Re: Audi of America Dream Lineup

[Linus Toy <linust@mindspring.com>]

At 12:06 PM 1/29/97 -0500, George S Achorn III wrote:
>BMWoA  Engine and Tranny Choices:
>840 Ci, 850ci, 750iL, 740iL, 740i , 540i, 528i, M3 Coupe, M3 Sedan, 328i
>sedan, 318i sedan, 328is coupe, 318is coupe, 318ti compact, 328iC
>cabriolet, 318iC cabriolet, Z3 2.8, Z3 1.9

ok, i omitted the Z3 (2).  so the 8's are available again?  for awhile, they
were gone, and the 7's were only available in L(ong wb).  haven't really
kept up on the Munchen products lately...

>setups. I know you can add in another 11 models on 3 series stick shift
>cars and if the 5 get's manual as well that's another 2. I'm guessing 7 and

remember, i omitted the slush option in my combination counts, even though
that IS another emission test cycle

>AoA Engine and Tranny Choices:
>A4 2.8, A4 1.8T, A6 2.8, A6 Avant 2.8, A8 3.2, A8 4.?. When you count stick
>shift they all get it except the A8 so that is a whopping 10 different
>current setups. I bet bimmer is shaking in thier boots. If you count

Wait a minute--you've shortened your list here from your original Dream
Line.  This may be their current US product line, but your original post was
for many many more models (A3, A5, S4, S6, ...etc).  stick to your story
there if you want to keep making the same comparisons.

>develop anyway). Also not Porsche could foot some of the bill federalizing
>RS cars if they are to be sold also through Porsche dealers. 

i don't know why Porsche would want to do that...their sales are already up
big time with the 993 and production capacity is booked solid on the Boxster
for the next couple years.  

>>  Ain't gonna happen that way.  Given that these models would 
>> be unique to the N. American market, Audi's current sales levels 
>> in N. America, they'll never
>
>Why would they limit the models to the US only. I bet Europe, South Africa
>and Japan would be chomping at the bit for Audi variations...even the
>dreaded minivan which looks like it'll see the light of day regardless. I

My point is not that these cars would be limited to the US only, but in
order to sell them in US-spec trim, they would have to develop a build-spec
for a car that would see a market only in the US.  In this price range, US
buyers (maybe not a lot of us on the list) have certain expectations--i.e.
fully loaded (don't forget the cup-holder) cars with A/C and power
seats--not a lot of market for these cars outside the U.S.  (before our
overseas listers get all upset, pls keep in mind some of us do use our cars
for Seattle-Los Angeles or San Francisco to Chicago trips--a few miles)

US-spec means passing NHTSA/FMVSS (crash & safety) and EPA (emission) regs
for the car, _as it will be equipped here in the US_, not as it is sold
elsewhere.  despite the body/chassis similarities, there are minute but
significant part differences in some cars from the US to RoW (go compare the
spec on the rear shocks for a US '91 200q vs. RoW)  and don't forget bumper
standards, lights (oops--didn't mean to go there), glass, radio (am station
separation), seat belt/airbag configuations, speedometer markings, tires
with DOT stamps, catalyst, etc.  

>buck. I can see that, but I do not understand why there is emphasis on
>bringing in cars that will not bring in a mainstream image like the A4
>Avant. 

perhaps it is we (listmembers) projecting ourselves as Audi's target market.
I have a hunch Audi sees their market as significantly different from this
list (my wife thinks we're all a bit cracked--she's right, but its still
worth it all to me--thanks Dan!)

>You can bet VW will build a Passat Station wagon and in the station
>wagon market at that level price is the name of the game. Wagon owners are
>not as image concious as Sedan owners. It is really easy to see the
>possibility of the Passat wagon cannibalizing the A4 Avant. The Passat will
>cost the same but will be bigger and based on the A6. Hmmmm.

Perhaps.  Remember that Wagons carry the image of suburban rug-rat
haulers/grocery-gitters (sorry Peter H, but it does fit, right?).  again, i
don't think that's the market Audi necessarily thinks they want (despite our
thinking otherwise).  VW/Audi have gone this road once before with the
Quantum synchro wagon/4000csq sedan siblings.  

>I just prefer Audi like you all. What I don't like about BMW is the
>pretentiousness of ownership.

but that isn't BMW's fault.  

OK.  enough for the night.  last day of Lotusphere tomorrow - it is much
warmer here than at home!
--linus
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* linus toy                       email:  linust@mindspring.com      *
* mercer island, wa                                                  *
*                                                                    *
*             The obscure we eventually see,                         *
*             the completely obvious, it seems, takes longer.        *
*                               - Edward R. Murrow                   *
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