Re: Audi of America Dream Lineup

[Terry Moore <terrydm@mindspring.com>]

At 08:11 PM 1/27/97 -0500, you wrote:

I'm easy I would be happy with an A6 with a V8.  (S6)

Terry

96 A6Q

>Reiner Wrote:
>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.
>