Re: Audi of America Dream Lineup

[siegfried <sdoerrer@ix.netcom.com>]

Audi of America are you monitoring this list?

I definitely think Audi needs an M3-killer, but RS4 could be overkill, 
especially if is seems that audi needs to borrow porsche-engineering.  I 
think audi is seen to have plenty of turbo experience to produce a 30v 
twin turbo A4 to get the job done.

I think a minivan would deteriotate audi image - are they actually doing 
it?  As far as I have seen, people seem to buy minivans beacuse its a 
vehicle that they can use, and not worry too much about abusing.  
Frankly, I don't see german-made minvans making it as they are too 
high-cachet (except for the eurovan).  However, maybe the A6/S6 could 
use more "outback" features plus children-specific stuff (no sliding 
doors, though)

I also think that for a flagship that audi could use a semi-supercar as 
in the acura nsx (bring back the AVUS!).  I agree that the TT shoudl be 
offered as a roadster only (the coupe should at least have a rag-top). I 
think the TT will do fairly well, probably seen as a super-bug to the 
upcoming VW product.

Generally, I don't think Audi should stray too far from the VW image.  I 
think there's alot of VW buyers who are saving for an audi. Also, I 
think people are starting to view audi as a lower cost front/four drive 
alt. to the bmw 3-5/mb c280.  I still think audi has a long way to go in 
terms of dealer support and quality-control.

I think the A8 is neat but not attractive to a US audience.

To summarize, I think we need:

-	A3/S3
-	twin turbo 30V A-4q 5-speed/Tiptronic ($36k-$40k)
-	TT roadster 1.8T only/tiptronic ($25K)
-	AVUS-like supercar ($$$)
-	S6/S6 Avant ($50-$60k w/ minivan features for the rad soccer 
moms)
-	Dramatic improvement of customer support