Now it seems like one of the ways that automakers are trying to hint at future products is publicizing the trademarks that they file for. This time around, a German publication announced that Audi has apparently filed for trademarks on a seven new names. They are: Q6, Q8, R6, S2, S9, RS8, and RS1….and whew!
From the looks of it, Audi is trying to fill in every last niche gap there is in their line-up. Audi’s Q-line obviously represents anything on stilts, which means their Q3, Q5, and Q7 crossover SUVs. So to add Q6 and Q8, sounds like Audi has their eyes set on competitors such as the BMW X6 and the Infiniti FX (Q6) and the Mercedes-Benz GL, Infiniti QX56, the Range Rover, and the Cadillac Escalade (Q8).
But the more interesting ones are the ones preceding the supposed crossover trademarks: the R6, S2, S9, RS8, and RS1. So, let’s break it down.
Beginning with the R6, we know that can only mean a baby R8, which has been in the rumormill since last October. The S2 most likely represents a performance version of the small A2 hatchback, which the US market is devoid of. The S9 is a bit confusing, because Audi does not currently have a “9” model, or an A9 as a while. But this one is by far the most unusual. But ultimately, it could suggest a new halo car.
And lastly are the two RS’s. “RS,” as we’re familiar with, stands for the uber-fast models that are built compete with the latest benchmarks from Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW’s M-Division. Considering how Audi already produces a hot S8, the RS8 can only mean that there’s even a hotter version of the S8 on the way, which makes sense considering that BMW’s M-Division currently has a rumor that they may be working on a full-fledged M7. Then of course, there’s the RS1, which has also been in the rumormill for quite some time.
Either way, it will still be interesting to see what Audi has in store for the next several years.
Also see – Audi’s planning Q-line Crossovers by 2013-14
