Production Audi Quattro concept spotted in testing

[EKaru]

Very verrrrry HAWT

http://i.imgur.com/8FmAw.jpg

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/11/quattro2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/z9gEA.jpg

http://jalopnik.com/5697189/the-audi-quattro-is-go-for-production

[S6V10Avant]

When can we have one ?

[Erik]

I'd say they're not testing it, they're filming and/or taking photos of it :)

Really nice in any case...!!!

[HKS786]

400+ bhp, lighter than M3 and RS5, revival of old legend. What isnt to like? I cant wait to see this thing on the road. I really like the fact its relatively light, compact and UNIQUE. It may be based on the RS5 but doesnt look like any other Audi.

[HKS786]

Also, that isnt the production model its the concept. I hope they do something interesting with the rear lights and the front bumper side intakes. It'll be perfect.

[JavierNuvolari]

That car looks amazing...I really hope it makes it into production without losing the looks.

[Ruergard]

400+ bhp, lighter than M3 and RS5, revival of old legend. What isnt to like? I cant wait to see this thing on the road. I really like the fact its relatively light, compact and UNIQUE. It may be based on the RS5 but doesnt look like any other Audi.

It doesn't look like anything else... It's... Fantastic! Just make it happen and then bring on the firespitting five-cylinder again. :revs:

[RXBG]

looks like 133K USD for 2900 lbs and 350 hp and under 500 units. not sure about that. [source: leftlanenews]

8.3 lbs/hp vs 7.0 lbs/hp for an R8 V10 that costs 20K more. i would have to think that one out. they'd have to put the ~400+ hp version of that engine into the car in order to achieve the weight/power ratio of the R8 V10. note also that a chipped V10 drops the ratio down to 6.6!

[Joker]

looks like 133K USD for 2900 lbs and 350 hp and under 500 units. not sure about that. [source: leftlanenews]

8.3 lbs/hp vs 7.0 lbs/hp for an R8 V10 that costs 20K more. i would have to think that one out. they'd have to put the ~400+ hp version of that engine into the car in order to achieve the weight/power ratio of the R8 V10. note also that a chipped V10 drops the ratio down to 6.6!



Forget about the R8 for a moment, this car may well be unique and have a limited run but these alone won't guarantee success, especially at the price mark and output figure suggested by Leftlanenews. The fortunate thing is that this engine is sooooo easily tuned to meet an desired output per weight. The only problem I see is that with such a limited number is that to make it affordable to sell then something will have to give and that maybe it's exotic shell of carbon fibre and that may mean that the weight will creep up to more normal levels which would be a shame.

[RXBG]

agreed on the limited production thing. high cost and exotic materials and high performance. low cost and less performance-- and also would cannibalize sales from other products. frankly i think this should be the next gen A5/S5/RS5 and not some separate model. i don't see why they can't make it and simply use exotic material panels, etc.. for the RS version in order to make it lighter. after all, isn't that what we all complain about? RS models that are too heavy and not special enough vs the S versions? they could easily make this the next A5 and S5, and then replace major panels with CF, etc.. to drop the weight by 300 lbs vs an S5 and make it a killer car. the corvette does this basically with the Z06 vs ZR1 scenario. why not audi? spreading development like this would allow the RS version to be 80K or more yet justify the price premium over an S5 bacause it would be significantly different.

[S6V10Avant]

Don't mind the price this is unique, but it needs 400 hp minimum. The front and side looks great but the rear needs some improvement in my view.

[Benman]

looks like 133K USD for 2900 lbs and 350 hp and under 500 units. not sure about that. [source: leftlanenews]
I thought I heard Audi saying it would need to be even more money than the R8 V10, even close to the R8GT price! So $133K would not be likely if it makes it into production at all.

But DAMN cool as hell.

Ben :addict:

[S6V10Avant]

The performance has to match the price, even if it will be unique. I heard this has now been confirmed for production..

[RXBG]

I thought I heard Audi saying it would need to be even more money than the R8 V10, even close to the R8GT price! So $133K would not be likely if it makes it into production at all.

But DAMN cool as hell.

Ben :addict:

the car will be a bomb if it costs 200K (more than an SLS or 997.2 Turbo S) and has the performance of a cayman S (350 hp, DSG, 3000 lbs) lol. supposedly leftlane heard their info directlyfrom an authorized audi source.

[Lmg]

Autocar (http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Audi-Concepts-Quattro/254310/), Autoexpress (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/260275/audi_quattro_concept.html)and Evo (http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/260371/audi_quattro_concept_review.html) have all driven the concept.

