Re: Audi Product Idea: A5 Minvan

[shields@tembel.org (Michael Shields)]

> 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.

I don't think they could -- an entirely new model wouldn't be out within
the century, while Ford just has to figure out how to bolt an existing
engine design into an *existing* model.

> 	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. 

It would be a nice idea, but would it be profitable?  If Audi came out
with this tomorrow and it accounted for 20% of their sales, wouldn't
that be about 3000 units?  US sales alone won't make it fly.

Would it sell in their home market, where they have a much larger
market share?  A minivan's terrible aerodynamics would be bad for both
top speed and fuel economy.

And, if it did sell, would it be at the expense of the wagons?  If so,
you're not gaining all that much, and taking the large risk of developing
a new model.

> 	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.

And like the RS2, we'd never see it here.
-- 
Shields.