Audi A3 Convertible debuting next year at Geneva

AutoExpress is reporting that at the launch of the A5 coupe, Claus Haverkamp, Head of Body Structure Development at Audi, revealed: “The next open-roof model in our plans is the A3 Cabriolet, which will go on sale in 2008.” The A3 convertible will have more options than the Audi A4 cabriolet and will compete head-to-head with BMW’s upcoming 1-Series convertible.

With an electric folding canvas roof, the Audi A3 convertible will be powered by the same FSI and TDI engine used for the A3 hatchback. A base model will be powered by a 1.6 liter FSI engine with the top of the line model carrying a 3.6 liter V6. Audi will also launch a S3 convertible with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine in 2009.

The A3 convertible is expected to make its debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Read Article

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/4/2007 11:01:10 PM

-2 Boost

Isn't the A3 based on the Golf platform?

Scirocco, Eos, A3, TT, GTi, R32....too much of internal competition.

IamEvilHomer - 5/5/2007 1:08:21 AM

+3 Boost

shows what you know about cars

Will_ - 5/4/2007 4:29:13 PM

-1 Boost

Like the GOLF convertible from the '90s?

Wouldn't this trample into TT convertible territory?

Rupert - 5/4/2007 4:31:29 PM

+3 Boost

I don't think so, different markets really. I'm assuming this will have 4 seats, and the TT will be more expensive.

IamEvilHomer - 5/5/2007 1:09:20 AM

+2 Boost

no not everyone uses rattle hardtops

Agent63 - 5/5/2007 8:01:24 AM

+1 Boost

I think Audi is bringing too many models. They already have the A4 cabriolet and have the S5 coupe coming out. They should have made the A4 into a proper coupe to compete with the 3/G35 segment. And the A5 a larger coupe to fill in whichever they want.

A4 cabriolet will be popular amongst the female consumers as it's a hot little car for them to drive around the city.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/5/2007 8:42:26 AM

-2 Boost

Doesn't one of the posters here have an s4 convertible?

chick car, you said it.

NARunner - 5/5/2007 9:21:32 AM

+4 Boost

the a4 cab is history after the B7 model is put to rest. Then audi will replace the A4 cab with an A5 in the future. The A5 IS the new coupe version of the A4, which is why they are priced similarly and they are going after 3 series.

The upcoming A7 coupe will fill the large coupe segment and attemtp to compete with the 6 and CL.

I agree that an A3 droptop is too much, but audi will learn that soon enough.

jmrA480 - 5/5/2007 11:35:48 AM

+2 Boost

AGENT- the A5 cab/coupe will replace the A4 cab, the A5 will compete with the 3 series,G37,CLK,ETC. The A5 is only 1 inch longer then the 335i, its not a larger coupe. The upcoming B8 A4 will be the same size as the new A5, same platform. The A4 cab is done once the A5 comes out.


I do think the A3 cab is over the top, but it could do well.

Rupert - 5/5/2007 5:59:22 PM

+3 Boost

I don't think an A3 convertible is OTT. I can think of lots of people who would buy one.
I Europe we already have many smaller convertibles like this, mainly folding hard top though, like the 307 CC, Megane CC, Astra twintop, Focus CC. This will be the first premium one, and will look a dam sight better thanks to a proper convertible roof.