Audi SQ2 Is So Powerful It Broke Cover Before The Paris Motor Show

This smallest S variant is no watered-down performance offering

Rumors of the hot Audi SQ2 have been circulating for a number of months now and while we had a rough idea of what to expect, its reveal ahead of the Paris Motor Show has confirmed that it will offer a full 292 horsepower and 295 lb ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI engine, the same as the one you get in the S3 sedan.

Quattro all-wheel-drive and a dual-clutch DSG transmission are standard fitment, both contributing to the very rapid 0-62mph time of 4.8-seconds. Top speed is still limited to the usual 155mph though.

The standard Q2, like most small crossovers, is more of a slightly raised hatchback than true off-roading SUV and the SQ2 with its 0.8-inch lower and stiffer suspension setup and either 18 or 19-inch wheels is clearly intended for on-road entertainment.

Additional exterior performance cues come in the way of a redesigned grille, quad rear tailpipes, a sporty body kit and brake calipers that can be finished in red instead of the standard black. The SQ2 receives some additional equipment over the lesser Q2 models too and it comes fitted with LED head and taillights, sporty leather-covered seats and can be optioned with Audi’s virtual cockpit display and the latest driver assistance systems.

US fans of fast Audis have the full complement of S and RS sedans to choose from but when it comes to crossovers, the sole option currently is the larger SQ5 model.

There is no news yet about whether this pint-sized rocket will be making it to the states but with the imminent arrival of the similarly quick and powerful BMW X2 M35i, it may well force Audi’s hand. With the possibility of an RS variant on the horizon too, we sure hope it does.

Audi Teases Mysterious New R8 For Paris Motor Show

What is this mystery R8?

The R8 isn't exactly what we'd call a volume seller for Audi. The company moved just 772 of them in 2017 and isn't on pace to do much better this year. A facelifted model is on its way and rumors indicate that the 5.2-liter V10 could be bumped up to 670 horsepower, which is a significant increase over the current output of 610 hp. The facelift is also rumored to bring back our favorite R8 variant, the rear-wheel-drive, limited edition RWS.

We didn't know exactly when the facelifted R8 would debut but a recent teaser from Audi has given us the exact date and location- October 2nd at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

The teaser didn't say much, just "We have something new in store for you! The wraps come off on October 2nd. #LeagueofPerformance." That isn't much to go off of, especially since the car is covered in the picture. We can see the clear outline of the R8, with what appear to be revised headlights and what appear to be air vents on the hood. Our best guess would be a new R8 GT, which is expected to deliver around 630 hp (the same as the Lamborghini Huracan Peformante).

It's sad to think about it, but whatever this new R8 ends up being, it may be the final swan song for the legendary supercar. Audi may not renew the R8 for a third generation, in which case the car will be killed off after 2020. This would be a bittersweet ending for one of our favorite supercars. This may end up being the best R8 Audi has ever produced, but it may also end up being the last.

Audi Surprises Paris Crowd With New $500,000 R8 LMS Customer Race Car

Well, we weren't wrong about rear-wheel-drive.

Last week, Audi teased a mysterious new R8 model that would be shown off at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Our best guess was a hardcore R8 GT model, which would match the 630 horsepower figure of the Lamborghini Huracan Peformante.

While we were correct about this new R8 being hardcore, we underestimated just how hardcore it would be. In fact, Audi has just revealed the new R8 LMS GT3, a full-on race car that you can actually buy. This is the fourth model from Audi Sport Customer Racing in just four years and acts as the evolution of last year's R8 LMS GT4.

Audi has focused on providing customers with an even better experience than before. Changes include optimizing the aerodynamics and cooling, increasing the durability of the transmission, and allowing for longer service intervals for the clutch and transmission. All of these modifications should make the R8 LMS GT3 easier to own and race. Not only will these changes be made on the new car, but current R8 LMS GT4 owners can retrofit these improvements onto their existing car.

No changes seem to be made to the drivetrain, so the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 should still send 495 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This being a race car, it doesn't come cheap. Audi will begin selling the cars in November for 398,000 euros (around $460,000). If you already own the older car, Audi will retrofit it with the GT3 upgrades for 28,000 euros (around $32,000). Like the previous customer race cars, the R8 LMS GT3 will be meet FIA homologation rules and will be used to compete in various worldwide racing series.