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February 06, 2008
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The new Audi RS 6 Avant brings winning motor sport technologies to the road
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Scion Announces Pricing For tC Release Series 4.0 To Be Displayed At The 2008 Chicago Auto Show
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The Audi A3 Cabriolet - Experience new open spaces
Ingolstadt - Sporty, elegant, and emotion-packed – the new A3 Cabriolet is set to roll into showrooms in spring 2008. This four-passenger convertible model is the premium product in the compact class. It brings with it the distinctive sportiness, highly developed technology, and uncompromising quality that mark all Audi models. There are four powerful and efficient engines to choose from – two TFSI and two TDI – as well as a broad range of individual equipment options. The first A3 was launched on the market in 1996 and was the first model in a new market segment established by Audi: the luxury compact car. With the A3 Cabriolet, Audi has tapped into an additional segment – the four-passenger convertible compact car, which is enjoying dynamic growth worldwide, especially in Europe. The Cabriolet, which primarily appeals to young, sport-driven customers, is, after the agile three-door hatchback and the versatile Sportback, the third member of the A3 family, and the one with the most emotional appeal. |
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The Audi A3 Cabriolet is an eye-catcher with its sleek and elegant lines. Its soft top’s light weight and excellent fit are especially notable. It opens in only nine seconds with the help of a hydraulically actuated kinematics system. When open, it takes up very little space thanks to its Z-shaped fold, thus allowing for a sporty, yet harmonious vehicle design. The A3 Cabriolet’s convertible soft top is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions; the latter is a specially soundproofed and heat-insulated acoustic top. |
The body structure of this luxury Audi convertible contains a high proportion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels as well as a multitude of reinforcing measures that provide maximum rigidity and crash safety. The large single-frame grill and the headlights dominate the front of the convertible compact model. The standard daytime running lights make the Audi design unmistakable. Fiber optic rods fitted with LED technology for rear light functions provide strong visual highlights at the back.
The interior space of the A3 Cabriolet is a comfortable landscape of materials. Audi’s uncompromising workmanship, the attractive design and its well-known exemplary ergonomics create an atmosphere of sport-driven elegance. The interior feels spacious and open, yet at the same time, protective. There is more than enough room for four people. The 50:50 split-fold rear seat can be easily released from the trunk. The broad and high pass-through that is now available enlarges the trunk from 260 liters (9.18 cubic ft) to 674 liters (23.80 cubic ft).
The A3 Cabriolet will roll off the production line with the choice of one of either two TFSI or two TDI engines that combine powerful performance and high efficiency. All four engines are turbo-charged and integrate highly modern direct injection technology. The performance range extends from 77 kW (105 hp) to 147 kW (200 hp). Upon request, this model can also be equipped with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission which shifts its six gears in split seconds.
The Audi dynamic suspension lends the A3 Cabriolet superior agility. It provides sophisticated, electromechanical power steering that closely connects the driver to the road without sacrificing power and performance. The four-link rear suspension responds to longitudinal and lateral forces separately while combining sporty handling features with outstanding ride comfort. A sports suspension system is also an option for this model.
Luxury convertible attractively equipped
The Audi A3 Cabriolet comes in the Attraction and Ambition equipment lines. Both lines offer generous standard features. The Ambition line adds 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, sports suspension and sports seats, among others. For those who want even greater dynamic driving options, an S line exterior package and an S line sports package are available from quattro GmbH. Its broad range of individual options includes numerous infotainment systems and the Bose sound system.
Photos: Audi
(Jan 31, 2008)
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