And...

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee239/Dark_and_Divine/car_photo_407911_25.jpg

This photo is beyond epic.

[hdtomi]

AND http://www.autobild.de/artikel/audi-quattro-concept-fahrbericht-1299192.html

[darkop]

This is just FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa4aUXA9RlY&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZx1tk8QJeA&feature=player_embedded

[The RS6]

I think Erik sad a few weeks back that it's not allowed to post porn videos over here :D

[Erik]

I'd say they're not testing it, they're filming and/or taking photos of it

Guess I was right... ;)

[SAF]

This is almost as painful as staring into the sun.

BTW Qisha, may I please order a carbon fiber ring emblem at least?

[inF]

I fell in love.

[The RS6]

BTW Qisha, may I please order a carbon fiber ring emblem at least?

Ebay is full of those :)

[SAF]

So does the hood actually go from front wheel well to front wheel well? Anyone seen an engine bay picture yet?

[Lmg]

Article (http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publish/Features/article_6457.shtml) and huge gallery (http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Features/Road%20Tests/2010%20Audi%20quattro%20Concept) @ Fourtitude

[tailpipe]

According to my London Audi dealer, this car is definitely going to get made and the UK price should be not much more than the RS5 at around £65,000 or €90,000. Apparently, Audi doesn't think that many buyers will shell out more than this for a 5-cylinder car.

Don't worry about the Quattro eating into R8 sales. Audi is already working on a successor. This will replace both V8 and V10 with a new 4.0-litre V8 developing an astonishing amount of horsepower with more than enough grunt to show the Quattro a clean pair of exhaust pipes. I don't believe there will be a successor to the V10 R, but the V8 should have about the same horsepower.

In the meantime, I love the Quattro concept. It should be here for 2013. That's my info. I don't know how correct it is, but Audi has already opened an 'expression of interest' book. In my experience, they only do that with cars that are definitely on the manufacturing agenda.

[darkop]

According to my London Audi dealer, this car is definitely going to get made and the UK price should be not much more than the RS5 at around £65,000 or €90,000. Apparently, Audi doesn't think that many buyers will shell out more than this for a 5-cylinder car.

Don't worry about the Quattro eating into R8 sales. Audi is already working on a successor. This will replace both V8 and V10 with a new 4.0-litre V8 developing an astonishing amount of horsepower with more than enough grunt to show the Quattro a clean pair of exhaust pipes. I don't believe there will be a successor to the V10 R, but the V8 should have about the same horsepower.

In the meantime, I love the Quattro concept. It should be here for 2013. That's my info. I don't know how correct it is, but Audi has already opened an 'expression of interest' book. In my experience, they only do that with cars that are definitely on the manufacturing agenda.
It's very encouraging to hear that! The car is just sublime!
As far as the new R8 goes, I wouldn't bet on its motor to become FI... We can look at what is going on at Santa Agata to see what's gonna be in future R8! Lambos will maintain their (and Audi's) n/a but high efficient engines that will continue to provide true sports car experience (with sound) to owners, and coupled with new carbon-fiber / aluminium chassis earn few ''green'' and low carbon foot-print credentials... In my opinion, FI engines will prevail in regular, ''A-model'' line based cars and their siblings..
Cheers

[Joker]

It's very encouraging to hear that! The car is just sublime!
As far as the new R8 goes, I wouldn't bet on its motor to become FI... We can look at what is going on at Santa Agata to see what's gonna be in future R8! Lambos will maintain their (and Audi's) n/a but high efficient engines that will continue to provide true sports car experience (with sound) to owners, and coupled with new carbon-fiber / aluminium chassis earn few ''green'' and low carbon foot-print credentials... In my opinion, FI engines will prevail in regular, ''A-model'' line based cars and their siblings..
Cheers

The figure of £65k sounds great if true, I must admit it's a little less than I had heard but less is always better when it comes to price. :hihi:

It's interesting that you feel Audi and Lamborghini won't offer differing engine choices, after all the R8 comes in a V8 while the Lambo doesn't. There has to be significant improvement in efficiency and emission from Lamborghini as with all supercar manufacturers and the baby which is the bread and butter models that sell in the greatest numbers need to go a long way to meeting these new regulations. Now there is little doubt that weight and more efficient N/A engines will help in this task but the question is whether it can be fully achieved without switching some of the engines to FI.

Especially as Ferrari have openly admitted they are seriously considering FI in the very near future.

