New Faces

From Tokyo to Detroit, through New York and Paris, to Frankfurt via Shanghai, each of the big international motor shows has a character of its own. “Geneva,” says London journalist Vlad Savov, of American news and tech website TheVerge.com, “is better understood as an art exhibition than an industry event.

“This is a show to make you feel rather than think.”

Stretching across seven colossal, aircraft-hanger-esque halls, 2017’s 87th International Motor Show Geneva regularly reinforces Savov’s claim. This year, however, in presenting six new models, Audi has a counterpoint: as emotive as each car is, every one appeals equally to the grey matter.

Ingolstadt’s half dozen offerings include some of Audi’s most exciting, tech-driven new models, including the world premiere of the full-size Audi Q8 sport concept.

Sibling to the Audi Q8 concept unveiled in Detroit, the Audi Q8 sport concept is powered by a 3.0 TFSI V6 engine with a mild hybrid system and an electric powered compressor – a world first combination. Emphatically sporty, extremely dynamic and unmistakably luxurious, the Q8 sport claims a 0-100km/h time of just 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 275km/h and a mind-boggling 1200km range. A further pointer to Audi’s focus on advanced technological research, the concept’s interior is a revelation. Even with its expansive lines and abundant space, the star of the Q8’s cabin is its multiple large touchscreens, including an enhanced Audi virtual cockpit and a contact analog head-up display.

And then there’s the 331kW, 600Nm Audi RS 5 Coupé – with its impressive 3.9-second 0-100/h sprint and 280km/h limit. Drawing inspiration from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, the tautly sculpted coupé “is the gran turismo” Audi Sport’s RS models,” says Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH.

“The high-performance Coupé combines elegant aesthetics with excellent everyday usability. The car’s V6 biturbo has been developed from the ground up and provides significantly more performance coupled with higher efficiency,” says Winkelmann.

Also revealed was the DTM racing version of the Audi RS 5 Coupé: the cunningly named Audi RS 5 DTM. With its four-litre V8 engine, aggressive front end and bold wheel arches, the RS 5 DTM stands out clearly from its predecessors. It was tested predominantly over the northern winter by Audi DTM professional Jamie Green, alongside current FIA World Rallycross Champion, two-time DTM champion and three-time winner of the Race of Champions, Mattias Ekström. The result is a pure track car – one as visceral as it is clever.

Two further show debuts accompanied Audi’s high-performance presentation: the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the Audi SQ5 TFSI. 

With its new 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine, the RS 3 Sportback generates 294kW and a barnstorming maximum torque of 480Nm – aggressive intent that’s made clear by its wider track, striking Singleframe grille and wickedly wide air inlets that gape like a fish out of water. The Sportback’s credentials as a premium hot hatch are extended with a new 4.1-second 0-to-100km/h time – compared to the current model’s already blistering 4.3-second mark – and a deep snap-crackle-pop engine note that’s both mathematical and momentous.

The European premiere of the SQ5 TFSI reiterated its turbocharged three-litre V6 credentials. The successor to the luxury performance SUV that defined a segment, the next-generation SQ5 is festooned with technology. That includes quattro, quicksilver gear changes and its dynamic handling system, Audi drive select, which toggles engine, tiptronic and standard damper control systems, as well as a full suite of executive-class infotainment and safety systems.

Finally, in the sweet, svelte lines of the A5 Sportback g-tron, Audi presents a concept of future sustainability that’s equal parts adrenaline and eco. With a 2.0 TFSI engine, the big sibling to the A3 Sportback g-tron and the A4 Avant g-tron combines dynamic performance, everyday usability and elegant design with remarkably low CO2 emissions. It allows a range of up to 500km when powered by natural gas alone – or up to 950km when the 25-litre petrol tank is also utilised. 

Six new Audi models. Every one a fascinating example of intelligent, driver-focused future technology. But each just as effective on the heartstrings – and the gut – as it is intellectually.

This is the Geneva Show, after all.