The "Audi allroad quattro"
design study will go into series production in February 2000. 
Audi’s factory in Neckarsulm, Germany, has been announced as the
production base for the series version of the all-terrain vehicle, which will be built
from February 2000.
The production version of the allroad quattro design study will see Audi’s newest
all-terrain concept retaining its progressive character with three-stage, height
adjustable air suspension and a reduction-gear transmission for use on difficult terrain.
The allroad quattro is a vehicle that combines revolutionary styling and comfort with
the ability to conquer rough-and-tumble roads effortlessly according to managing director
of Audi in Australia, Mr Matthias Seidl.
"Australians are well-known for their love of 4WD vehicles and Australia’s
‘outback’ landscape certainly lends itself to cars in the off-road niche market,
so it is likely that we will introduce the production version here in the final quarter of
2000," Mr Seidl said.
The allroad quattro will be equipped with two engine variants - a 2.7-litre V6 biturbo
petrol engine and a 2.5-litre V6 TDI.
Superficially, the new model bears little resemblance to the Audi A6 Avant on which it
is based due to the reinforced bumpers at front and rear, underbody protection, more
dynamic wheel arches, contrasting sill trims and a new radiator grille design.
The twin-pipe exhaust system with separate tailpipes at the left and right emphasises
the boldly-styled rear end of the vehicle body.
Large 16" wheels (17" as optional extra) add to the visual assertiveness of
this series version.
"With this new, versatile concept we can offer our customers a car that on the one
hand has the comfort of a luxury touring saloon and on the other, the specialist qualities
of a classic off-roader, suitable for difficult terrain and poor weather conditions,"
said Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman of the Audi AG Board of Management.
"With this car, Audi is also launching a model which fits into the new
‘allroader’ category," he added.
Investment at the Neckarsulm plant will amount to approximately DM 105 million
(approximately AU$105 million).
According to Dr.. Andreas Schleef, Member of the Board of Management responsible for
Personnel Affairs, the decision to build the allroad quattro at Neckarsulm helps to
safeguard jobs in the long term at the plant.
"A major factor in the decision besides commercial considerations was the know-how
the plant has acquired by building the Audi A6, the body of which will be used for the new
Audi model," he said.
Three models are currently in production in Neckarsulm;
- the Audi A6,
- Audi A6 Avant, and
- Audi A8 limousine.
In 1999, production of the new Audi aluminium compact class car will commence, with an
annual capacity of more than 50,000 units. From January to October 1998, approximately
160,000 Audi cars were built at the Neckarsulm plant, which has a workforce of 11,800
people.
