Future Audi Cars Will Adopt More Distinctive Designs

Audi is finally ditching its ‘Russian doll’ design philosophy.

For years, Audi’s cars have been hard to distinguish thanks to the automaker’s repetitive design language across its line-up. That’s soon about to change however, as CEO Rupert Stadler revealed to Autocar that future Audi cars will adopt more distinctive designs. In fact, we’ve already seen Audi belatedly revamp its styling with the new compact Q2 crossover, its flagship sedan, the all-new A8, and the stylish A7 sportback. But what inspired Audi to adopt its ‘Russian doll’ design philosophy in the first place?

According to Stadler, it was a deliberate strategy to make Audi more recognizeable in “newer and emerging” markets like China. “This [repetition] design process was used to make Audis more recognizable in newer and emerging markets,” Stadler explained. “Now we are well known in major markets like China, we can begin to change this philosophy and give each car its own look.” “We recognize that there is a place for more differentiation now,” Design boss Marc Lichte added. “Since our cars are in production for a minimum of six years, in today’s world I think each model should have its own design to be attractive for this long time.”

We’ll start to see even more significant styling changes when Audi introduces more electric cars to its lineup after the E-Tron SUV launches next year. “Design will go in a very different way” according to Lichte, as working with electric powertrains will give Audi more freedom to change proportions. As a result, we’ll start to see cars in Audi’s lineup boast shorter overhangs and lower hoods, resulting in a “more attractive design overall”.

Future Audi Cars Will Adopt More Distinctive Designs

Audi is finally ditching its ‘Russian doll’ design philosophy.

For years, Audi’s cars have been hard to distinguish thanks to the automaker’s repetitive design language across its line-up. That’s soon about to change however, as CEO Rupert Stadler revealed to Autocar that future Audi cars will adopt more distinctive designs. In fact, we’ve already seen Audi belatedly revamp its styling with the new compact Q2 crossover, its flagship sedan, the all-new A8, and the stylish A7 sportback. But what inspired Audi to adopt its ‘Russian doll’ design philosophy in the first place?

According to Stadler, it was a deliberate strategy to make Audi more recognizeable in “newer and emerging” markets like China. “This [repetition] design process was used to make Audis more recognizable in newer and emerging markets,” Stadler explained. “Now we are well known in major markets like China, we can begin to change this philosophy and give each car its own look.” “We recognize that there is a place for more differentiation now,” Design boss Marc Lichte added. “Since our cars are in production for a minimum of six years, in today’s world I think each model should have its own design to be attractive for this long time.”

We’ll start to see even more significant styling changes when Audi introduces more electric cars to its lineup after the E-Tron SUV launches next year. “Design will go in a very different way” according to Lichte, as working with electric powertrains will give Audi more freedom to change proportions. As a result, we’ll start to see cars in Audi’s lineup boast shorter overhangs and lower hoods, resulting in a “more attractive design overall”.

Aston Martin’s SUV Could Adopt The DB11’s 500-HP V8

A hybrid version could also pack 700 horsepower.

It’s no secret that Aston Martin will make its first foray into the SUV segment in 2021 to rival the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari’s upcoming SUV, but there have been conflicting reports about the SUV’s potential powertrains. Initially, it was believed the production version, rumored to be called the Varekai, will get an all-electric powertrain like the DBX Concept unveiled back in 2015.

These plans were reportedly put on hold after Aston Martin announced its new Lagonda sub-brand will launch an ultra-luxurious SUV to rival the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. After all, launching two similar electric SUVs at the same time would have likely caused confusion. However, a new report by Autocar suggests an all-electric DBX could still be on the cards after the Lagonda SUV debuts in 2021.

Before that, the DBX will be offered with a range of gasoline and hybrid powertrains. Just a few days ago we reported it could adopt an AMG-sourced inline-six engine based on comments from Aston Martin’s CEO Andy Palmer. While Autocar’s report confirms that the DBX’s conventional engines will come from the company’s technical partnership with Daimler, it’s now understood the DBX will use the same AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8 that powers the DB11 and Vantage. In the DB11, this unit produces 503 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque.

A more powerful hybrid version will also be available, which according to Autocar is likely to be the “73 AMG”-spec system that will add around 200 hp of electrical boost, bringing the total output to 700 hp. It isn’t yet known if the DBX will also get Aston Martin’s V12, but this would only produce around the same power as the hybridized V8. V12 versions of the DB11 and DBS Superleggera will also be electrified to help meet tougher emissions regulations.

In terms of the design, we know Aston Martin's SUV will have similar styling to the DB concept, albeit with some design changes since it will be a four-door model. It will also be built on a completely new platform.

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