Audi's new-model onslaught
Audi has been roaring up the global and local sales charts in recent years, but it seems the Ingolstadt marque is only just getting warmed upA resurgent Audi is plotting a concerted new-model onslaught that will see its current line-up of 22 models grow to 40 by the year 2015.
The premium German marque plans to spend $20 billion over the next five years, of which $14 billion has been earmarked for developing new products.
What does this mean for us? Well, the first tangible signs will be a spate of fresh metal due in 2007 -- these include the as-yet unseen A5 Coupe, the TT Roadster and the Lamborghini-derived R8 mid-engined sportscar.
Much has already been written about the TT Roadster and R8, but the A5 Coupe has managed to slip under the radar to a large degree.
Intended as a rival for the likes of the new BMW 3 Series Coupe, the A5 is expected to draw its styling inspiration from the 2003 Geneva show-starring Nuvolari concept (pictured), while its underpinnings will be derived from the existing A4 sedan.
A range of powerplants are expected to be offered, starting with the force-fed 2.0-litre TFSI unit that features in the A3 and A4 (and VW Golf GTI). Also likely are 2.8 and 3.6-litre V6 versions, while the range-topping S5 and RS5 models will score the brilliant 4.2-litre V8 that makes the new RS4 such a cracking driver’s car.
Despite its coupe configuration, the A5 will reportedly be a reasonably large car that offers genuine seating for four -- unlike the smaller TT.
A hardtop will be launched originally, but it’s believed a canvas-roofed convertible will follow in due course.
No word on pricing, but if Audi decides to pitch the A5 squarely against the BMW 3 Series Coupe, than an entry point in the $60-70K bracket seems feasible.
Rumours are also circulating about a larger A7 coupe, which may eventuate if the A5 is a hit with buyers. Euro sources suggest it would be a niche model that would compete with BMW’s 6 Series coupe.
Other goodies in Audi’s product pipeline include a new A2 baby car and a 95 per cent certain for 2008 Q5 SUV that will slot in below the full-size Q7. Think of the Q5 as a rival to the BMW X3 and new Land Rover Freelander.
Mercedes and BMW are clearly in for a fight. Audi is on track to top 5000 Australian sales this year. That’s pretty smart progress when you consider the brand barely topped 3000 annual sales six years ago.
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