Audi’s US market product plans have been spilled to Automotive News [sub], and there are a few surprises in the mix. The e-tron all-electric R8 has reportedly been given a green light for production within two to three years. Staying with Audi’s EV plans, there’s word that the Europe-only A2 could be brought back as an EV for the US market. Though the all-aluminum A2 ceased production in 2005, the AN report is unclear whether a possible A2 EV for the US would be based on a new version of this blogger’s favorite city car. An A3 sedan has reportedly been approved for the US as well, although rumors that the forthcoming A1 could be coming stateside as well have been squashed over currency concerns. A restyled A8 is planned for 2010, and an A6 refresh is scheduled for 2011. Meanwhile, the A7 (shown as the Sportback concept) will go into production in Europe, although it doesn’t seem likely to arrive in the US. A Q3 crossover is planned for 2011, but not until a hybrid version of the Q5 debuts. Audi has dropped FWD TT models from its lineup, and is considering selling an A4 with the Q7’s 3.0 twin-turbo diesel V6.
So many niches, so few buyers.
EV * R8 = what a way to kill a brand
An A3 SEDAN! Gack. The willingness of the American public to buy small sedans completely baffles me. What a useless vehicle, when a hatch makes the car soo much more versatile.
An A3 SEDAN!
Or rather, a nicely-trimmed Jetta GLI with less headroom and a heckuva premium.
On an related note, is the R8 EV a car for idiots?
Here’s an easy new model: shoehorn the supercharged V-6 into the A4 and go chasing 3-series Bimmers.
Now THAT would be an interesting car.
As to the viability of subcompact entry luxury cars…unclear at best. I’d say something along the lines of an A4/G37/3-series is probably the smallest car that would sell in volume here in the States.
FreedMike, You just described the B8 S4.
If there are currency concerns, couldn’t they be partially bypassed by building the cars here in the US?
Hello R8-EV, goobye Tesla Roadster… wasn’t nice meeting ya.
As a former Jetta owner, I would be most interested in an A3 sedan. You haven’t been able to get a loaded V6 Jetta for close to a decade (01 GLX, IIRC).
qfrog :
October 6th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
FreedMike, You just described the B8 S4.
…forgot about that one. Gracias.
I love Audi & VW design, and I’m especially excited about their diesels. Unfortunately I hear so many bad things about their reliability I can’t consider purchasing one.
@FreedMike:
Here’s an easy new model: shoehorn the supercharged V-6 into the A4 and go chasing 3-series Bimmers.
They did. And called it the 2010 S4. C&D has a comparo of it with the 335i this month. Guess who won.
Wrong. Guess again. :-P
jeremie :I love Audi & VW design, and I’m especially excited about their diesels. Unfortunately I hear so many bad things about their reliability I can’t consider purchasing one.
My experience: ’89 Audi 90 with no problems. Lovely little car. 98 A4 had some electrical AC problems that required a module replacement under warranty. An ’02 Jetta with no problems, but it was rather spongy in the ride department. ’06 Jetta had a starter replaced under warranty. ’09 Passat, too soon to tell. My other cars had about the same service record. I think it just depends on the luck of the draw.
They did. And called it the 2010 S4. C&D has a comparo of it with the 335i this month. Guess who won.
The one with maximum full page advertisements in that issue won?
drifter:
Wrong again! The X6 won — didn’t you see the picture?
Kman :
October 6th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
@FreedMike:
Here’s an easy new model: shoehorn the supercharged V-6 into the A4 and go chasing 3-series Bimmers.
They did. And called it the 2010 S4. C&D has a comparo of it with the 335i this month. Guess who won.
Wrong. Guess again. :-P
I’d guess the 335, based on its lower price…?
Is the article on line yet?
Just tought you would like to know, i laughed my ass off when i saw that E-tron name…in french étron means turd…litterally!
Here’s what I’d bet about that comparo, based on what I know about each car:
BMW wins in: handling, steering, engine refinement, 0-60, price
Audi wins in: interior styling, back seat room
Let me know if I’m close here…and no, I haven’t read the article.
FreedMike :
Audi wins in back seat room? I haven’t been in a 3 series lately, but if it has worse rear seating than the A3/4, then putting an adult back there must qualify as torture under the Geneva conventions.
Who are they designing the A3 sedan for? The A3 wagon merely ekes by in accessibility for those of us who endure height discrimination. The A2, in comparison, was well designed seat to ceiling.
Audi haters must be rebuked! I’ve had a few tall (6ft and a couple of inches)folks in my A3, front and back without much complaints. At just over 35,000 miles I’ve had no problems. In fact it’s the greatest new car I’ve ever had. Okay it’s only my fourth new car but still I love it.
@FreedMike,
You do know that the A3 and A4 run on different platforms correct? The A4 is definitely bigger than it used to be. A 1996 A4 is about the same size as the A3 is now. As for space, my 25000 miles in an A3 have proven that people over 6′ fit quite well thank you.