| AUDI ALLROAD QUATTRO-A CROSSOVER VEHICLE FOR PERFORMANCE
DRIVERS AND OFF-ROAD EXTREMISTS
NEW YORK-Audi took the wraps off an all-new crossover vehicle here today that will set
new standards in the class when it goes on sale this fall. The Audi allroad quattro was
unveiled for the first time in North America at a press conference prior to the opening of
the New York Auto Show.
Photos: Audi AG
The allroad quattro is a unique hybrid vehicle with a powerful engine, height
adjustable suspension, quattro all-wheel drive, and a manual or automatic tiptronic
transmission, offering a new chapter in automotive freedom without compromise.
"We believe the new Audi allroad quattro will provide good utility, versatility
and an abundance of safety features for our customers," said Len Hunt, vice president
in charge of Audi of America. "It also will feature traits, such as performance and
design, that Audi has become known for."
The assertively styled allroad quattro combines the driving dynamics and performance of
a German premium sedan, with the outstanding off-road capability of an SUV. And it is as
large as any competitor.
The allroad quattro is the answer for drivers whose demands don't stop when the
"either/or" decision between an off-roading and a roadgoing car has to be made.
Powered by a 2.7 liter twin-turbocharged (biturbo) engine, together with either a 6-speed
manual or a 5-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, the allroad quattro is the first
vehicle in its class to offer a manual transmission.
The four-position, height adjustable air suspension is state-of-the-art and is not
offered by any of the Audi allroad competitors. Air spring struts at every wheel are
controlled by height sensors to vary the ride height between 5.6 and 8.2 inches. In it's
highest position, the allroad quattro offers more ground clearance than most of its
competitors. The versatile suspension ensures optimum vehicle dynamics when driven at high
speeds, a high level of ride comfort, and ample ground clearance when driven off-road or
on rough road surfaces.
The key part to the vehicle's dynamics is Audi's quattro system. The quattro drivetrain
has always been designed to vary power distribution to all four wheels, all the time, at
any speed. It maintains forward progress even if only one wheel has sufficient tire grip
at any given moment.
A totally new type of high performance tire-225/55 R 17 W-was developed exclusively for
the allroad quattro to ensure optimum road behavior on paved surfaces, as well as the best
possible off-road traction.
A long list of standard equipment includes: the quattro all-wheel drive system;
inflatable "SIDEGUARD" curtain airbags; newly designed sport seats for front
seating positions; headlights with automatic height adjustment; leather interior; walnut
wood interior trim; sunroof; cruise control; power windows, door locks and electrically
folding outer rear view mirrors; three-point safety belts with safety pre-tensioners for
every seating position; anti-theft alarm system; and AM/FM with in-dash cassette/CD radio
that includes a 140 watt 8-speaker sound system with subwoofer.
A full range of options for the allroad include a hands-free cellular phone; a BOSE®*
sound system; an Acoustic Parking assistance; a solar-cell sunroof; a GPS navigation
system; heated front and rear seats; memory for both front seat positions and outer
mirrors; auto-dimming mirrors; Homelink®**, xenon headlights; rear facing, removable
children's seat; and rear side airbags.
The allroad quattro will be built in Neckarsulm, Germany.
|
