Audi is expanding at an incredibly rapid rate. Behind the glamor of its show-ready body, the Cross Cabriolet previews the upcoming Audi Q5. This year has been spectacular from a product standpoint, with many new concept and production debuts. The overflow of models has even resulted in concept cars being shown at lesser known shows, not just the main stages at the biggest events. Perhaps the most important thing about these concept cars is that Audi has a track record of committing such prototypes to production in one form or another. In the past decade, at least, almost everything the brand has shown as a concept ended up on the road. The Q7, A5, R8, TT - all of these vehicles owe their exterior and interior designs to various concept cars. This metallic orange concept crossover you see here is different, as the brand has never done anything like this before.
While crossovers aren't new, it's a different sort of blend - convertible and premium compact SUV. Roof up, it has the profile of any new Audi convertible. The transformation from coupe to convertible is a fairly quick one, taking just 17 seconds from start to finish. The multi-layered fabric top might not be the “Acoustic Roof” that Audi fits to a variety of its convertibles, but it has been said that it provides comparable levels of noise and heat insulation to a conventional metal roof. To ensure that all occupants stay nice and warm, even in colder weather, all four sets are equipped with an airscarf system, which jets warm air through the headrests for comfort. Also, an intercom system allows each passenger to talk and hear everyone else clearly, even at high speeds with the roof down. Finished in Stone White, the interior of the Cross Cabriolet is a continuation on modern Audi interior design.
Interior is intelligently designed and beautifully finished. The dome-shaped console and dash house a variety of new technologies, including Audi's latest navigation display interface. While much of the system is controlled via MMI, a touchscreen system that features similar capabilities to a tablet computer notebook has been added. The screen can, for instance, feature menus that can be moved around by dragging and dropping; this is also handy for searching maps. And speaking of maps, the new system also works in conjunction with Google Earth to help you get exactly where you're going, complete with live updates for traffic, weather and other valuable services. Convertibles tend not to be practical vehicles, but cross-pollinating this vehicle genre with an SUV has really changed the outcome. Nav system works with Google Earth to give live updates for traffic, weather and more. Audi's engineers have actually designed the cloth roof with a hinging rear window for easier loading. What's more is that the trunk is quite deep, which gives the convertible storage space equal to that of its non-convertible competitors, measured from below the window line. In terms of the trunk's floor size, it is 3.8 feet by 3.5 feet.
Ignore for a moment the cloth folding roof, the lack of side pillars and the two missing doors and what's left is the basic outline for what will become the Q5 crossover SUV. At 15.1 feet in length, it's right in the thick of the compact premium SUV segment, dominated by the X3, RDX, LR2, and soon the Infiniti EX. Yet, you won't be mistaking the Q5 for anything else, as its styling is authentically Audi. The black cladding and raised suspension pay homage to Audi's allroad. Although LA, and all of California for that matter appear to be vehemently anti-diesel, the Q5's “oil burning” powerplant isn't just for show. Audi specifically chose to showcase its latest 3.0-liter TDI V6 diesel engine as a way to prove it's shifting its gears into diesel for North America. The body has a seamless profile to it, although it's a bit at odds with the high-riding nature of the vehicle. Audi to claim it as the world's cleanest diesel.
As of 2008, Audi will be able to sell a diesel car once more, including states where the toughest emissions standards apply. But diesel isn't just about going green. It's about power, torque and fuel economy. This engine makes 240 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, most of which is available from just over idle. That's more than plenty to propel it to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and then on to a top speed of 150 mph. Fuel economy is nevertheless still excellent, at 32 mpg. The idea of selling a diesel car in certain North American markets might be as ambitious as bringing a premium compact convertible SUV to market, but one of these will indeed come true (hint, it isn't the convertible). The Q5 quattro is well on its way to production, and when it arrives will provide Audi with yet another strong competitor. While no dates or even a finalized version of the vehicle have been announced, the production Q5 should be making its debut during 2008. As for the production Cross Cabriolet? Keep your fingers crossed.