[darkop]

Audi R8 V8 is almost at same price level similarly speced as V10 (around 10-15k $), so it isn't selling very well as such. More, Audi introduced that engine in R8 just to test the market acceptance for Audi's ''supercar''... As soon as it became a success, V10 arrived... In that respect, I don't feel there is going to be such or similarly powered engine in the next model, that would share the same engine from the ''regular'' RS line Audis. Lambo's philosophy is to keep n/a engines in their cars since such formula provides true sportcar experience. This philosophy had to be agreed with their bosses (Audi), so it is to believe they share the same passion and attitude towards same cars. Couple that with lightweight materials - and you got a winner in your hands. Pure, rough, race inspired supercars!

[Joker]

Audi R8 V8 is almost at same price level similarly speced as V10 (around 10-15k $), so it isn't selling very well as such. More, Audi introduced that engine in R8 just to test the market acceptance for Audi's ''supercar''... As soon as it became a success, V10 arrived... In that respect, I don't feel there is going to be such or similarly powered engine in the next model, that would share the same engine from the ''regular'' RS line Audis. Lambo's philosophy is to keep n/a engines in their cars since such formula provides true sportcar experience. This philosophy had to be agreed with their bosses (Audi), so it is to believe they share the same passion and attitude towards same cars. Couple that with lightweight materials - and you got a winner in your hands. Pure, rough, race inspired supercars!

I understand why you are of the opinion that the V8 was only there to test the water but it's still regarded as the better R8 to own for driving experience. As both models are out of my price bracket I don't really mind what Audi decide to do with the next one but I hope they offer a great difference from the Lamborghini than currently because when you consider most reviewers prefer the Audi that also much cheaper it doesn't exactly help Lambo's sales.

If there has to be a N/A version then keep that for the Lamborghini and make the Audi version to more balanced overall car that can still offer enough excitement but include the refinement and drivability that is seldom present in such cars.

Rough, racy and loud = Lamborghini

Refined, drivable and excessable = Audi

[Ruergard]

This is the coolest thing at four wheels at the moment.... :love:

http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/albums//Features/Road%20Tests/2010%20Audi%20quattro%20Concept/Los%20Angeles%20Shoot/024.jpg

[SAF]

Man could I get laid driving that around! LOL!

[Joker]

Man could I get laid driving that around! LOL!

If it takes this to get you laid then you are in a bad way. :hihi:<style> qtl { position: absolute; border: 1px solid #cccccc; -moz-border-radius: 5px; opacity: 0.2; line-height: 100%; z-index: 999; direction: ltr; } qtl:hover,qtl.open { opacity: 1; } qtl,qtlbar { height: 22px; } qtlbar { display: block; width: 100%; background-color: #cccccc; cursor: move; } qtlbar img { border: 0; padding: 3px; height: 16px; width: 16px; cursor: pointer; } qtlbar img:hover { background-color: #aaaaff; } qtl>iframe { border: 0; height: 0; width: 0; } qtl.open { height: auto; } qtl.open>iframe { height: 200px; width: 300px; } </style><qtl style="display: block; left: 88px; top: 53px;" class=""> <qtlbar name="bar">http://www.qtl.co.il/img/copy.pnghttp://www.ask.com/favicon.ico (http://int.ask.com/web?siteid=10000861&webqsrc=999&l=dis&q=this)http://translate.google.com/favicon.ico</qtlbar> <iframe name="content"></iframe> </qtl>

[tailpipe]

This is the coolest thing at four wheels at the moment.... :love:


It is unquestionably this.

It proves to me that sometimes you have to fail to succeed. The RS5 is an excellent car in many ways, but it doesn't do anything better than the other models it was meant to compete with. It wasn't very advanced or very frugal. When the emerging spec was discussed on RS6.com, many of us commented on this. We were right. it set a low standard and failed to achieve it.

Now Audi has come back with this.

Low weight +
Light engine for even less weight +
Lots of power

= Extraordinary capabilities

it's a perfect formula.

[RXBG]

as cool as it is, it is still more of a retro-futuristic coupe than it is an exotic. you may call me biased but it is no R8. the next R8, if audi's recent design exercises are anything to go by, will be ridiculous.

[tailpipe]

Erik, when do we get a Quattro Concept thread?

