A5 Minivan and SUV idea

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

	Rumors: I have heard that the upcoming Audi minivan will be badged the A7.
I have heard conflicting rumors that the minivan will be based on the A
chassis car. This includes the A3, new Golf and Jetta. The rumor is that VW
will have a minivan too.
	As for my A5 minivan idea, I had suggested a minivan based on the Bchassis
in long and short wheelbase (A4 and A6 lengths). I had also proposed
quattro as an option accompanied by a possible suspension that raises the
vehicle giving it clearance.
	As for an Audi SUV, I like others am against it. Not only does everyone
and their brother build one, and direct competitors from Bimmer and Merc
Benz are on the way, but also for logistical purposes. It would be cheaper
to build an SUV based on the Bchassis than develop a new truck chassis,
which could not be successfully marketed IMHO. Engine tuning is another big
deal. Audi has car engines and SUV owners do tend to tow boats etc as
someone pointed out. While capable of the feat, longevity of engines and
complicated quattro system would be compromised.
	This thread of idea has included the SUV idea, but I believe for Audi the
best choice would be the minivan. 
	As for the RS version by Porsche, and why Porsche would want to as Linus
Toy asked....especially in times when they are at capacity for building
Boxsters and 911s remains to be seen. The Porsche SUV based on the new Merc
Benz has been axed by MB and not Porsche. Also Porsche has been considering
a minivan project for quite some time. I personally view it as a distinct
possibility on the new rumored vans. Remember the Porsche tuned VW sharan
in some autoshow last year. It could happen.
	Later-G