Budapest, Hungary — After confirming in March 2007 that it plans to build another convertible car in addition to the A4 and TT models, German car maker Audi has indicated the A3 Cabriolet will be built in Hungary.
The new convertible model is likely to make its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March and will rival the BMW 1 Series Convertible. Though nothing is set in concrete, Audi Australia has confirmed it's investigating the new model: "We'll look at it with interest, but we can't confirm an introduction date," said Audi's media spokesperson.
While the A3 Cabriolet has been given the green light for production and is expected be on European roads mid way through 2008, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive in regards to Audi's convertible 'master plan'. German car mag Auto Motor und Sport claims that Audi is working on drop-top versions of the newly released A5 coupe, and possibly even a targa-topped R8 which would be more of a quasi convertible with removable roof panels.
These models would no doubt inject more variety into the Audi range and the company's chairman Rupert Stadler recently stated the new A3 Cabriolet will be built at its Gy?r plant in western Hungary.
"The market launch of the A3 Cabriolet is scheduled for next year, just in time for the start of the convertible season," said Rupert Stadler at a joint news conference with the Hungarian PM, Ferenc Gyurcsany.
Currently the Gy?r plant is the home of the TT Coupe and Roadster, which was road tested recently and given good wrap by the Editor, though was accused of being soulless. Read the review here.
The exact market positioning, pricing, and equipment details for the new A3 drop-top model are not yet known, and neither is there confirmation that its roof mechanism will be metal or cloth. However, inside sources have indicated that most of the engine types from the current A3 hatchback range will be offered, including both petrol and diesel motors.
The entry level A3 Cabriolet is expected to be matched with the 1.6-litre FSI engine, plus there will be the 2.0 FSI and 2.0 TFSI models offered, with top shelf version utilising Audi's 3.2-litre bent six under its hood. While the V6 model may interest some readers who like to drive fast, there is also talk of a turbocharged S3 Cabriolet version that would arrive six months after the initial launch, delivering 350Nm of torque and a much sportier interior.
Audi currently sells the A4 Cabriolet in Australia from $83,400 for the 4-cylinder and $107,800 for the 6-cylinder model, so the A3 Cabriolet range should start at well under $80k if Audi Australia can make a solid business case for its importation.
The smaller-sized German drop top is expected to be publicly launched at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, and should be on sale in Europe from mid way through 2008.
Currently the German automaker is developing the next generation A3 model, which is expected to make its debut in 2010 and will more closely match the BMW 1 Series line-up by adding a coupe model. The design is still under wraps, but is expected to make use of LED headlight technology.
2008 Audi A3 Cabriolet
These unofficial renderings show what the new
A3 (top) and S3 (above) Cabriolets could look like
