Audi Previews Small Crossover as the TT Offroad Concept

Volkswagen AG's Audi unit is likely to call its fifth crossover the TTQ and market it as a member of the brand's TT sports car lineup, Automotive News Europe reports.

Audi has been naming its crossovers with a Q and a number to indicate their relative size. Thus earlier reports assumed the new vehicle expected in 2016 and an even smaller crossover due next year would be called the Q4 and Q2, respectively.

But Fiat SpA's Alfa Romeo brand has used both those names in the past 10 years to signify four-wheel- and two-wheel-drive versions of its 156 wagon. To avoid confusion, Audi will call next year's crossover the Q1 and use the TTQ moniker for the slightly larger model, according to ANE, which cites unidentified sources.

Audi previewed the TTQ earlier today as the TT Offroad Concept at the Beijing auto show. The vehicle's prototype hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors that produce a combined 408 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Audi says the system can travel about 50 km (30 miles) on electric power alone or rocket the TT Offroad from zero to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds.

Audi's current TT lineup consists of a sport coupe and convertible. They will be joined by the TTQ and eventually a two-door wagon, according to ANE.