Reports of trademark filings by car companies are always interesting. Consideration of nameplates may indicate a new model is inbound or it all could be a manufacturer simply squatting on possible new variants. Whatever the case, Ingolstadt has been busy at work locking down nameplates like SQ2, SQ4, Q9 and f-tron.

So what should we make of these new filings? Well, for one, the brand is seriously considering expansion of its Q-range, be it all-new models or S-car variants. Audi confirmed just a few weeks ago that a Q1 was in the works, while no less than Q3, RS Q3, Q5, SQ5 and Q7 all currently make up the current crossover lineup. Additionally, a “Q8” has also been rumored.

These filings not only confirm that there’ll be more crossover S-cars, but it wouldn’t be an unsafe conclusion to believe that this could mean a Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q7, Q8 and/or Q9 going forward. That’s a lot of Qs, and how product planners differentiate that many models remains to be seen. That’s more Qs than Audi currently has A-designated cars with A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8… while cars like A5 and A7 designate more spinoff of the A4 and A6 below them. We have to guess that some of these Q models could represent more coupe-like or Sportback style body styles to the equivalent existing Q3, Q5 and Q7 traditional crossovers.

One thing we do know is that the Crosslane concept shown in Paris last year was also internally referred to as Q2. So figure that size vehicle, perhaps a coupe-like take on the Q3, would indicate what the Q2 model might represent.

Beyond that, there’s also the f-tron nomenclature. AutoCar Magazine theorizes that this signifies fuel cell technology and it would seem to make sense. Fuel cell technology is already in the works at Audi and no doubt they’re thinking ahead in regards to branding.

Read more from this story at AutoCar.

Instant Comments...

comments