We’ve written before about Audi’s plans to introduce nearly a dozen new models by 2020. While the introduction of the A3 this year moved Audi closer to its goal, 11 models in six years is a lot, so we wouldn’t have been surprised if the automaker had discreetly published a news release this week that said plans for the expansion have been scrapped.
Instead, Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler reaffirmed the company’s Amercian Ninja Warrior-esque challenge by saying that the 50 cars currently available would indeed increase to 60 in just six years. This renewal of vow comes interestingly on the heels of Volkswagen (which owns Audi) CEO Martin Winterkorn saying this week that Volkswagen Group’s 301 collective models needs to shrink, and that certain models would be cut.
It seems that Audi, as a luxury carmaker which enjoys higher profit margins, will retain the right to expand, and more mainstream brands like Volkswagen will have to cut a new notch into their belts. Implied social commentary aside, what can we expect from these 10 new models from Audi?
First, they probably won’t be entirely new models, per se. With the introduction of plug-in hybrid electric technology, many automakers are recognizing PHEV as a viable way to lift their fleetwide fuel economy standards (thereby complying with government regulations) without suffering the performance or range cliff-jumps that consumers are violently allergic to. PHEV tech can be applied to nearly any current Audi model and it will have just as much torque, horsepower and sex appeal, only with a slightly higher price tag.
Second, a few diesel variants will also help Audi get to their goal of 60, which is nothing new for the German automaker. And third, actually, really new models like the Q1 and Q8. The Q8 will be a Bantha-sized SUV to compete with Range Rover, and the Q1 will be a brand new crossover SUV that every other automaker is simultaneously debuting so they can all compete with one another.
In the meantime, there are plenty of drop-dead gorgeous models at Audi Raleigh, so we highly suggest you come by to see how much better your life could be.