The next couple of years are going to be very exciting for Audi fans, as the Ingolstadt-based automaker is set to launch a great number of new models and derivatives.
During the Audi Summit in March, the automaker announced that no fewer than 20 vehicles will be launched within the span of 12 months, including long-wheelbase versions of the Q2 and Q5, aimed at the People’s Republic. Otherwise, the cars will be either all-new, updated or featuring electrified power units.
Since Audi wasn’t generous enough to provide media members with a full roadmap, we’ve gone ahead and put together everything we know about their upcoming models, confirmed or rumored to see the light of day in either 2018 or 2019.
Coming In 2018
2019 Audi A4 Facelift
Even though Audi already unveiled their updated A4 a couple of weeks ago, the cars won’t end up in showrooms around the globe until later this year. In fact, pre-sales for the 2019 Audi A4 are scheduled to commence in Q3 of 2018, as future customers can begin choosing between the 4-door saloon or the Avant version.
Compared to the current model, the facelifted A4 boasts a new front bumper, new grille (on S Line models), trapezoidal exhausts, a more aggressive rear spoiler on the Avant and a new Turbo Blue paint finish.
This one has been long overdue, which is why Audi is expected to drop multiple derivatives of the updated TT all at once. This means that TTS (pictured here) and TT-RS versions should be unveiled before the end of this year – in time for an early 2019 market launch.
None of these versions will look remarkably different compared to older models, however, leaked images and prototypes show more pronounced side skirts, a larger rear wing for the TT-RS and new taillight graphics. Inside, the TT will offer users a more up-to-date infotainment system.
If Audi will indeed pull the plug on the R8 in 2020 (let’s hope not), then this facelifted version might actually be the very last iteration of Ingolstadt’s mid-engine supercar.
Regardless, expect to see a wider front grille, more pronounced air intakes, a redesigned rear fascia, updated cockpit and a new GT flagship version with possibly as much as 670 horsepower on tap. Reports have it that the facelifted R8 range, including the GT, will be unveiled before the end of this year, with a market launch set for 2019.
Audi might just bring the all-new S7 to this year’s Paris Auto Show in October, although nothing has been made official just yet. Still, seen as how S7 prototypes have been on the road ever since last summer, it’s unlikely that we’ll have to wait until next year to see the car sans camouflage.
Power for the S7 is rumored to come via the Porsche Panamera 4S’ twin turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, giving the 2019 S7 at least 450 HP. However, a bi-turbo V8 with around 500 HP could also be the engine of choice.
Despite the latest-generation Audi A8 having been around since last year, the German automaker has taken its time fine tuning the S8 version on the Nurburgring.
Under the hood, we’re likely to see a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 borrowed from the Panamera Turbo, but with 530 HP instead of the 550 produced for the Porsche. Could the S8 join the S7 in Paris this year? We don’t see why not.
The SQ2 is one of the few models Audi has actually confirmed for this year. We know that it will debut this fall and that it will feature an upgraded braking system with S-branded calipers, four tailpipes and a few subtle exterior revisions.
Power could come from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot, which in the current S3 Sportback, produces 305 HP (310 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
A slightly faster version of the brand new Audi Q8 is expected to be unveiled this December. According to Autocar, the SQ8 could get a petrol as well as a diesel power unit, although the latter is unlikely to make it in the United States.
The petrol is rumored to be a 500 HP mild-hybrid V6, whereas the diesel should have a 4.0-liter displacement, eight cylinders and 429 HP (435 PS) to go with 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque – that is, if the SQ7 is anything to go by.
The all-new Audi Q3 is yet another model that’s been confirmed for 2018, boasting a brand new design language that’s meant to bring it closer to its larger Q-named siblings.
The BMW X1 rival will feature a large trapezoidal grille, sharp angular headlights, more sculpted flanks and an overall more mature aesthetic that should help us forget all about the quirkiness of the current model.
Despite Audi announcing that the E-Tron’s August 30th reveal date has been pushed back, we’ll still get to see what the car really looks like before the end of this calendar year. Besides, thousands of deposits have already been registered.
