Update on Audi plans - some breif A8 info... 8-)
02-28-2002, 06:34 AM
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Update on Audi plans - some breif A8 info... 8-)
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22227/beach_rear_2.jpg"></center><p>
I subscribe to a few car magazines - ALL EU periodicals. But I also read the U.S. ones for "balance". However in the March issue of <b>CAR</b> (from the U.K.) there is a very interesting article on a "shake-up" in the Audi model plans.
The below are excerpts from the article. <b>CAR</b> is sort of the NY Times of the auto mag world in EU and it's information is typically right on target. I would be willing to bet the below is no exception...
<b>CAR - 2002 March, Pg. 49: "New Audi bossess give model plans a shake-up."</b>
"<i>... The next TT (in 2005) will go up half a size and become a proper 2+2 and will be engineered to accept a V6 engine...</i>"
<b>Refering to the new A4 Coupe':</b>
"<i>...the elegant machine (code named AU464) is too close to the A4 saloon and doesn't reflect the company's new sporty brand image. If it's pulled, the money saved could be spent on AU632 (An Avant version of the new A8), previewed as the Avantissmo... it could appear as soon as 2004...</i>"
<b>Refering to the A6/allroad:</b>
"<i>...and the alloy-bodied A6 replacement in summer 2004 is <b>set in stone</b></i>"
"<i>When VW & Porsche joined forces to build the big Touareg & Cayenne SUV's, Audi stayed out and built the A6 allroad instead. Audi now wants an SUV double quick, and it looks as if it will make it's own version (code named AU569) of the VW Magellan (currently a VW Concept car), based on the running gear of the next A6 allroad, <b>which may in turn bite the dust</b>. This multi-activity cruiser should appear in very late 2004.</i>"
What does all this mean? Hell, if I know! But it sounds like NO A4 coupe. Expanded TT & A8 line. New A6 and SUV-type vehicle but an "uncertain" allroad. The dates are accurate however. I've been posting that the A6/allroad replacement would be arriving 2004 as a 2005 model - this seems to be true.
The article also speaks of the new A3 (based on the Steppenwolf concept) due in 2003 as well as the uncertain future of the A2 (which may be dropped by 2005)...
Anyway just some entertainment for you from overseas! 8-)
I subscribe to a few car magazines - ALL EU periodicals. But I also read the U.S. ones for "balance". However in the March issue of <b>CAR</b> (from the U.K.) there is a very interesting article on a "shake-up" in the Audi model plans.
The below are excerpts from the article. <b>CAR</b> is sort of the NY Times of the auto mag world in EU and it's information is typically right on target. I would be willing to bet the below is no exception...
<b>CAR - 2002 March, Pg. 49: "New Audi bossess give model plans a shake-up."</b>
"<i>... The next TT (in 2005) will go up half a size and become a proper 2+2 and will be engineered to accept a V6 engine...</i>"
<b>Refering to the new A4 Coupe':</b>
"<i>...the elegant machine (code named AU464) is too close to the A4 saloon and doesn't reflect the company's new sporty brand image. If it's pulled, the money saved could be spent on AU632 (An Avant version of the new A8), previewed as the Avantissmo... it could appear as soon as 2004...</i>"
<b>Refering to the A6/allroad:</b>
"<i>...and the alloy-bodied A6 replacement in summer 2004 is <b>set in stone</b></i>"
"<i>When VW & Porsche joined forces to build the big Touareg & Cayenne SUV's, Audi stayed out and built the A6 allroad instead. Audi now wants an SUV double quick, and it looks as if it will make it's own version (code named AU569) of the VW Magellan (currently a VW Concept car), based on the running gear of the next A6 allroad, <b>which may in turn bite the dust</b>. This multi-activity cruiser should appear in very late 2004.</i>"
What does all this mean? Hell, if I know! But it sounds like NO A4 coupe. Expanded TT & A8 line. New A6 and SUV-type vehicle but an "uncertain" allroad. The dates are accurate however. I've been posting that the A6/allroad replacement would be arriving 2004 as a 2005 model - this seems to be true.
The article also speaks of the new A3 (based on the Steppenwolf concept) due in 2003 as well as the uncertain future of the A2 (which may be dropped by 2005)...
Anyway just some entertainment for you from overseas! 8-)
02-28-2002, 12:28 PM
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Am I the only one who doesn't see a market for an A8 Avant or Avantissmo anywhere?