[Benman]

you may call me biased but it is no R8. You ARE biased, but it is a totally understandable one as the R8 is the measuring stick for all future cool Audis. Me, I'd have a hard time deciding between either one. They both ooze a cool factor I do not find in too many other cars out at the moment. If the Sport Quattro had rear seats, it would get the clear nod on my part. But since they are both strickly two seaters it is a tough choice! :thumb:

[Joker]

You ARE biased, but it is a totally understandable one as the R8 is the measuring stick for all future cool Audis. Me, I'd have a hard time deciding between either one. They both ooze a cool factor I do not find in too many other cars out at the moment. If the Sport Quattro had rear seats, it would get the clear nod on my part. But since they are both strickly two seaters it is a tough choice! :thumb:

Two different kind of cool. The R8 is the kind of showy cool that says you've made it to the big league, where as the other is cool in the kind of way that harks back to Audi racing and rally heritage with it's short wheelbase coupe design and unmistakeable off beat engine note.

I know which one would appeal to me.

[auditt]

Anyone can buy the R8, the Sport Quattro isn´t for everyone. Only for the true connoisseurs! :)

[tailpipe]

If the Sport Quattro had rear seats, it would get the clear nod on my part. But since they are both strickly two seaters it is a tough choice! :thumb:

You had better start saving, then, Ben. No definite decision has been taken about interior layout yet, as far as I know. I believe there is an excellent chance that the Sport Quattro WILL get two small but usable rear seats to make it a 2+2. Limiting the production SQ to only two seats might reduce its appeal, since many potential buyers at this price point are likely to be married and have kids. Audi already has the very focused R8 with just two seats. Since achieving adequate sales volumes is a key part of the business case, I think excluding rear seats would be risky. Those of us who knew the original Quattro well, which had 4 seats, would not expect Audi to deviate from the original formula. Moreover, the SQ also makes up for a lacklustre RS5. Since it is also destined to use this car's interior as well as sharing its running gear, I think it'll stick to the same layout. If you look at the photos on Fourtitude.com, showing the rear hatch open, you'll see there is definitely room for rear seats.

If Audi offered a standard SQ version as a 2+2, there is no reason why it couldn't also offer a stripped-out hardcore version as a track /rally car with a roll-cage, carbon fibre bucket seats, less weight and nearer 500 bhp. If you saw the SQ on Audi's Paris stand there was a model of just such a car.

Although rear legroom on any 2+2 would be tight (just like the TT), it should not be too uncomfortable, after all, the car is about the same size as a 3-door Golf or Scirocco, which both have more than adequate rear accommodation. It would definitely be four not five seats, due to the AWD transmission tunnel.

What is interesting about the SQ is that it may be a reinvention of two Audi icons, not one. It is certainly a modern interpretation of the original Quattro, but it may also represent the next incarnation of the TT, which has always been hamstrung by using the Golf platform. Using the RS5's chassis instead of the Golf's would make a future TT replacement much more credible versus the Cayman. Moving the TT upmarket also makes room for a junior Audi R4 below it.

Pure speculation on my part. But I will say this for sure: whatever the SQ comes with 2 or 4 seats, I'm getting one. my 3 kids can walk.

[Benman]

You had better start saving, then, Ben... Damn, really? Well that would give it the nudge over the R8 for me! :thumb:



"Anyone can buy the R8, the Sport Quattro isn´t for everyone. Only for the true connoisseurs!" To me, this generalization is not accurate. How can someone who prefers an R8 not be discerning? Just cause it does not have a retro look? Nah, come on, they are both awesome vehicles from Audi and for me at least, an incredibly difficult choice! :cheers:

Ben :addict:

[S6V10Avant]

I heard disappointing news that launch cannot be expected until 2013 @ Euro 200.000.. At such an exotic price that car should have been ready for launch next year, in my view.

[RXBG]

200K EU? that is Ferrari Italia Scuderia territory. the car would have to be made from CF and magnesium then. for that price performance would not be enough. it would have to look the part too- and though the car is modern and cool looking it is no exotic. sorry.

[Benman]

200K EU? that is Ferrari Italia Scuderia territory. the car would have to be made from CF and magnesium then. for that price performance would not be enough. it would have to look the part too- and though the car is modern and cool looking it is no exotic. sorry. I agree. Is it badass? HELL YEAH! Is it @ $250KUSD badass? Uhhmmm, not so sure...

[auditt]

I wouldn´t be surpriced if the price is somewhere around the Porsche GT3 RS. Similar performance and a small series car. The next gen. GT3 RS will probably hit the 200 000 Euro mark.

[S6V10Avant]

In my view the performance has to be upped in order to "justify" Euro 200.

[Joker]

I wouldn´t be surpriced if the price is somewhere around the Porsche GT3 RS. Similar performance and a small series car. The next gen. GT3 RS will probably hit the 200 000 Euro mark.