The all-electric SUV is said to offer a total driving range of 248 miles (400 km), aided by a pair of electric motors and a 95 kWh battery back. While power figures have been kept under wraps, we expect somewhere in the vicinity of 400 horses.
Coming in 2019
2020 Audi S1
A hotter version of Audi’s latest A1 model is said to arrive towards the end of next year, powered by an upgraded 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine, producing around 250 HP, according to Autocar.
Power will be sent to all four wheels thanks to the automaker’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, enabling the 2019 Audi S1 to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5.8 seconds, which is what the old S1 could muster.
Note: Audi A1 pictured
All-New 2020 Audi A3
Mind you, this is only a rumor, but word has it that an all-new generation of the Audi A3 will be unveiled next year in Sportback form, with the 4-door A3 Sedan to follow in 2020.
If this turns out to be true, then this might actually be Audi’s biggest reveal of the year, at least from a sales numbers standpoint. Either way, it seems that the 3-door version will be dropped from the line-up.
Note: 2017 Audi A3 pictured
While this prototype looks very similar to other camouflaged Q3 models, the reason why we suspect this is the RS Q3 is because according to our spy photographers, it was seen testing next to an RS3 and both cars sounded identical. Our sharp shooters also mentioned how the crossover seemed to have carbon ceramic disks with six-piston calipers up front.
Between the two, it’s the SQ3 that’s expected to arrive first, sometime next year, with the more powerful RS version to follow a little bit later on. Speaking of power, it the RS Q3 could have as much as 394 HP (400 PS) sourced from the RS3’s power unit, whereas the SQ3 might pack a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot with 305 HP (310 PS), just like the SQ2.
2020 Audi Q4
Audi has gone on record saying that a new Q4 crossover will be launched in 2019, looking a little bit like the TT Offroad Concept unveiled in Beijing back in 2014.
As you’ve probably guessed, the Q4 will be a direct rival for the likes of the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which means that the final product should be considerably larger than the concept on which it was based.
Note: Audi TT Offroad Concept pictured
Whether or not Audi does launch the all-new S7 in Paris this year, the more hardcore RS7 version isn’t expected until sometime next year, when it should hit worldwide markets as a 2020 model.
Initially, it was thought that power would come either via a twin-turbo V8 with around 650 HP, or through the plug-in hybrid unit from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Now however, reports have surfaced of Audi head of design, Marc Lichte, confirming that the next-generation RS7 Sportback will get both power units.
The flagship PHEV version could produce as much as 700 HP thanks to a potent electric motor.
A test mule for the all-new RS6 has been spotted rocking what looks like a production-ready bumper, as well as improvised wheel arch extensions and oval exhaust tips.
At this point it’s safe to say that whatever power unit ends up in the RS7, will trickle down to the new RS6 too.
Audi is unlikely to wait more than a year to unveil the RS Q8, following the SQ8’s reported debut this December.
What’s testing our patience though is waiting to find out whether the RS Q8 will get the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 unit as the Lamborghini Urus (but with around 600 HP), or actually gain the hybrid power train from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. If it’s the latter, than the RS Q8 will instantly become the most powerful crossover in the VW Group’s stable.
Coming either 2018 or 2019
2019 Audi S6
Odds are, the all-new Audi S6 will indeed be launched sometime next year, however, since a late 2018 debut is still possible, we just can’t slot it in as a surefire 2019 debut.
What we can tell you is that rumors point to the S6 getting the Panamera Turbo’s 4.0-liter turbocharged V8, although downgraded from 542 HP (550 PS) to 493 HP (500 PS). Still, we can’t rule out the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 from the RS4 and RS5, but if we had to choose, it would definitely be the Porsche unit.
We would also be surprised if the all-new A6 Allroad debuts before we turn the corner into 2019, but we can’t entirely ignore the possibility, which is why we’re not slotting it together with the rest of next year’s debuts.
Last month, we saw a well-camouflaged prototype wearing plastic fender flares, new side skirts and a modified rear bumper to go with what seemed like a few extra cm in ride height. Also, unless Audi is trying to play us, the next A6 Allroad will boast a unique grille with six vertical strips, offering it a more rugged appearance.