03 Jun 08 14:51
Audi is considering production of an SUV smaller than the upcoming Q5, a senior Audi of America executive told the media this week.
He described this car as a 'lifestyle' vehicle similar in feel to the Toyota RAV4.
TheCross Coupe Quattro concept gives more than a few clues: this is a sporty take on the crossover theme with a raked roof and fastback tailgate. It's smaller than the Q5, though still substantial; the models will relate to each other much as BMW's X6 and X5 do, or the Range Rover/Range Rover Sport. It may well keep its name, too - Audi can't use 'Q3', as Nissan has the rights to a series of Q-names.
The Cross Coupe concept featured a 204bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, a unit set to make it into a series of Volkswagen-Audi ranges. Expect also the latest iteration of the turbocharged 2.0 TFSI, and the option of DSG sequential-shift transmission.
Meanwhile, Audi officials have also indicated this week that the company is thinking about a new supercar. The Audi R8 is proving successful and Audi sees an opportunity to capitalise further on its Le Mans-winning heritage and motorsport record. The company is, of course, able to draw upon resources - and indeed, components - from Lamborghini, also part of the Volkswagen Group. Before such a car arrives, however, there will be a V10 range-topping R8 (using a Lamborghini-sourced engine) and a targa-roofed version.
