Audi Q8 Concept release date, specs news: full-size SUV previews Audi's 2018 luxury crossover

Audi has started the new year on a good note with the introduction of the Q8 Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The concept vehicle is a full-sized sports utility vehicle that provides generous space for four passengers and luggage but also comes with a sleek coupe-like exterior design.

"The Q8 concept is an Audi in peak form. It demonstrates the strengths of our brand in both technology and design while providing a glimpse at a future full-size, production SUV. With its next-generation display and control solutions, we are enabling customers to experience connectivity in a whole new way," said Dietmar Voggenreiter, a member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at Audi.

Design-wise, the Audi Q8 Concept features an imposing stance and determined look. The front fascia is highlighted by Audi's signature octagonal Singleframe honeycomb grille; however, unlike current production models, it has more three-dimensional sculpting and is wider. The front end of the concept vehicle is also equipped with flat headlights, an X-shaped blue laser light signature for low and high beams and a wraparound LED light guide for turn signals and daytime running lights. The design is brought together by aluminum accents.

Audi has also given the Q8 Concept an athletic and powerful silhouette with its sloping roofline, no window frames, dynamic lines and curved surfaces. The concept vehicle is also inspired by the Audi Ur-Quattro of the 1980s as evidenced by the flat and wide C-post and prominent and the flared wheel arches. These design elements given the Q8 Concept balanced proportions.

The Q8 Concept is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprised of a 3.0-liter TFSI combustion engine that delivers 333 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque and an electric motor that produces 134 horsepower and 243.4 pound-feet of torque. Working together with the eight-speed tiptronic transmission, the full-size SUV is able to spurt out 443 horsepower and 516.3 pound-feet of torque. It can go from 0 to 62.1 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds and attains a top speed of 155 mph. Furthermore, the 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery enables an all-electric driving range of 37.3 miles.

Inside the cabin is Audi's virtual cockpit that handles all of the information and commands via large touchscreen displays and a contact-analogue head-up display with intelligent augmented reality technology. The latter allows important information to be projected onto the windshield to lessen the driver's distractions.

The production model based on the Audi Q8 Concept is scheduled to launch in 2018.