The big name fight over "Q4" and "Q2" between Audi and Fiat Chrysler continues, and for now it looks like Fiat is the winner. Audi is set to launch a new midsize crossover SUV in 2017, and they've resigned themselves to calling it the TTQ, according to a new report.
They should have called it the Audi LOL because that's definitely what I'm doing right now.
As has been previously reported, Audi wants to lock down Q1 through Q9 for their SUV range, but Alfa Romeo and Maserati hold the Q2 and Q4 trademarks; the latter is used to denote all-wheel drive on some models.
Car's Georg Kacher reports that the spat has caused Audi to reposition this new SUV not as a Q4 but as a spinoff of the TT model, which they've been wanting to turn into its own sub-brand or line anyway for a while, hence all the TT concepts we've seen lately. It is expected to launch in 2017. From Car:
'We have no choice but to make a virtue out of necessity,' explains a senior manager from Ingolstadt. 'By taking the TTQ route, we avoid the confrontation with Fiat, we don't overcrowd the Q corral, and we add a fresh twist to the TT theme.'
Likely this SUV will take cues from the TT Offroad Concept, pictured above, which I actually think is a decent-looking design. It's better in person, trust me.
Speaking of those other concepts, Kacher reports that the TT Allroad Shooting Brake and five-door TT Sportback are not happening. Neither were deemed practical enough for production.
That's a bit of a bummer. I liked both of them. Then again, Audi, when you try and take the proportions of a small two-door coupe and apply them to a hatchback or sedan, why are you surprised that they lose some practicality?