Audi Quattro Concept Future To Be Decided by September

ZURICH, Switzerland — The future of the Audi Quattro Concept will not be decided until the eve of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Quattro GmbH boss Stephan Reil confirmed the final decision has been delayed but he is "optimistic" that the concept, which debuted at the 2010 Paris Auto Show last fall, will get the green light for production.

Speaking at the launch of the Audi Q3 crossover in Switzerland, Reil said the best solution would be "a small-volume exotic car with a production run of 500-1,000 cars." Hitting the target weight of 3,086 pounds would require, "the use of lots of exotic materials," which would necessitate a high price and low volumes. But there would be "no better way of demonstrating Audi's 'Ultra' lightweight technologies."

The RS5-derived engine will also need a major overhaul if it is to be successfully integrated into the bespoke aluminum chassis. "We need more power than the RS5," said Reil, "and it needs to be mounted longitudinally instead of transversely." Reil likened the scale of the project to the development of the R8, but claimed a production version could be ready in 2-3 years.

He admitted that Quattro GmbH already has a working prototype that is "so amazing." He also dismissed concerns that there is no direct link between the concept and motorsport, while its inspiration, the original Sport Quattro, was bred for rallying. "If you ask two guys about this, you will already get five different opinions," he said. "It is not a big thing."

Reil also confirmed that the RS brand would not be used on Q-series Audis due to the high center of gravity afforded by the SUV platforms. But he refused to rule out an RS version of the A7: "We did two generations of the RS6 so why not do an A7."

Inside Line says: In 2-3 years Audi will need another halo car, and the Quattro could be the perfect solution.