Audi Supercar Gets Go-Ahead!

[BMWDave]

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The wildest-looking sports car Audi has ever developed is under starter's orders. Unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the sensational Le Mans concept has finally been given the green light by company bosses.

Based on the all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Gallardo platform, the new supercoup? is expected to offer a choice of two powerplants when it goes on sale late next year.

The first is a development of the V8 fitted to the new RS4, while the second is a new evolution of the Audi V10 already used by the Gallardo. At the launch of the concept, there was talk that a diesel could also be built, but bosses have since ruled this out as being unsuitable. Prices for the range have still to be discussed, but the high-performance engine and aluminium chassis of the Le Mans are unlikely to come cheap. Cars are expected to cost at least ?60,000.

[MaxPower]

Cars are expected to cost at least ?60,000.

?60,000 = $115,000 = relatively attainable.  I woulda thought it would go for a lot more than that.

[Fire It Up]

Is 60,000 pounds in the F430/GT range? If so, that's freakin awesome.  

[SJ_GTI]

Wow, I can't wait to see the production version in the flesh.

[SaleenS7]

I liked the one in I, Robot. This one is pretty close though. Looks great!

[Why?]

Interesting. But VW/Audi needs to keep an eye on the normal cars as well, or they will become exlusively a boutique maker. It seems they want to go in that direction.

[mazda6er]

I liked the one in I, Robot. This one is pretty close though. Looks great!

The I, Robot one is the first thing that I remembered too. It seems like they really downplayed the Audi logo on this car, though.  Usually they've got the big honking rings you can't help but notice. Looks sweet. Too bad none of us can afford one.

[TurboDan]

Interesting. But VW/Audi needs to keep an eye on the normal cars as well, or they will become exlusively a boutique maker. It seems they want to go in that direction.

I agree.  But I gotta say, they did a wonderful job with their cheapest car, the Jetta IMO.  The new design looks REALLY good, and the interior is probably the best in its class.  

[TBR]

Interesting. But VW/Audi needs to keep an eye on the normal cars as well, or they will become exlusively a boutique maker. It seems they want to go in that direction.

I agree.  But I gotta say, they did a wonderful job with their cheapest car, the Jetta IMO.  The new design looks REALLY good, and the interior is probably the best in its class.

You are one of the few that is actually impressed with the Jetta. I personally find it to be generically styled, underperforming, and overpriced.

[Laconian]

Please excuse my gushing...

The Le Mans Quattro is one of the most gorgeous cars out there IMO. It was my desktop background on my laptop for five months straight, only to be dethroned for the Maserati MC12 which has held it for three. me exposed aluminum in the sides, the front grille (best use of the Audi motif BTW), the LED headlights, the profile... oh yeah, and the Gallardo engine. This car is sex on wheels. I will die a happy man if I can even touch this beauty.

Rating: :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r: / :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r: (five out of five ninjitsu)

[giant_mtb]

Please excuse my gushing...

The Le Mans Quattro is one of the most gorgeous cars out there IMO. It was my desktop background on my laptop for five months straight, only to be dethroned for the Maserati MC12 which has held it for three. me exposed aluminum in the sides, the front grille (best use of the Audi motif BTW), the LED headlights, the profile... oh yeah, and the Gallardo engine. This car is sex on wheels. I will die a happy man if I can even touch this beauty.

Rating: :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r: / :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r: (five out of five ninjitsu)

Any orgasmic experiences?  Unintentional feelings of love for vehicles?  *doctor voice*   :D  :D    

[mazda6er]

Please excuse my gushing...

The Le Mans Quattro is one of the most gorgeous cars out there IMO. It was my desktop background on my laptop for five months straight, only to be dethroned for the Maserati MC12 which has held it for three. me exposed aluminum in the sides, the front grille (best use of the Audi motif BTW), the LED headlights, the profile... oh yeah, and the Gallardo engine. This car is sex on wheels. I will die a happy man if I can even touch this beauty.

Rating: :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r: / :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r:  :ph34r: (five out of five ninjitsu)

That ninjitsu rating system is hilarious! We should make that a standard thing. :D  

[Colonel Cadillac]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?  

[BMWDave]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.  

[GMPenguin]

Sweet!

[TBR]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.

Yep, they better be careful to keep the performance down (I don't say that very often   :D )

[BMWDave]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.

Yep, they better be careful to keep the performance down (I don't say that very often   :D )

lol

[850CSi]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.

Yep, they better be careful to keep the performance down (I don't say that very often   :D )

I kind of think that AWD and the Audi badge would separate it enough from the Gallardo. An Audi isn't going to be stealing sales from a Lamborghini even if they use the same engine.

[BMWDave]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.

Yep, they better be careful to keep the performance down (I don't say that very often   :D )

I kind of think that AWD and the Audi badge would separate it enough from the Gallardo. An Audi isn't going to be stealing sales from a Lamborghini even if they use the same engine.

I believe the Gallardo has AWD.

[MX793]

Wow, another supercar is just what VWAG needs.  I mean, they already have Bugatti and Lamborghini under their roof, you'd think they'd have carved a nice niche in the supercar market already.

Not that it isn't cool, but sometimes I'd rather see some cool cars that normal people could actually afford rather than toys for the obscenely rich and famous.