That would be a hell of an increase for the next GT3 RS to reach 200K, that's a 50K increase. Not saying it never happens but normally with each replacement model the increase is 1-2% but you get extra kit alone with the increase. Now that part is out of the way, do you really think it's possible for Audi to ask this much or expect it to be as focused as a GT3 RS when the R8v10 isn't that extreme.

I think you might be barking up the wrong tree.

[tailpipe]

There is no way, limited edition or not, that the Quattro Sport Concept will sell for €200,000.

I can see it being sold for €100,000 (which would be disappointing) but not for €200,000. It has neither the badge nor the hardware to support such a price-point. In fact, I think Audi could sell it for €50,000 or €60,000 and still make a profit. Here's the math: I think Audi could easily shift 5,000 SQs annually. Assume a production run lasting 6 years and that makes a total production run of 30,000. The car requires an investment of €450 million to bring it into production. Therefore, each car will cost around €17,000 to make.

Add selling, marketing and distribution costs of €3,000 per car and still you don't need to sell it for much more than €50,000 to make a handsome profit. If Audi sold 30,000 for €50,000 it would achieve €1.5 billion in revenues. That is a very attractive business as far as i am concerned.

We know there is a lot of interest among enthusiasts for the Sports Quattro. Potential buyers are the same people who bought the TT and we know what a success that has been - this too was anticipated to be niche car when it first appeared, which is why it was based on the Golf / A3 platform.

Audi knows that the more you charge, the fewer you sell. At €200,000 it may only sell 500 cars (€100 million in sales). At €50,000 it could sell 30,000 (€1.5 billion in sales. My figures may be completely wrong, but my arguments stack-up. So relax, guys. This car will sell for less than €100,000.

[darkop]

There is no way, limited edition or not, that the Quattro Sport Concept will sell for €200,000.

I can see it being sold for €100,000 (which would be disappointing) but not for €200,000. It has neither the badge nor the hardware to support such a price-point. In fact, I think Audi could sell it for €50,000 or €60,000 and still make a profit. Here's the math: I think Audi could easily shift 5,000 SQs annually. Assume a production run lasting 6 years and that makes a total production run of 30,000. The car requires an investment of €450 million to bring it into production. Therefore, each car will cost around €17,000 to make.

Add selling, marketing and distribution costs of €3,000 per car and still you don't need to sell it for much more than €50,000 to make a handsome profit. If Audi sold 30,000 for €50,000 it would achieve €1.5 billion in revenues. That is a very attractive business as far as i am concerned.

We know there is a lot of interest among enthusiasts for the Sports Quattro. Potential buyers are the same people who bought the TT and we know what a success that has been - this too was anticipated to be niche car when it first appeared, which is why it was based on the Golf / A3 platform.

Audi knows that the more you charge, the fewer you sell. At €200,000 it may only sell 500 cars (€100 million in sales). At €50,000 it could sell 30,000 (€1.5 billion in sales. My figures may be completely wrong, but my arguments stack-up. So relax, guys. This car will sell for less than €100,000.
Am 100% sure you're gonna be right!
:hahahehe:

[auditt]

Still don´t agree. Sorry :) . It will never be cheaper then the RS5 or even the same price. Thats not just realistic to even consider. It will be far more expensive. It will have exotic materials and it will be produced in a much different way from big series cars. (Probably not being built by Audi or Quattro GMBH. I'm guessing Italdesign.)
I also think that even if its possible for Audi to produce and sell these cars in large numbers they will not. This car will be exclusive, it will be exepensive and it will not be a Scirocco R. Audis goal is a 911 killer that will help the brand to be more exclusive.
I also think that this car will only be sold duringa a year or less. Just like the RS models.

[Joker]

Still don´t agree. Sorry :) . It will never be cheaper then the RS5 or even the same price. Thats not just realistic to even consider. It will be far more expensive. It will have exotic materials and it will be produced in a much different way from big series cars. (Probably not being built by Audi or Quattro GMBH. I'm guessing Italdesign.)
I also think that even if its possible for Audi to produce and sell these cars in large numbers they will not. This car will be exclusive, it will be exepensive and it will not be a Scirocco R. Audis goal is a 911 killer that will help the brand to be more exclusive.
I also think that this car will only be sold duringa a year or less. Just like the RS models.

I don't for one minute think that was the point Tailpipe was making, only that the numbers could be shown that such a case could be made profittable. This car needs to sit between the RS5 and the R8, it's more exclusive and special than the RS5 but not exotic enough to warrant being priced above the R8 in any form.

