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Hoping to become the largest luxury automaker in the world Audi will increase the number of models in its lineup from 26 to 40 by 2015 . So expect the German automaker’s lineup to get pretty confusing as we get more information from Audi’s execs on what to expect in the near future.

Our friends at CAR recently had a sit down with a ‘high-placed Audi source’ at the launch of the Q5 in the UK. What did they learn? Last week, CEO Rupert Stadler said that the U.S. won’t get the A1 – so we’re pretty disappointed about that. Nonetheless, the A1 will be offered in Europe in at least four different variants including a three-door, five-door, a convertible and a off-roader compact SUV that will go head-to-head with the upcoming BMW X1.

Audi’s A3 range will continue to grow. We all ready have a three-door and five-door hatch along with convertible – but next year we are told to expect a Q3, an off-roader based on the A3 platform.

The upcoming Audi S4 is expected to drop the 4.2L V8 in favor of a 3.0L V6 that will produce close to the same 340-hp as the current S4. CAR has learned that the RS4 will also be powered by the same 3.0L V6 but will produce close to 400-hp.

What else will Audi throw at us before 2015? The A5 Convertible will make its debut next year along with a shooting brake version. The V10 Audi R8 is also expected next year but a V12 TDI version is still on-and-off. The A7 four-door-coupe and convertible are expected to hit the market by 2010.

Source: CAR

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