Audi Product Idea: A5 Minvan

["George S Achorn III" <coolidge@nicom.com>]

	I've had this minivan idea swimming around in my head for a while and
wanted to share it with you all in hopes there's an Audi Corporate lurker
on the list. Here it goes.
	The A5 is an idea for an upmarket minivan. As of right now the only other
member of this automotive segment is the Chrysler Town and Country and
maybe the Mercury Villager on a stretch. Audi could build a minivan based
on the B Chassis vehicles (A4, new A6 and new Passat). Like Chrysler (the
leader by far in this segment) a range could be built. A short wheelbase
based on the A4/Passat chassis, dubbed the A5. On the longer A6 chassis
could be a long wheelbase A5L (L for long). A range of engines from a TDI
(no one makes a diesel minivan currently) to a 2.8 could be offered. The V8
even fits the chassis, so a V8 A5L Ouattro would be the only serious luxury
minivan. I read in Autoweek that Ford is working on their first V8
Windstar. Audi could beat them to the punch.
	The A5 would be the only seriously upmarket minivan out there. NO ONE else
in the luxury segment builds one. Audi is definitely upmarket from the
Chrysler line of cars. Unlike Chrysler the Quattro system has a great
reputation, and they use great high quality materials like real wood
(Chrysler's comes with the plastic stuff). Unlike Pontiac's TransSport
Montana (SUV wannabe), it would actually have 4wd. 
	VW could build a swb VR5 version and call it the Vanagon or something.
	On the S side of things a sport version again would be a first to the
market, another novelty. As for Porsche looking to get into minvans, this
would be a perfect start. An RS5 would be an incredible toy for a family
seriously on the go. Imagine an A5 minivan with big Porsche brake calipers,
911 rims and bumper styling that would outrun alot of serious sports cars.
I would think that would seriously be in the spirit of the original RS2.
	Audi should start by tearing apart a Chrysler minivan along with the
Windstar and others. Even better would be a US factory for Bchassis cars
that could build the world supply of Audi/VW minivans along with American
spec Passats and A4s to make them more price competitive. BMW did it in
Spartansburg. Also look at the choices VWs Puebla plant gave us in A
chassis cars. I have more Jetta Models than I could have ever chosen from
in the past. We could also fill VWs ships headed back to Europe with
minivans. And it might make the RS4 and possibly an A4 coupe a possibility,
with more choices available directly from a US plant. As for location, how
about Southern PA or MD, using the port of Baltimore. Honda does it, Toyota
does it, why can't VWAG do it?
	That's my soapbox, so until Audi hires me for product planning, you'll all
have to listen to me rant and rave.
	Later,
	George Achorn
	coolidge@nicom.com

	'94 Jetta GLX
	'93 Corrado SLC
	'93 90 CS (Sister's)
If I could afford it, One of em would be an A4 1.8TQ