Autonews.com

BOLOGNA, Italy - Audi will unveil a concept sports car intended to compete against the Porsche 911 at the Frankfurt auto show in September.

Audi Chairman Martin Winterkorn confirmed that the car will use an aluminum space frame derived from the one that Audi is building in Neckarsum, Germany, for the new Lamborghini Gallardo.

But the Audi won't use the Gallardo's new 5.0-liter V-10 engine. Within the Volkswagen group, "we have many choices of engines, from eight to 12 cylinders,'' Winterkorn said here at ceremonies marking the 40th anniversary of Lamborghini, which is owned by Audi AG.

The high-performance Audi coupe has been one of two priorities for Winterkorn since he was promoted in April 2002 to head the sporty-brand division of VW's Seat, Audi and Lamborghini brands.

"My priorities for the Audi brand are to enhance its sporty image with a crossover car and a sports car that is above our current TT but below the forthcoming small Lamborghini," Winterkorn said at the Geneva show in March.

These are niches that Audi of America Inc. wants to fill to compete better with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States. With those additions and others, such as the entry-level Audi A3 next year, Audi wants to double its U.S. sales over the next six years. In 2002, Audi's U.S. sales were 85,726 .

The Gallardo, often referred to as the "baby Diablo," will be introduced this year.

At the Detroit auto show in January, Audi unveiled its vision for a crossover vehicle, called the Pikes Peak.

The concept, which is close to the production version, is due to arrive in 2005 at a worldwide volume of 30,000 a year.

 

I dont know wether they are going to based this on the Audi Nuvolari concept.

 

That was more of a GT than a sports car. Seemed like competition to the CL, not a 911.

Whatever it is, I'm guessing itll be mid engine and awd?

Also, isnt this kinda competing with yourself? Oh well.

 

I think its based of the Nuvolari concept. Kind of like Audi's answer to the upcoming BMW 6-series and MB's CLK class.

 

i see strategy behind that.. a win-win situation

 

I think VAG is going to end up killing itself. Too many luxury brands. They need to leave VW where it is as a brand, I find this move upmarket to be imbecilic. They should at least bring SEAT over to bring in the young customers... then I can finally get my hands on a Leon Cupra R. Either that or I gotta' bring one up from Mexico.

 

They sell Seats in Mexico? Weird...didn't know that. But I agree, moving VW upmarket is going to be a mistake for VW. I think most of their growth they enjoyed the last few years came mostly from its trendy image from the New Beetle (which then had a halo effect on its other cars). With its sales down quite a bit this year and its quality not getting any better I see them really going downhill in terms of sales in the future. I heard they might bring the Polo over as their new entry level car, but I rode in one in Mexico and I wasn't really impressed. Its like a more expensive Echo. Oh well, people will prolly buy it cuz they think its cute.

 

You know it's kind of funny, and maybe it's me...but people looking at Porsche's usually end up buying one. It's the kind of car that you go after for and usually don't cross shop much...again, just my $0.02.

It's nice to see Audi expanding it's lineup, but I don't imagine sales will be spectacular.

 

:werd: i dream of having a hard decision being which exotic to buy... right now its which candy bar to get h:

 

Yep I agree, same with Ferrari and Lambo shoppers.

It's something you lust after, logic be damned!