In case none of you have noticed the Audi supercar isn't called RS but R, which in my mind means it's a level above, with the RS occuping the position of modified mainstream models just like what BMW and Mercedes do with their M and AMG. Different cars at a different price bracket and the QS has too much of the RS dna to be able to ask silly money.

[tailpipe]

Thanks, Joker. yes. You're right. :hey:

But, to clarify, I wasn't saying that the Sports Quattro is going to cost less than an RS5. Rather, that if Audi wanted to, they could make it and sell it for less than the RS5 and still make a profit.

My UK dealer, from whom I have ordered an RS3 and 'registered my interest' in the Sports Quattro, tells me that Audi UK expects the SQ to come in under €100,000. As you say, Joker, it should be priced at more than an RS5 but less than an R8. If the Sports Quattro costs €450 million to bring into production and Audi sells it for €100,000, they only need to sell 4,500 to break even. I think they could sell 10,000 easily and possibly many more.

So my point is simply that i don't expect the Sports Quattro to cost €200,000. I do expect it to be very special and to be made with exotic materials. I am pretty sure you're right, auditt, when you say Italdesign will produce it.

This debate here on RS6.com is very interesting. I suspect that Audi itself is having just the same discussion behind closed doors: should this car be a mainstream model or limited edition special? What should it cost? Who should make it? How exotic should it be? And, perhaps most important of all, where should it fit within the overall VW brand portfolio rather than just within Audi's own line-up?

Given the visual similarity between the Sports Quattro and the R4/ e-tron concepts (based on the VW Bluesport rear mid-engine sports car concept) that were shown earlier, it is hard not see a certain overlap between the two models. You could put the the 5-cylinder 2.5 engine in the back of the R4 and have a car that was as quick as a Sports Quattro costing half as much. So, will the Sports Quattro be hurt by the R4 and where does this leave the next generation TT and the R8? The need to have a blanced range of cars with each offering certain advantages is that mid-range models can look expensive or under-equipped if you get the formula wrong. Get it right and you can marginalise models above and below it in price. When you try to be all things to all men, you can end up being bland or undifferentiated. The car business is very competitive, very unforgiving and very hard to stay on top.

Given the risks of product overlap. I mean who would buy an RS5 if they could buy a Sports Quattro for €10,000-€20,000 more? So, auditt, you could be right. There is a chance that Audi will only make 500 or 1,000. At this stage, there are only three certainties:

1. Styling of R4/ e-tron / Sports Quattro will make into production in one form or another
2. We can expect to see more of the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine and the longitudinal transmission of the S4/ S5/ RS5
3. There is massive demand for a a proper Quattro replacement

It would be nice to see all this in a car costing €50,000. The TT-RS would be that car if it didn't use the Golfs platform and Haldex AWD. The RS5 would be that car if it used the 5-cylinder engine in a much lighter body. Neither the TT nor the A5 can cut it, because the Sports Quattro has immediately made their styling look boring and dated. So, what I'm saying here is that a mainstream Quattro replacement represents a significant new mainstream model for Audi with potentially awesome profits. Why blow it by only making 500 units? :vhmmm:

I've always regarded the Audi Quattro as the thinking man's 911 (apologies to Fab). :harass:

I can't wait for it to return. I'll pay 911 money for it, but not Ferrari figures. :applause:

Basta.

[Fab]

Sorry Tailpipe but I do not understand what you mean on your sentence dedicated to me. My english is not perfect... Thanks for clarifying...

Fab

[tailpipe]

Sorry Tailpipe but I do not understand what you mean on your sentence dedicated to me. My english is not perfect... Thanks for clarifying...

Fab

Dear Fab,

My comment 'thinking man's 911' is a joke at your expense, implying that any sane or intelligent person would never buy a 911!!!! (Engine in wrong place, design unchanged for 40 years, engine sounds agricultural, etc, etc.) The truth that 1980s versions of the Porsche could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. More than a few less skilled drivers had accidents when their enthusiasm exceeded their ability. In fact, many ex-Porsche 911 owners bought Audi Quattros instead.

I respect your choice of a Porsche 911, but it is not a car I would ever like to own. Ultimately, buying any car is about emotion and emotionally the 911 doesn't excite me.

By the way, I think your English is excellent as are your contributions. But if we can't tease one another about our choice of car, especially when it is not an Audi, well then it would be a boring forum. Cheers! :cheers:

[Fab]

Thanks for your kind clarification. I understood it was a joke dedicated to me but could really get it (eventhough I guessed the basic message).

