Audi set to unveil concept sports car to rival Porsche 911
By LUCA CIFERRI | Automotive News Europe
BOLOGNA, Italy - Audi will unveil a concept sports car intended to compete against the Porsche 911 at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
Audi Chairman Martin Winterkorn confirmed that the car will use an aluminum space frame derived from the one that Audi is building in Neckarsum, Germany, for the new Lamborghini Gallardo.
But the Audi won't use the Gallardo's new 5.0-liter V-10 engine. Within the Volkswagen group, "we have many choices of engines, from eight to 12 cylinders,'' Winterkorn said here at ceremonies marking the 40th anniversary of Lamborghini, which is owned by Audi AG.
The high-performance Audi coupe has been one of two priorities for Winterkorn since he was promoted in April 2002 to head the sporty-brand division of VW's Seat, Audi and Lamborghini brands.
"My priorities for the Audi brand are to enhance its sporty image with a crossover car and a sports car that is above our current TT but below the forthcoming small Lamborghini," Winterkorn said at the Geneva show in March.
These are niches that Audi of America Inc. wants to fill to compete better with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States. With those additions and others, such as the entry-level Audi A3 next year, Audi wants to double its U.S. sales over the next six years. In 2002, Audi's U.S. sales were 85,726 .
The Gallardo, often referred to as the "baby Diablo," will be introduced this year.
At the Detroit auto show in January, Audi unveiled its vision for a crossover vehicle, called the Pikes Peak.
The concept, which is close to the production version, is due to arrive in 2005 at a worldwide volume of 30,000 a year.
By LUCA CIFERRI | Automotive News Europe
BOLOGNA, Italy - Audi will unveil a concept sports car intended to compete against the Porsche 911 at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
Audi Chairman Martin Winterkorn confirmed that the car will use an aluminum space frame derived from the one that Audi is building in Neckarsum, Germany, for the new Lamborghini Gallardo.
But the Audi won't use the Gallardo's new 5.0-liter V-10 engine. Within the Volkswagen group, "we have many choices of engines, from eight to 12 cylinders,'' Winterkorn said here at ceremonies marking the 40th anniversary of Lamborghini, which is owned by Audi AG.
The high-performance Audi coupe has been one of two priorities for Winterkorn since he was promoted in April 2002 to head the sporty-brand division of VW's Seat, Audi and Lamborghini brands.
"My priorities for the Audi brand are to enhance its sporty image with a crossover car and a sports car that is above our current TT but below the forthcoming small Lamborghini," Winterkorn said at the Geneva show in March.
These are niches that Audi of America Inc. wants to fill to compete better with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States. With those additions and others, such as the entry-level Audi A3 next year, Audi wants to double its U.S. sales over the next six years. In 2002, Audi's U.S. sales were 85,726 .
The Gallardo, often referred to as the "baby Diablo," will be introduced this year.
At the Detroit auto show in January, Audi unveiled its vision for a crossover vehicle, called the Pikes Peak.
The concept, which is close to the production version, is due to arrive in 2005 at a worldwide volume of 30,000 a year.
At about 3200 lbs, my speculation was way off.
