Audi did not invent the "crossover" vehicle...
02-10-2003, 12:51 PM
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Audi did not invent the "crossover" vehicle...
There, I've gone and said it.
True, the company has been building AWDs for some time. True, Audi has a number of highly utilitarian wagons. Even more true, the allroad is one of Audi's most fantastic multipurpose wagons, that has some very unique and elegant traits to it. None of this, however, counts as invention of the breed.
Crossover vehicles have existed before, and during the allroad's time. It wasn't the first, nor will it be the last. It's strange how many people's view of history begins with the present. It's strange how many people are offended by the auto press ignorance of Audi's pioneering efforts.
Maybe it's because Audi hasn't pioneered anything with the allroad... but I would support the view that they've nearly perfected it - whatever it may be. =)
True, the company has been building AWDs for some time. True, Audi has a number of highly utilitarian wagons. Even more true, the allroad is one of Audi's most fantastic multipurpose wagons, that has some very unique and elegant traits to it. None of this, however, counts as invention of the breed.
Crossover vehicles have existed before, and during the allroad's time. It wasn't the first, nor will it be the last. It's strange how many people's view of history begins with the present. It's strange how many people are offended by the auto press ignorance of Audi's pioneering efforts.
Maybe it's because Audi hasn't pioneered anything with the allroad... but I would support the view that they've nearly perfected it - whatever it may be. =)
02-10-2003, 01:17 PM
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In fact, the allroad is not a cross-over...
an "allroad" utility wagon with some sport flair, yes...but a crossover, no.
I know, a lot of this is splitting hairs, but I see that there are:
-SUWs--Outback, Cross-Country, allroad
-SUVs (with intermediate or little offroad capability)--Exploders and the other Fords, Chevys, 4-runners, Land Cruisers, Nissan products, Dodge Durango, BMW X5
-SUVs (with real offroad capability) Land Rover products, even the MB M-class, most Jeep products, the upcoming VW Touareg
-Crossovers...the first of which, I contend is the Lexus RX300...and now the new flood including the Infiniti FX, the Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, possibly the Pikes Peak (if it is made), etc.
I see a difference...perhaps it's not there, but I see it...
But, really it doesn't matter...but as far as Audi leading the way in any of these categories...they don't and haven't...and does that matter? Nah...
I know, a lot of this is splitting hairs, but I see that there are:
-SUWs--Outback, Cross-Country, allroad
-SUVs (with intermediate or little offroad capability)--Exploders and the other Fords, Chevys, 4-runners, Land Cruisers, Nissan products, Dodge Durango, BMW X5
-SUVs (with real offroad capability) Land Rover products, even the MB M-class, most Jeep products, the upcoming VW Touareg
-Crossovers...the first of which, I contend is the Lexus RX300...and now the new flood including the Infiniti FX, the Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, possibly the Pikes Peak (if it is made), etc.
I see a difference...perhaps it's not there, but I see it...
But, really it doesn't matter...but as far as Audi leading the way in any of these categories...they don't and haven't...and does that matter? Nah...
