comments, please send those too. Autoblog Podcast #505 The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. Topics and stories we mention Kia Sportage Kia Niro Volkswagen Golf Audi A4 Used cars! Rundown Intro - 00:00 What we're driving - 01:31 Badge-engineering fun - 20:54 Spend My Money - 33:41 Total Duration: 1:07:57 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Feedback Email – Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show on iTunes Podcasts Audi Kia Volkswagen Crossover Hatchback SUV Wagon Sedan kia sportage kia niro

Audi Prologue concept goes for A9, we give it a ten

If you've been waiting for Audi to roll out a new design language, you need wait no longer as Ingolstadt is displaying just that at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year with the Prologue concept you see here.
Penned by Audi's new design chief Marc Lichte, the Prologue is earmarked to introduce a shift (if not quite a complete change) in design direction for the German automaker. The trapezoidal grille sits wider and lower than on existing models, with the wedge-shaped laser headlights positioned higher above new air intakes with blade elements. The profile rests balanced across its wheelbase to visually emphasize the all-wheel drive that is part of Audi's DNA, with flared arches inspired by the legendary Ur-Quattro. The rear section is inspired by yachts, angled forward to suggest motion, with a narrow strip of LED taillights, full-width diffuser element and twin trapezoidal exhaust tips.
Inside it's all light and surgically clean, with a horizontal dashboard integrating four touchscreen displays running its full width. The system even allows the passenger to select the route for the navigation system and swipe it on over to the driver's display. The headrests on the rear seats and the "sound spoiler" on the rear shelf deploy only when needed, unobstructing the rear view when not.