Audi Cross Coupe Quattro

AFTER FINALLY entering the SUV segment with the Q7, Audi is preparing to slice it up with an A4-based Q5 hinted by the Roadjet concept and a smaller Q3 hinted by the Cross Coupe quattro. The Q3 will slot below the Q5 as a response to tighter European Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations, like proposed U.S. CAFE regulations.
Audi is playing up the "Coupe" part of the name, with severe tumblehome and afast C-pillar, But it's really a 63-inch-tall five-door with a rear hatch. Audi unveiled the Q3 with the new Audi/VW 2.0-liter TDI engine. The transverse-mounted, four-cylinder, 204-horse turbodiesel makes 295 pound-feet. It's a clean 50-state diesel with a Bluetech injection system and urea aftertreatment.
The Cross Coupe's quattro system is the same permanent electronically controlled four-wheel drive as used in the TT, and its transmission is S-Tronic direct-shift. Suspension is MacPherson strut up front and multilink rear, with magnetorheological shock fluid that's part of the Audi Drive Select for various engine, gearbox, and suspension settings. Disc brakes in the concept are made of effective, but expensive (read, "concept-only") ceramic material.

Painted Liquid Silver, the Cross Coupe is larger than the A3,172.4 inches on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. Width is 70.9 inches, and 245/45 R20 tires are on double-five-spoke 20-inch wheels.The concept's body features frameless doors and a large, electrically controlled cloth sunroof.The hatchback hinges are integrated into the chrome roof rack rails.
Inside are a head-up display, a large pop-up nav/MMI visual, and handsome saddle 2+2 bucket seats. And in the back, to play up the "active lifestyle" image Audi wants the car to have, is a high-tech Audi Design off-road skateboard and chrome helmet. Audi will launch the 'tweener', A4-based Q5 next year, as a 2009 model. Look for the Q3 afterward as a 2010.