Audi Crosslane Coupe signals shift to greater design differentiation

Beyond its lightweight 'Multi-material Spaceframe' construction and its ultra-frugal plug-in hybrid drivetrain (consisting of a 1.5-litre TFSI three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and two lithium-ion electric motors), the Crosslane Coupe was all about visuals. It defines a new design line for Audi.

Perhaps in response to criticism that many of its models look too similar, the next-generation of Audis will feature “special characteristics for each model line [Q, A, R], and also in aspects of the interior, like the steering wheel [in the Crosslane]”, according to Audi’s general manager of chassis development, Dr Horst Glaser.

As previewed by the Crosslane, the next generation of Q-line cars (such as the new Q7 and the rumoured Q1/Q2 baby SUV) will be more angular in design and more powerful in their visual presence. This is in contrast to today’s fluid curves and less imposing design.

Neither Glaser or Audi’s head of technology and product communications, Cristian Bangemann, would elaborate on what the first new-generation Q-line Audi is likely to be.

But given Audi’s enthusiasm for the Crosslane coupe and its many clever design features, a production version of the Crosslane coupe SUV can’t be ruled out. After all, if BMW can sell the X6…