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The 2018 Audi SQ5 looks mean and switches to turbo power

Audi's huge Q8 wasn't the only crossover introduced by the German automaker at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Right alongside it came the 2018 SQ5, the brand's high-performance midsize crossover. This newest version ditches the previous generation's supercharger in favor of a turbo for its 3.0-liter V6. The powertrain is similar to the one used in the latest S4 and S5. Horsepower remains unchanged compared to the last SQ5 at 354, but torque sees a healthy increase to 369 pound-feet, and it's available anywhere from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. The car itself weighs about 77 pounds less, too. It's a combination that should make the SQ5 pretty entertaining off the line. Coupled to the turbo engine is an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Power delivery and handling can be enhanced with a Quattro sport rear differential that can shuffle power left and right to aid cornering. Audi says the torque vectoring system can send almost all rearward power to one wheel as necessary. The differential is available as part of the S sport package, which comes with other upgrades including air suspension. The suspension gives the crossover a lower ride height by default. Both height and firmness can be adjusted, and it offers an "offroad" position that raises the car for maximum ground clearance. Inside, the SQ5 comes with a sportier interior than its Q5 counterpart. It comes with prerequisites such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel and more-bolstered seats. Audi also provides a Bang & Olufsen sound system and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin experience can be further augmented with Audi's Virtual Cockpit LCD instrument panel, as well as driving assists such as a variable-ratio steering rack and adaptive cruise control that can handle stop-and-go traffic from 0 to 40 mph. Audi will begin selling the new 2018 SQ5 here in spring of 2017. Pricing for it and the Q5 has not yet been released. Related Video:

Upcoming Audi Q8 coupe-like crossover spied in the snow

At the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, Audi debuted the Q8 concept, a thinly veiled version of its upcoming coupe-like crossover that's set to compete with the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. We now have spy photos that give us our first look at the Q7-based production version, and through the camouflage we can see how telling Audi's Q8 concept really is. All of the major traits from the concept are present on the production model, including that massive, oversized grille and aggressive roofline. In fact, the entire front end appears to carry over from the Q8 concept, just toned down a few notches. The stainless steel accents on the air intakes are gone, and the headlights, though similar in shape, look more traditional than those on the concept. The small cutouts between the grille and the hood look to be gone as well. Around the side, we can see that the concept's sharply angled rear window and sloping roof have are present, mostly unmodified. The Q8's beltline doesn't appear quite as high as the concept's, but the windows look to be the same relative shape. The big creases above the wheel arches have been reduced slightly. Also, although the Q7 and Q8 will share a platform and therefore a wheelbase, the Q8 is slightly shorter overall. The smaller front and rear overhangs, combined with the tight roofline, give it a high-riding hatchback profile, similar to the Porsche Macan. The changes between the concept and production model are most evident around back. The bumper mounted exhaust pipes have been dropped, at least on this version. The upright vents on the outside of the tail lights have also been dropped. The camouflage around the rear is heavy, so it's difficult to to say how much of the body-width tail light carries over, though the light itself seems to shine through in the same shape. No word on when we'll see a production version, but expect to see the Q8 concept around for a few more shows. Look for more details on the engine, including whether or not the plug-in hybrid powertrain carries over from the concept, closer to the full reveal. Related Video:

How should Volkswagen deal with its diesel problems?

The hounds of hell are bearing down on Volkswagen in the wake of allegations of cheating on diesel emissions testing. In just a single day, Volkswagen's stock has dropped 23 percent and the German government has announced that it is going to investigate a far larger number of vehicles over emissions violations. The American storm is quickly becoming a global one. Volkswagen sells over a million diesel vehicles a year and also has more than 13 percent of the automotive market overall – it was the number one automaker in the world up until the scandal. Yet in a matter of hours, Volkswagen has also become a pariah with potential fines and recalls that may be dwarfed by how the alleged lies and deceit change how governments and consumers view the company. Consumers are really going to be the key to the company's survival. It's those consumers who are really going to be the key to the company's survival. Every single one of them now finds themselves with a product that was sold illegally and may not be registered until recall work is done. What's worse is that Volkswagen doesn't yet have a solution for the emissions issue to offer these customers. It should also be noted that this is not the first time Volkswagen has found itself in violation of EPA emission regulations. Volkswagen is in a world of trouble, so what now? As a car dealer and former financial analyst who took several companies public, I believe Volkswagen can and should consider three points of action that would make an enduring difference in the times to come. 1. Offer affected TDI owners a compelling reason to stay with the brand. Recall work and a cup of coffee at the dealership are not going to be enough to placate current owners. Volkswagen should provide compensation for customers at the earliest opportunity and offer some type of inducement that keeps them within the fold. This shouldn't be the industry's version of a Chuck E. Cheese coupon - a small discount on a new vehicle. Volkswagen needs to offer something along the lines of a strong warranty extension of the entire powertrain (not just the emissions system) or some type of valuable feature upgrade for these vehicles so that owners feel that they have been treated fairly. Perhaps a combination of a brand new navigation system, software upgrades for the infotainment components, or some type of basic free WiFi service would be a healthy act of generosity.