Audi has revealed the Cross Coupe Quattro — a compact SUV concept believed to be a design preview of the forthcoming Q5. The Cross Coupe follows the recent “crossover coupe” trend, which includes such vehicles as the BMW X6, VW Concept A, and Infiniti EX.
Described as a “compact performance SUV,” the Cross Coupe features a four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection, providing 204 horsepower. The sporty Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox executes gearshifts in a matter of milliseconds. An all-wheel-drive system with a Haldex clutch provides optimal traction.
The concept also previews a number of new technologies, including a fabric folding roof, which is opened and closed electrically. Another innovation is the MMI control panel, which is operated by a touch pad. The monitor of the system employs, for the first time, dual-view technology. The system can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger. These images are only visible when viewed from a specific angle.
The concept features Audi’s “drive select,” which enables owners to select different chassis and suspension settings. The basic setting is “dynamic” mode, which is good for a number of everyday driving conditions. “Sport” mode on the other hand gives the Cross Coupe a firmer, more agressive feel, and quicker shifts from the S tronic gearbox. “Efficiency” mode makes the engine and S tronic gearbox respond more gently to commands from the accelerator pedal and shift paddles.
Q5 connection
Exactly how the Cross Coupe relates to the forthcoming Audi Q5 crossover is not fully known. It appears to be a design preview for the crossover, but some details may change. For example, it’s unlikely the production Q5 wil feature a sloping coupe-like roofline. Nearly a year ago, Audi announced it would build the Q5 as a 2008 model, following a 300 million euro investment in the Ingolstadt production facility.
“The Audi Q5 will be an overtly sporty vehicle that will add an important product to the Audi model range. The Audi Q5 will take us a big step closer to vehicle sales of 1.4 million per year, a target that we have set ourselves for 2015,” chairman Martin Winterkorn said in May 2006.
Both Mercedes and Land Rover are rumored to be readying “crossover coupes” to rival the BMW X6 and Infiniti EX. A recent report by Germany’s Auto Zeitung magazine said Audi would also enter this arena. The magazine said the vehicle would be called Q6, and feature a sloping roofline. Whether the Cross Coupe Concept is a preview of the Q5, Q6, or perhaps a combination of both remains to be seen.
04/19, 9:18 AM
posted by:
55amg
yet we have another one of these ridiculous crossover station wagon coupe SUV things
04/19, 9:18 AM
posted by:
mrthinker2000
I wish I could buy the tires from photo #1!
04/19, 9:22 AM
posted by:
davebo
I’m all for the industry shifting away from SUV’s and towards crossovers, but does Audi really need either of them, let alone both?
04/19, 10:02 AM
posted by:
aratsu
There is no need for cars like this. I think that everybody would rather drive with the bigger Q7. I would definitely buy A6 Allroad instead of this Q5.
04/19, 10:19 AM
posted by:
PrimeGTP
Hey look, the 1,544,714th crossover!
04/19, 10:21 AM
posted by:
F451
I am a critic of the second-generation CTS’ overly large grill, but this one is just as hideous! Also, what self-respecting German puts chrome on their vehicle, especially the wheels? Has to be aimed squarely at the American buyer. The interior is well-done in Audi tradition…we’ll have to wait and see how much of this concept vehicle enters production, and what doesn’t. The travesty is that this category of vehicle should have been dominated and further developed by American manufacturers. Oh well, I guess the American execs were too busy with their bonuses and pay scales to worry about actually making vehicles the American public would purchase. More power to Audi for understanding the niche and running with it.
04/19, 10:31 AM
posted by:
W16
Apart from finding the car a little weird, I really don´t understand WHY a prestigious german automaker such as Audi would want to drown their image in such hostile waters. Leave the crossovers and other made-up -useless-weird models for those brands who are good at it! …they should stop at their Allroads, which btw is the best in the market.
04/19, 11:05 AM
posted by:
Bush
Didn’t you guys know that the crossover is the just latest “fashion” for all those dimwit soccer moms with more money than sence. I mean they really needed something to go with their latest new shoes.
04/19, 11:05 AM
posted by:
hockeygod1331
KIA called..they want their grill back
04/19, 11:18 AM
posted by:
oodLes
Hellooooooooooooooo EVO X lights!
Ugh. Instant failure for such a blatant copy.
04/19, 11:32 AM
posted by:
gitcypher
I guess it only makes sense that they rebadged the Scirocco.
04/19, 11:54 AM
posted by:
jonmiles
When are we going to be done with this bull****?
04/19, 4:17 PM
posted by:
acura_el2000
sorry, WTF is coupe about this?
04/19, 5:01 PM
posted by:
autonutt
This is just the Roadjet concept jacked up and refaced with a Q7-like grille.
04/19, 5:16 PM
posted by:
BAMF
As a die hard Audi lover, I really really don’t like this.
04/19, 6:38 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
Where’s the COUPE?
04/19, 11:22 PM
posted by:
v8havoc
THE DUMBEST THING AUDI COULD COME UP WITH, AS IF PLUMMETING Q7 SALES WASN’T BAD ENOUGH THEY HAD TO MAKE IT WORSE…WHAT’S WORSE IS THAT THEY PUT A 4-BANGER IN IT….WTF IS THAT?!?!??!?!?!
04/20, 7:32 AM
posted by:
Carnut4ever
This must be the reason why VW is hell bent on changing the Scirocco Concept in its way to production.
04/22, 2:06 AM
posted by:
meekin111
its more like the Q3 i reckon, its pretty much the same size as the A3
04/24, 3:06 AM
posted by:
Ratman
Audi has really dumbed up all their cars. They need to scrap the butt ugly grille design already!
09/19, 9:30 PM
posted by:
A4
how bout an A4 based allroad?