Audi of America Dream Lineup

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

Reiner Wrote:

>Ahmen brother! Someone asked how the TT will do in the US, and I say
>poorly... too much competition from the Boxster, Z3, Miata, etc. If AoA
>would pull their heads out of the sand, they would see what Audi buyers
>REALLY want is an A4 2.8L 30-valve twin turbo, which puts out ~265bph,
>and comes in BOTH 4 door and _coupe_ flavors. Also as a list of options
>on the car: sports suspension, sports seats, and 17" wheels, rear
>spoiler, etc. Anyone else agree with me in pleading with Audi to import
>the upcomming A4 based S4 to the US?

Partially Agreed. An S4 is a necessary part of an successful American
linup, but you got me to thinking. What Audi needs is image cars. What they
are attempting with the TTs is a relatively cheap car (based on VW "A"
chassis i.e. Golf, Jetta etc) and selling it at a significant markup around
$30K. They want their image car to be profitable too.
	I guarantee you that Chrysler is not making ANY money on the aluminum
Prowler and very little on Vipers, but what those cars have done for the
company is priceless. Bimmers M cars are the same thing. Audi needs S and
hopefully RS cars to build their performance image. Even square old volvo
has the 850R.
	Before I get off the subject let me get back on my original thread. Here
is my idea of what Audi should sell in the US market and never mind what
they say about not being able to sell Americans hatchbacks.

A3 - sell a 2 door hatchback version to combat the 318ti. Do not sell a
notchback, it'll hurt the A4.
S3 - highly tuned 20V 1.8. Best part is Bimmer has no M3t
A4 - Sedan, Coupe, Avant and Cabriolet. Available with 2.8l, 1.8T and TDI
S4 - All versions with twin turbo 30V 2.8 and quattro standard. 16" wheels
with optional 17"
RS4 - Porsche tuned S4  with very firm suspension. Porsche 17" rims, brake
calipers, shifter knob and handbrake lever all in brushed aluminum. Limited
edition and sold through Porsche and Audi Dealers. 6 Speed tranny or
tiptronic.
A5 Minivan - 2.8l, 2.8 30V and TDI engine choices for short wheelbase A4
based van. Long wheel base based on A6 with all engine options.
S5 - 3.2 liter V8
RS5 - 4.0l V8 from top of line A8 with tiptronic transmission. Sell through
Porsche and Audi dealers.
A6 - 2.8, 2.8 30V, and TDI in Sedan and Avant form
S6 - same engines as S4, in both sedan and Avant
RS6 - 4.0l V8 from A8 top of line. Focus on firm ride and gearing, and not
on luxury. 6-speed manual or tiptronic. Sell through Porsche and Audi
Dealers.
A8 - current linup but focus on luxury. 
TTS - 1.8T quattro for $28K and TT 1.8 fwd for $25K . Only sell the
roadster.

That's the lineup I suggest. Follow Bimmer's M example and focus on making
crazy versions of Audi's already capable if not overpowered cars.
Developing new cars like the TT is not necessary. The Z3 is nice, but real
bimmer fans recognize the M3 over a Z3 any day. This is my suggestion. I
bet it would cost less to federalize existing bad ass powerplants than
developing all new cars and why do it? Audi already builds such great cars
more than capable of taking on high output.
LAter-G

PS What do you guys and girls think Audi should do for a US linup.