I don't know why Audi is wasting their time develping a vehicle which has such a clearly limited market, even in Europe. I think their focus with the new A8 should be on performance surpassing the new 745i and S500. From what I've read, they are planning to stay with the current 310-hp 4.2 V8. That's not gonna cut it in this competitive market where Audi has such a small share.
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03-02-2002, 01:04 AM
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I think there's a market for an A8 Avant
Hi everyone. I live in Europe and I've been reading your discussions on this A8 forum for a few weeks now. Up until now, I had not dropped a line yet. So I decided to create an account and join you in talks about this fascinating car. I have the impression that most of the participants are American. I realise you have only limited supply of the car and a rather limited amount of people willing to buy one.
I am particularly interested in information about the upcoming new 8. But your comments on an possible A8 avant got me thinking too.
It seems to me that there would surely be a market for it. At first, I myself didn't really feel right about a beautiful limousine being turned into an avant. It takes a bit of the prestige out of it. But on the other hand I'm convinced there's a market for it. I think that many (self employed) succesful business people would be very happy to finally be able to drive a luxery vehicle that has the space they need for their jobs. These are people that perhaps would prefer a limousine, but really need the extra space. They would be able to seperate themselves from the "common avants" that also attracts people wanting the best of both worlds. This A8 avant then being at the absolute luxury end of those worlds so to speak. Besides, it has a bit of a modern touch to it, a car like that represents "new money," not super rich, but really well off. Someone driving it would be seen as someone that's earned it with his/her succesful job, also being able to put it to good use in their spare time and driving the kids to school in it occasionally. You get my drift.
I think it's even safe to say other car manufacturers are looking in that same direction, that seems to be the buz over here.
Audi (in my view) would be the absolute first to do so! And that can be seen as a major advantage! Being the first in people's minds to start with something new is very interesting. Also considering the reputation Audi has already built up with their avants (I think they're pretty much the nr 1 in my country with that kind of vehicle). I also recall positive reactions to their Avantissimo, so maybe it's not such a bad idea. It's not a huge market, but being the only one in it, makes it more then big enough after all I think.
I am particularly interested in information about the upcoming new 8. But your comments on an possible A8 avant got me thinking too.
It seems to me that there would surely be a market for it. At first, I myself didn't really feel right about a beautiful limousine being turned into an avant. It takes a bit of the prestige out of it. But on the other hand I'm convinced there's a market for it. I think that many (self employed) succesful business people would be very happy to finally be able to drive a luxery vehicle that has the space they need for their jobs. These are people that perhaps would prefer a limousine, but really need the extra space. They would be able to seperate themselves from the "common avants" that also attracts people wanting the best of both worlds. This A8 avant then being at the absolute luxury end of those worlds so to speak. Besides, it has a bit of a modern touch to it, a car like that represents "new money," not super rich, but really well off. Someone driving it would be seen as someone that's earned it with his/her succesful job, also being able to put it to good use in their spare time and driving the kids to school in it occasionally. You get my drift.
I think it's even safe to say other car manufacturers are looking in that same direction, that seems to be the buz over here.
Audi (in my view) would be the absolute first to do so! And that can be seen as a major advantage! Being the first in people's minds to start with something new is very interesting. Also considering the reputation Audi has already built up with their avants (I think they're pretty much the nr 1 in my country with that kind of vehicle). I also recall positive reactions to their Avantissimo, so maybe it's not such a bad idea. It's not a huge market, but being the only one in it, makes it more then big enough after all I think.
03-02-2002, 08:58 AM
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Re: Am I the only one who doesn't see a market for an A8 Avant or Avantissmo anywhere?
I really like that wagon. I would trade in my 8 sedan in a second for one of those. I know that wagon would sell big in this country. The closest competion would by an E class with 4matic, but the Merc. wouldn't come close
for room, performance and style.
for room, performance and style.
03-02-2002, 09:46 AM
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There should be a market for the Avant, but it will be lower volume than the A8 sedan
Seems to be that a company in Germany called Binz do offer a MB S-class station wagon conversion. If they offer this kind of conversion, I'm sure there is a market for the A8 avant especially since it's a serial production model. If they do offer the A8 Avant, hopefully, they will use the allroad suspension system so the ride height can be adjusted. The current A8 is a bit too low for any ground clearance even for heavy snow fall.