I am more than happy to have any kind of couversation here as many of us which makes it so interesting. It would be a pitty to start being pissed off as soon as we start "criticising intelligently". I know you do not like the 911 like many others. As I said in the past on another subject : you love it or hate it this has been true for 40 years.

Coming back to the dangerousity of the 911 due to its "back pack" this is true but has been very much diminished with the car's evolution. This is fear for some and excitment and challenge for others, depends how you look at it. And once you understand well how all this package function then this is magic (I am not there yet). This simply means that the 911 is a DRIVER car and not a fast, well planted with natural understeer patern which gives to 95% of the drivers and feel for security.

I do not want to make a too long reply as this is not the topic... but happy to continue on a more adequate one.

Cheers

Fab

[auditt]

Given the risks of product overlap. I mean who would buy an RS5 if they could buy a Sports Quattro for €10,000-€20,000 more? So, auditt, you could be right. There is a chance that Audi will only make 500 or 1,000. At this stage, there are only three certainties:

1. Styling of R4/ e-tron / Sports Quattro will make into production in one form or another
2. We can expect to see more of the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine and the longitudinal transmission of the S4/ S5/ RS5
3. There is massive demand for a a proper Quattro replacement

It would be nice to see all this in a car costing €50,000. The TT-RS would be that car if it didn't use the Golfs platform and Haldex AWD. The RS5 would be that car if it used the 5-cylinder engine in a much lighter body. Neither the TT nor the A5 can cut it, because the Sports Quattro has immediately made their styling look boring and dated. So, what I'm saying here is that a mainstream Quattro replacement represents a significant new mainstream model for Audi with potentially awesome profits. Why blow it by only making 500 units? :vhmmm:

I've always regarded the Audi Quattro as the thinking man's 911 (apologies to Fab). :harass:

I can't wait for it to return. I'll pay 911 money for it, but not Ferrari figures. :applause:

Basta.

I agree with almost everything. Very true. The only thing that contradicts is Italdesign as a producer of many cars. Their speciality is small series cars. If Italdesign will make the Sport Quattro I´m guessing no more then 1000 cars. If Audi wants to make alot of cars they would do so themselves.

And as an input in the 911 debate :) I have put out my 997 GT3 RS for sale. I want the Sport Quattro instead! The 911 GT3RS is a trackday drivers dream but Jeremy Clarksson has a point - its a 40 year old car. :) (yes I know -63)
Audi ! Please don´t disapoint me. I´m hoping that the Sport Quattro will be a trackday drivers WET dream! :D

[Lmg]

Something interesting just came up... (http://www.audipassion.com/news/666/51/Scoop-photos-et-details-du-moteur-de-l-Audi-quattro-Concept/)

[Joker]

The engine still appears to be mounted mostly ahead of the front axle, I would love to know just how nose heavy Audi intend the production model to be. You would think with the use of so much exotic materials that they could for once balance the weight more evenly and give this car a fighting chance at greatness.

[The Pretender]

I doubt the car will do well in Euro NCAP with the way it look under the bonnet.

[Ruergard]

I doubt the car will do well in Euro NCAP with the way it look under the bonnet.

You might be right about that... But it sooooooo good looking. :D

[S6V10Avant]

Bring it on, can we hope for 2011 ?

[RXBG]

that is FRONT heavy. it is a concept. not sure what audi is thinking. they might make it longer the way they did the R8 vs the le mans quattro concept.

[The Pretender]

I would not be surprised if the A5/S5/RS5 will look a lot like this after the facelift.

[tailpipe]

With the hood up, it sure looks like a lot of metal in a small car. I also noticed that the engine is mounted well forward and above the front axle. I believe this is because the 2.5 lire 5-cylinder engine is longer than either the S4's 3.0-litre V6 or the S5's 4.2 litre V8.

[darkop]

The engine still appears to be mounted mostly ahead of the front axle, I would love to know just how nose heavy Audi intend the production model to be. You would think with the use of so much exotic materials that they could for once balance the weight more evenly and give this car a fighting chance at greatness.


that is FRONT heavy. it is a concept. not sure what audi is thinking. they might make it longer the way they did the R8 vs the le mans quattro concept.

