There's no sign of let up in Audi's new model offensive. Just today Audi announced the production of a new Audi Q5, A5 and S3 all to be built in Ingolstadt by 2008.
First to market will be the three-door Audi S3, with a likely launch at the
Paris Motor Show this September. Note that's not 'RS3', so there is still room for an even more extreme version in the range if the S3 proves popular. It is likely that the S3 will feature the latest quattro drivetrain, including the rear-biased torque split (as tested recently in the
Audi RS4). A tuned 2-litre engine will probably be under the bonnet featuring turbocharging and direct injection (FSI in Audi-speak) and about 260bhp, putting the S3 into direct competition with the
VW Golf R32. Of course, if Audi wanted to be unpredictable it could fit a high-powered V6 instead.
Just as exciting as the new hot hatch is a coupe based on the next A4 floorpan. Audi will name this car the A5 Coupe and it should go head to head with the all-new
BMW 3 Series Coupe. Raises the mouth watering prospect of an RS5, to take on the next BMW M3...
Last, but certainly not least in terms of sales will be a new SUV loosely based on the
Roadjet concept shown in
Detroit this year. The new Audi Q5 will, according to Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, "be an overtly sporty vehicle" clearly with vehicles such as the BMW X3 in its sights.
With assistance from these new models, Audi is hoping to achieve sales of 1.4 million vehicles per year by 2015.
Shane O' Donoghue - 19 May 2006