SHANGHAI -- Audi will preview a sporty, electric-powered crossover as a concept vehicle at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
Company sources say it will be based on Volkswagen group's second-generation MLB modular-longitudinal platform and will feature extreme aerodynamic styling that will be unique to the new model.
The electric vehicle could be joined by plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered versions, the sources said.
At the recent CES Asia event here, Audi r&d boss Ulrich Hackenberg said the crossover -- which he referred to as a "sports activity vehicle" -- would be launched in early 2018.
He said it would have a range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) in electric mode.
The vehicle will target the upcoming Tesla Model X, as well as future plug-in hybrid models from Porsche and BMW.
The crossover will have a new design that the company is developing for its EVs and plug-in hybrids. Company sources said it could be call the Q6.
At the CES Asia event, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed that production would top 10,000 vehicles. "Otherwise," he said, "it wouldn't be worth it."
