By GREG KABLE (Autoweek)
AUDI’S NEXT SHOW-stopper can be thought of as a TT-like 2+2 coupe with A8 underpinnings.
The car, built to go up against the forthcoming Mercedes E-Class coupe and BMW 6 Series, could make its debut at Geneva in March and may be on streets by 2006. The project, code-named TC (Touring Coupe), is under development as part of a niche product program initiated under Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn.
The TC is designed with a bold grille treatment—a feature Audi officials say will become an integral part of all future Audi models, to present a more sporting image. The interior will share much of what’s seen in the A8 as well as adopt Audi’s multimedia interface, similar to BMW’s iDrive electronic controls.
Like the A8, the car employs a lightweight aluminum space frame and body shell. Expect a 245-hp V6 and 335-hp V8 to be offered initially. A 500-hp twin-turbo V8, as seen in Audi’s Pikes Peak concept in Detroit, should arrive 18 months later. No mater the engine, all models will come either front-wheel drive or quattro.
Audi plans on selling 15,000 annually, but a cabriolet version developed by open-top specialist Karmann could boost production numbers.
A sketch of the new Audi coupe project, code-named TC.
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Gabriel,
2001 CL Type S
2001 Lexus RX300 Silversport
AUDI’S NEXT SHOW-stopper can be thought of as a TT-like 2+2 coupe with A8 underpinnings.
The car, built to go up against the forthcoming Mercedes E-Class coupe and BMW 6 Series, could make its debut at Geneva in March and may be on streets by 2006. The project, code-named TC (Touring Coupe), is under development as part of a niche product program initiated under Audi chairman Martin Winterkorn.
The TC is designed with a bold grille treatment—a feature Audi officials say will become an integral part of all future Audi models, to present a more sporting image. The interior will share much of what’s seen in the A8 as well as adopt Audi’s multimedia interface, similar to BMW’s iDrive electronic controls.
Like the A8, the car employs a lightweight aluminum space frame and body shell. Expect a 245-hp V6 and 335-hp V8 to be offered initially. A 500-hp twin-turbo V8, as seen in Audi’s Pikes Peak concept in Detroit, should arrive 18 months later. No mater the engine, all models will come either front-wheel drive or quattro.
Audi plans on selling 15,000 annually, but a cabriolet version developed by open-top specialist Karmann could boost production numbers.
A sketch of the new Audi coupe project, code-named TC.
Gabriel,
2001 CL Type S
2001 Lexus RX300 Silversport
