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From YourSITE.com Events Coverage The Frankfurt IAA, a.k.a. the Frankfurt International Motorshow, is arguably the largest industry only auto show in the world. Spread over several convention halls that make up the Frankfurt show facility, as well as several purpose-built temporary halls that go up and down specifically for this event, Frankfurt is the show not to miss in the world automotive arena. Significant new models and the edgiest concepts are the status quo here in Germany’s heartland, so it’s no surprise when Audi and its brand group mates take the opportunity to introduce some interesting and important hardware.
The Q7 SUV… Launched at Last The most important new model on the stand must certainly be Audi’s Q7. Say what you want about lateness to the SUV party in your most cynical voice. Audi’s booth was packed to the gills with journalists and competitor employees a like, standing on their tiptoes to sneak a gander at the new 7-passenger Audi. To help herald the fashionably late arrival of the Audi SUV was equally fashionable newcomer to the music scene, Carla Vallet. We hear this young musician/singer from the UK was discovered by Audi marketing. We hear she even wrote the song used in the launch and created it specifically for the SUV’s arrival party.
The Q7 made a handsome arrival of its own. Both 4.2 and 3.0 TDI models were shown on the stand and above the Audi stand in a press lounge could also be seen a black Q7 with several planned accessories. Among them, we noted an interesting behind-headrest dual screen entertainment system, as well as 21-inch wheels of the same design as the upcoming RS 4! On the Q7, 21-inch wheels seemed to work just fine, not overpowering the car’s handsome design. Inquiring about them, we heard a rumor that they haven’t yet been approved for manufacture beyond these prototypes, though there’s certainly interest to do so. Not exactly telling of the future, but confirming of the present situation, we noticed several Q7 accessory wheel designs on Audi’s now trademark wall of wheels at the back of the stand. The only RS 4 wheels found there were listed for the RS 4 only, while several other (smaller diameter) Q7 designs were present.
Will the TDI come to the USA? We’re not sure. In the past, Audi of America boss Johann de Nysschen has told us that “if” Audi brought diesel products back to the United States, the Q7 would be a good starting point. That’s not exactly a promise, but we have it on fairly good word that the prospect is being seriously considered.
Q7…Also a Concept This year, the most significant new model was a concept car as well. Audi used the Q7 as a host for displaying their new hybrid drive system that has been developed in cooperation with Volkswagen and Porsche. Considering the collaboration, it’s likely that this drive could find its way into the Cayenne and Touareg. During the press conference, Dr. Martin Winterkon suggested that Audi will bring a version of the hybrid system to market by 2008.
In this concept, the hybrid technology was mated to the 4.2 V8 with FSI, with emphasis on this also a performance upgrade, putting down better acceleration figures when the torque of the motor is combined with the engine itself. This modular design not only means better performance and fuel economy, it probably also indicates the potential to be easily mated to other engines used in a Volkswagen, Porsche or Audi. The frugality of such a system could certainly be imagined when combined with an even less-thirsty 3.0 TDI.
Security… A6 and A8 Safer Than Ever In today’s world of terrorism and violence, armored cars are becoming increasingly attractive modes of transportation for owners in wilier environments. With that in mind, Audi also chose Frankfurt to launch armored versions of their A6 and A8 models with bulletproof glass and reinforced body panels. Opening the door to the A6, the added weight is immediately obvious. It’s even more pronounced on the A8. An A6 sat on the Audi stand, while an A8 was hidden away in an adjoining room. We got a look at the A8, though the car’s attendant was quick to ask us to put away the camera after we’d only had time to take about three exterior shots. Being security cars, perhaps Audi prefers to keep many of its secrets of these modifications and what they might entail out of the hands of those wishing to test the durability of the cars in less than nice ways. Either way, the cars were impressive. Expect to see V.I.P.s and heads of state rolling in even more Audis very soon.
A8 from Bang and Olufsen Say you’ve got 6,000 extra Euros lying around and are wondering about sound systems as you consider your purchase of Audi’s uber car – the A8. Working together with Bang and Olufsen, Audi thinks they have what you’re looking for. Flip on the system and the front speakers raise from the dash. Turn up the volume and the clarity of the music is impessive indeed. Voices come at you from the front, making you think the vocalist is singing to you. Even better, the system can be programmed to focus on the driver or the passenger compartment as a whole, providing optimal sound imaging directly at the party chosen. It’s impressive technology for sure, and will be coming to the USA, available in the whole range of A8s. Production for the USA, Japan and China begins in week 22 of 2006, so expect availability sometime next summer.
The Growing Audi Collection One of the unique aspects about Frankfurt, not seen as much at any of the other major industry auto shows, is the in-stand store for brand goods. For Audi, this means that much of the same Audi Collection sold in places like the Audi Forum Ingolstadt can also be bought on the show floor. It’s a great way for the company to show off their goods, and we’ve seen several news releases this week that highlight bicycles, Audi Tradition-inspired goods, and bags and watches from Audi design. These new product announcements, it turns out, were just the tip of the iceberg of new goods from Ingolstadt. Scale model cars are always a favorite, and the company had plenty new offerings to show. Both 1:18 Sport quattro and a long-wheelbase Ur-quattro rally racecar will make fans of ‘80s vintage Audis go nuts. New models can also be found like a 1:43 scale A3 Sportback, 1:87 Q7 and the all-new RS 4 can be found in 1:43 scale in both street trim and DTM pace car form. Other RS 4 and S-line goods can also be had, from watches to fleece and skull caps. The company’s latest 2005 Audi Sport DTM baseball hats were also to be found. Stay Tuned Day 1 of the show is over, but there’s still more to see. Audi will roll more cars into their stand tomorrow as they reclaim the room that was kept open for their press conference. Audi tuners Abt, MTM and Nothelle are all displaying in the tuner hall, and there’s still general coverage yet to come. Fourtitude’s Frankfurt IAA coverage is far from over.
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