Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has confirmed that there are 11 more models in the pipeline, stating that the current line-up will expand from 49 to 60 vehicles. No particular names were mentioned at a ceremony to mark the handing over of the 1.5 millionth Audi produced this year, but Stadler did put an emphasis on both the SUV and full-size categories.
With the Audi Q1 already green-lighted - and expected to be previewed at next month's Detroit Auto Show - the path seems to be clear for models such as the Q4 and Q6 - coupé/crossovers in the same mould as the BMW X4 and X6. There has also been talk recently of a 'super-SUV' that will sit above the Q7 in the Ingolstadt portfolio and be aimed at markets such as the Middle East and Russia.
"Our whole team is making Audi history: in 2005, we set ourselves a very ambitious goal, and since then have sparked an unparalleled brand and model initiative," said Stadler. "We will continue to write this success story and expand our product range from the current 49 to 60 models. We see a great deal of potential, particularly in the SUV segment and in the especially prestigious full-size category."
With Audi's tuning division, quattro, recently turning its hand to the RS Q3 there exists the possibility of higher performance variants of any forthcoming SUV and when it is done tuning the mud-pluggers quattro may be let loose on the A8 saloon, creating an RS 8 to rival the S 65 AMG from Mercedes-Benz.
Anything else?
Herr Stadler's comments came as the 1.5 millionth Audi produced since the beginning of the year was handed over to its new owner. The event was held at the Audi Forum where sales chief Luca de Meo personally handed over the keys to the anniversary vehicle: an Audi A3 Sportback.