Due to a longitudinal engine/transmission placement required for the ''torsen'' (read real ''quattro) configuration we will NEVER see front axle being placed completely forward( read - in front of the engine block). Current configuration of now all models is the closest you can get in that sense (engine sits on top if not slightly in front of an engine block). If you want different, go for electronically controlled central diff found in other mainly RWD cars (BMW ''X'', Mercs ''4-matic, etc) or rear engined sports cars which use viscous coupling, but THAT my friends will never be the pure mechanical quattro!
Cheers

[Joker]

Due to a longitudinal engine/transmission placement required for the ''torsen'' (read real ''quattro) configuration we will NEVER see front axle being placed completely forward( read - in front of the engine block). Current configuration of now all models is the closest you can get in that sense (engine sits on top if not slightly in front of an engine block). If you want different, go for electronically controlled central diff found in other mainly RWD cars (BMW ''X'', Mercs ''4-matic, etc) or rear engined sports cars which use viscous coupling, but THAT my friends will never be the pure mechanical quattro!
Cheers

I agree, when Audi went to the expense and effort to gain only 150mm then chances are this is it's absolute limit of improvement possible. Because of this I've often wondered if Audi will ever drop torsen awd in a purpose of a better balance chassis and if they do then what is the options open to them?

I don't think anyone other than BMW will deny that Torsen is the ultimate awd system but there are some limitations with it like the one mentioned here.

[darkop]

Am very doubtful as Audi invested millions in developing differentials that fit with torsen (crown diff lately) to ditch all of that in favor of becoming just another ''BMW'' or whatever... Audi should stay that - a leader in 4WD technology.

[tailpipe]

Am very doubtful as Audi invested millions in developing differentials that fit with torsen (crown diff lately) to ditch all of that in favor of becoming just another ''BMW'' or whatever... Audi should stay that - a leader in 4WD technology.

The packaging of Torsen has long been an issue for Audi. Indeed, the entire front wheel drive versus rear wheel drive debate has been an even bigger problem for Ingolstadt. It is almost certain that Audi would invest in a radical new AWD solution if it weren't for the advent of future vehicle technologies. Whether tomorrow's cars use hydrogen fuel cells or some other advanced fuel, electric engines are likely to power most new cars from 2020 onwards if not before. Electric motors are so small and light, you can place one at each wheel and have the most perfect Quattro system ever conceived. With batteries and other mechanicals mounted between the axles, you'll have perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Have no doubt, this is coming.

In the meantime, Haldex is not as good as Torsen, but it's a million miles better than it was. The electronics are so sophisticated now. So you can still buy a short wheelbase RS model: the RS3 and TT-RS!

:-)

[Joker]

The packaging of Torsen has long been an issue for Audi. Indeed, the entire front wheel drive versus rear wheel drive debate has been an even bigger problem for Ingolstadt. It is almost certain that Audi would invest in a radical new AWD solution if it weren't for the advent of future vehicle technologies. Whether tomorrow's cars use hydrogen fuel cells or some other advanced fuel, electric engines are likely to power most new cars from 2020 onwards if not before. Electric motors are so small and light, you can place one at each wheel and have the most perfect Quattro system ever conceived. With batteries and other mechanicals mounted between the axles, you'll have perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Have no doubt, this is coming.

In the meantime, Haldex is not as good as Torsen, but it's a million miles better than it was. The electronics are so sophisticated now. So you can still buy a short wheelbase RS model: the RS3 and TT-RS! :-)

I have to agree with your logic here, hybrid technology is in it's infancy and as the shortage of oil demands more radical solutions then the need to push the development of electric motors and batteries farther will see the size reducing and efficiency increasing of these things to the point where conventional quattro systems are deemed unnecessary. I'm actually surprised that Audi haven't shown a more convertional model with full electric quattro system combining a modest diesel engine which charges the batteries that power the electric motors in each wheel which do the actual propulsion.<style> qtl { position: absolute; border: 1px solid #cccccc; -moz-border-radius: 5px; opacity: 0.2; line-height: 100%; z-index: 999; direction: ltr; } qtl:hover,qtl.open { opacity: 1; } qtl,qtlbar { height: 22px; } qtlbar { display: block; width: 100%; background-color: #cccccc; cursor: move; } qtlbar img { border: 0; padding: 3px; height: 16px; width: 16px; cursor: pointer; } qtlbar img:hover { background-color: #aaaaff; } qtl>iframe { border: 0; height: 0; width: 0; } qtl.open { height: auto; } qtl.open>iframe { height: 200px; width: 300px; } </style><qtl style="display: block; left: 481px; top: 315px; width: 1px; height: 1px;" class=""> <iframe name="content"></iframe> </qtl>

[Benman]

I'd also agree with Tailpipe's logic seeing as the tech is already in use:

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/environment/e/miev.html

[auditt]

Has anyone heard any news or rumors!? Please let me hear som good news! The lack of info is killing me! :cry:

[The Pretender]

@ this point it's all up in the air.