Audi is considering a luxury off-road convertible as it looks for new niches that will help reach the company’s ambitious target of 1.5 million sales by 2015.
The German car maker unveiled its Cross Cabriolet quattro concept at this month’s Los Angeles motor show, a vehicle that also previews elements of the Q5 mid-size 4WD due in 2008. The Cross Cabriolet’s platform is borrowed from the latest-generation A4 sedan and A5 coupe and will also underpin the Q5, Audi’s new rival for the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander 2.
Off-roading capability comes courtesy of a quattro all-wheel-drive system and adjustable electric dampers borrowed from Audi’s only existing luxury 4WD, the Q7. The Cross Cabriolet’s ride height can be raised by 40mm in four seconds. At 4620mm in length and 1910mm in width, the Cross Cabriolet is bigger than Audi’s Cross Coupe concept shown at the 2007 Geneva motor show as a precursor to an even smaller Q3 4WD.
Both the Q5 and Q3 five-door 4WDs are both certain to join the big Q7 in Australia. Audi Australia boss Joerg Hofmann said at the recent Sydney motor show that Q-badged vehicles are vital to the company’s local success. The Q5 is expected locally in 2009. Audi’s latest concept features a fabric roof that folds in a respectably swift 17 seconds, wide 21-inch wheels, and underbody protection.
The two-door 4WD drop-top is unlikely to be seen before 2011 if Audi proceeds with the unusual vehicle, which seems ill-equipped for muddy trails. The concept’s eight-speed gearbox and tweaked 3.0-litre V6 diesel, however, are guaranteed for future Audis.
Audi claims the latest development of its highly regarded 3.0-litre TDI engine is the world’s cleanest diesel. Average fuel consumption is said to be just 7.3 litres per 100km, and Audi says the engine will meet the expected Euro VI emissions limits due in 2014 thanks to the combination of a diesel particulate filter and an exhaust-treatment solution called AdBlue.
The biodegradable AdBlue additive is injected into hot exhaust gas ahead of the catalytic converter to help produce cleaner tailpipe emissions. In the Cross Cabriolet, the 3.0-litre TDI has the same torque (500Nm) as the current engine but five more kilowatts (175kW). Audi says it propels the concept from standstill to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. Audi says the off-roader convertible offers “unbeatable” space for two rear-seat passengers – including headroom with the roof closed.
The typically stylish interior is a variation of the Cross Coupe concept’s cabin, including two information screens. One sits between the instrument dials ahead of the driver, the other is a swiveling flat screen in the upper part of the centre console. The latter features a touch pad for the vehicle’s MMI (multi-media interface) system.
The Cross Cabriolet’s satellite navigation system also combines cleverly with the internet-based Google Earth 3D mapping interface. Instead of keying in addresses by hand, drivers or front passengers can simply click on a Google Earth image to start directional guidance.
For conversations when travelling with the roof down, the Cross Cabriolet's cabin features an intercom system that can amplify the voice volume of all four passengers.
