DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Audi confirms Q8

Ever wondered why the Audi SUV range stopped at the Q7?

So did Audi, and the answer wasn't a European fuel network or the Arabian country most people first heard of during the first Gulf war.

Now that it's thought about it, and the timing is right, Audi will deliver a big, tough-looking Q8 concept at the Detroit motor show in January.

Said by Audi to be very close to production, the Q8 concept will sit above the latest Q7 seven-seat SUV when it reaches production later next year or early in 2018.

The front-end features a very aggressive single-frame grille, spread wide in an octagonal shape, while the side sculpting is more coupe than traditional all-terrain wagon.

Audi says the big, luxurious four-seat SUV "represents a synthesis of the emotional styling of a coupé and the spaciousness that typifies an SUV. With this move, the brand is unlocking a new segment for the full-size category".

“With the Audi Q8 concept, we have created a new spearhead within our Q model line. Its design strongly evokes sportiness and prestige,” declared Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte.

“What’s more, we believe an important aspect of this show car is that it offers a spacious interior with four equally comfortable seats, even with the flat roof line.”