Concept sketches of a five-door Audi A4 have been floating around for years, but the Audi Roadjet concept shown at the
2006 Detroit Motor Show is proof that Audi is committed to adding such a vehicle to the next-generation A4's line-up.
Although this new concept has a 2+2+baby-seat configuration, expect a regular five-passenger setup in the production model. While the exterior hints at the ever-evolving Audi design language, the interior is a radical departure, segregating many driver controls to the horizontal plane between the front seats. The 300bhp, 3.2-litre V6, now longitudinally mounted, and the new seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox should also make it into the next A4. This could signal the possibility of rear-wheel drive for future Audis.
John LeBlanc - 16 Jan 2006