[Fire It Up]

Will this be a simpler, Z06/Viper competitior or a GT, Maserati/Aston fighter?

[850CSi]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.

Yep, they better be careful to keep the performance down (I don't say that very often   :D )

I kind of think that AWD and the Audi badge would separate it enough from the Gallardo. An Audi isn't going to be stealing sales from a Lamborghini even if they use the same engine.

I believe the Gallardo has AWD.

Whoops, I forgot.

[TBR]

If it is 60,000 euro in Europe, I doubt they are going to go with the exact exchange rate (look at the current cars price exchanges), I bet it will be around $85,000. A Maserati fighter?

Probably.  Audi might be treading into Gallardo territory here so they got to be careful.

Yep, they better be careful to keep the performance down (I don't say that very often   :D )

I kind of think that AWD and the Audi badge would separate it enough from the Gallardo. An Audi isn't going to be stealing sales from a Lamborghini even if they use the same engine.

Excellent point, Lamborghini buyers don't do much cross shopping.


Edit- That was my 100th post! :)

[BMWDave]

Will this be a simpler, Z06/Viper competitior or a GT, Maserati/Aston fighter?

It might be, but again, Audi would be wise to position it lower than Aston/Maserati territory so as not to cannibalize sales on the Gallardo.

[TBR]

Will this be a simpler, Z06/Viper competitior or a GT, Maserati/Aston fighter?

It might be, but again, Audi would be wise to position it lower than Aston/Maserati territory so as not to cannibalize sales on the Gallardo.

The problem with that is that Aston Martin/Maserati territory also happens to be Porsche territory. Now I don't know how exactly Porsche and VW are connected, but Porsche might not be really happy if VW launched a product that would compete directly with the 911.

[BMWDave]

Will this be a simpler, Z06/Viper competitior or a GT, Maserati/Aston fighter?

It might be, but again, Audi would be wise to position it lower than Aston/Maserati territory so as not to cannibalize sales on the Gallardo.

The problem with that is that Aston Martin/Maserati territory also happens to be Porsche territory. Now I don't know how exactly Porsche and VW are connected, but Porsche might not be really happy if VW launched a product that would compete directly with the 911.

I dont think that they would be very happy with that.  VW really has to concentrate on getting themselves and Audi back on track.  They have enough supercars IMO.  There are problems with this Audi le Mans because it just conflicts with Lamborghini and Porsche cars which is not a good thing at all.

[850CSi]

Will this be a simpler, Z06/Viper competitior or a GT, Maserati/Aston fighter?

It might be, but again, Audi would be wise to position it lower than Aston/Maserati territory so as not to cannibalize sales on the Gallardo.

The problem with that is that Aston Martin/Maserati territory also happens to be Porsche territory. Now I don't know how exactly Porsche and VW are connected, but Porsche might not be really happy if VW launched a product that would compete directly with the 911.

I dont think that they would be very happy with that.  VW really has to concentrate on getting themselves and Audi back on track.  They have enough supercars IMO.  There are problems with this Audi le Mans because it just conflicts with Lamborghini and Porsche cars which is not a good thing at all.

Audi is already heading in the right direction, because, frankly, the way I see it is that every offering in their line-up right now is one of the best cars in its class, and they dominate interior design and technology, and they still implement AWD in luxury cars better than anyone. A supercar would perfectly cap off the range and add a lot of image to Audi's brand label. People like Audis. They relay a sophisticated, almost smart image. A supercar would only enhance this and help boost it into Lexus/BMW/Mercedes-Benz territory.

The LeMans would do for Audi what the SL does for Mercedes.

[BMWDave]

Will this be a simpler, Z06/Viper competitior or a GT, Maserati/Aston fighter?

It might be, but again, Audi would be wise to position it lower than Aston/Maserati territory so as not to cannibalize sales on the Gallardo.

The problem with that is that Aston Martin/Maserati territory also happens to be Porsche territory. Now I don't know how exactly Porsche and VW are connected, but Porsche might not be really happy if VW launched a product that would compete directly with the 911.

I dont think that they would be very happy with that.  VW really has to concentrate on getting themselves and Audi back on track.  They have enough supercars IMO.  There are problems with this Audi le Mans because it just conflicts with Lamborghini and Porsche cars which is not a good thing at all.

Audi is already heading in the right direction, because, frankly, the way I see it is that every offering in their line-up right now is one of the best cars in its class, and they dominate interior design and technology, and they still implement AWD in luxury cars better than anyone. A supercar would perfectly cap off the range and add a lot of image to Audi's brand label. People like Audis. They relay a sophisticated, almost smart image. A supercar would only enhance this and help boost it into Lexus/BMW/Mercedes-Benz territory.

The LeMans would do for Audi what the SL does for Mercedes.

Agreed.  If they would position it as anti-6 series and in that range (80K) then it will be amazing.  But once it gets up in 120K range thats sort of Lamborghini territory already.

[SJ_GTI]

I think the LeMans would be more of a "Z8" type car, though in thoery it would also compete aginst the M6.

The fact that it will be mid-engined and AWD will give it a distinct advantage over the M6, and put it on par with the AWD 911's.

To kep it sepeerate from the Gallardo I bet the LeMans will probably lean a little more toward luxury and comfort than the Lambo...though I am sure it will still be track-ready.