Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro - Topless, Matchless, Limitless
Tuesday, January 1st, 2008If you are a SUV enthusiast, then a longitudinal engine mounting is less likely to grab your attention; more so, when the chassis and the drive-train architectures are based on an automobile’s previous generation models. But then again, we are talking about Audi and that should be enough to make you throw away your bunny slippers and put on your steel-toes. The Audi concept (either ways), by itself, is that influential and I, a part of the crowd at the Los Angeles Auto Show, couldn’t think otherwise after seeing the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept.
Now, while the handsome ladies and the beautiful gentlemen were going head-over-heels on the Audi’s open-top feature, a few others and I (plain-looks folks) started peeping under the hood and started planning how to spend the night under the Cabriolet Quattro. The Audi representative got the whiff somehow and with great pleasure, started explaining this two-door, four-seat 4.62 meters baby from the point where others left. What follows is a summary of all the nonsense we asked and the explanations that he delivered with great patience.
“Think this car to combine the genes of all the typical, dynamic soft-top Audi convertibles with that of the most prominent SUV-s of today. It’s muscular; it’s powerful, but it also comprises the Audi elegance to make you feel comfortable in every aspect of life, irrespective of whether you are going out for the weekend night with your friends or driving to some distant place with a Just Married poster attached to the back.” “All right” – I interrupted – “Let’s hear about the tech stuff.” And he gave me back a frown.
“Sir, this one has a 240 bhp, longitudinally mounted six-cylinder, 3.0L TDI engine” – came the stark reply – “And we guarantee an ultra-low emission level of the EU 6 standard.” I figured out that part – something this provocative must have that as the minimum criteria - if I get to find myself a place behind the steering wheel, God knows who shall wear out whom. “But anyway, I have to install something that cuts the emissions out furthermore” – I thought – “I hate getting the tickets.” Only if I knew what awaits.
“Now, Sir, the new Audi comprises a permanent four-wheel-drive system” and I immediately remembered the Just Married part. “Shall extra wide tires increase the traction for an extra safety?” – That was my immediate question and I was so pleased that everyone took a note of that (one of the mesmerized complimented me later). “The chassis has been built by incorporating a new technology using an electric ride-height adjustment. If you prefer the off-roads, then this is your passport to every terrain and curve-radius that’s imaginable.”
I tried to recall if I’ve heard about this engine before. “Seems to be a new one” – I thought before asking for the torque. “Only 500 Nm” – came the prompt reply “but it shall take you at least a hundred kilometers on 7 liters of diesel. This is where our current emissions reduction system comes into play” – he continued as if he was nosing-out – “along with the tip-tronic transmission and a common-rail direct fuel injection system.” Ok, that’s why the torque, and he considers it only. But then again, he was reading our minds; 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds can still be a lot better, especially with an eight-speed automatic transmission system.
But what came a surprise to us all is the mention of the technical breakthrough - the exhaust aftertreatment system. That means there will be less nitrogen compounds leaving the engine. “Do you still guarantee an uncompromising sports characteristics?” I never heard a more challenging but positive reply so far.
