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Erik
April 11th, 2003, 09:37
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000142074.cfm?x=a1BJvy9,aLy9plp


Latest Audi news-From Pikes Peak to New A6
They need some home runs!

Source unknown:

Audi has officially confirmed that it will make a production version of its Pikes Peak concept off-roader. A large four-wheel drive car similar in appearance to the Volkswagen Touareg, it will be revealed in late 2005, and go on sale in the UK in 2006. Insiders say that although the project has yet to be rubber-stamped and the tooling ordered, it is a certainty for production. The big off-roader will have three rows of seats, and will be more of an on-road performance machine than its cousin, the Touareg. It will share some components with the VW, most notably its air suspension system, and although it won't use a lightweight aluminium spaceframe like the A8's, it will have more aluminium content than the Touareg, the aim being lower weight and sportier performance.
The engine range will be extensive. You won't be able to buy the 500bhp 4.2-litre twin turbo featured in the show car, but do expect a 450bhp 48-valve W12 or possibly - so as to differentiate it from the Touareg that also uses that engine - a 5.0-litre V10. Less extravagant petrol engines include a 3.2-litre FSI 24-valve V6 of 240bhp and a 4.2-litre 48-valve V8 of 345-bhp. Diesel motors will include a 215 bhp 24-valve 3.0 V6, a 275bhp 32-valve 4.0 V8 and possibly a 6.0 V12 with 400bhp and over 700lb ft of torque (pulling force).

Audi has not yet decided on a name for the car - it may keep the 'Pikes Peak' label of the show car, or call it A7. Pikes Peak, incidentally, is a reference to an annual hillclimb event in Colorado, USA that Audi has won three times. While the Pikes Peak will take on BMW's successful X5, Audi is also developing a smaller cross-over vehicle to compete with the upcoming BMW X3. That car arrives in 2006, and will share its platform with the new A3. The introduction of the cross-over and the bigger off-roader will see the current A6 Allroad being phased out.

The A3 range itself will grow with the introduction of a five-door version referred to internally as a 'shooting brake'. That comes later this year. Audi insiders insist it will not use the Avant estate label, the intention to make it a much more sporting five-door, in line with Audi's goal of becoming a sportier brand. The high-performance RS version of the A3 will probably be based on this car rather then new three-door.

Audi has also confirmed that it is seriously considering a coupé inspired by the Nuvolari concept car unveiled at the recent Geneva motor show. The Nuvolari was based on the Audi A8, but the real thing is likely to be smaller and less expensive - probably an alternative to the Mercedes CLK. There's no decision yet on whether it will be constructed from aluminium, but the dramatic styling of the concept - with its vertical grille - will be carried through to the production version.

The next major model introduction for Audi will be the new A6, out next year. It rides on an all-new platform in contrast to the current model whish is based on the VW Passat, a development that should better enable it to compete with the new BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E Class. Expect dramatic looks for this car, with a bold Nuvolari-esque radiator grille, and a more 'emotional, Mediterranean style', says one insider.

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Some more...
There are rumors about an RS engine with both turbo and compressor. Maybe something for the RS4 to save some space in the already crowded S4?

Snow
April 11th, 2003, 16:39
If this has got just a tiny bit of truth in it, then it sounds promising. But building a crossover based on the new A3? I bet that will take quite some years...if ever developed.