Audi TC

[Greg Johnson]

  From the new Autoweek . . . .

AUDIS NEXT SHOW-stopper can be thought of as a TT-like 2+2 coupe with
A8 underpinnings. The car, built to go up against the forthcoming
Mercedes E-Class coupe and BMW 6 Series, could make its debut at Geneva
in March and may be on streets by 2006. The project, code-named TC
(Touring Coupe), is under development as part of a niche product program
initiated under Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn. The TC is designed with
a bold grille treatmenta feature Audi officials say will become an
integral part of all future Audi models, to present a more sporting
image. The interior will share much of whats seen in the A8 as well as
adopt Audis multimedia interface, similar to BMWs iDrive electronic
controls. Like the A8, the car employs a lightweight aluminum space
frame and body shell. Expect a 245-hp V6 and 335-hp V8 to be offered
initially. A 500-hp twin-turbo V8, as seen in Audis Pikes Peak concept
in Detroit, should arrive 18 months later. No mater the engine, all
models will come either front-wheel drive or quattro. Audi plans on
selling 15,000 annually, but a cabriolet version developed by open-top
specialist Karmann could boost production numbers.

Greg J
BIRA.ORG