Audi Promises Entry Into New Segments

NEW YORK – Audi of America Inc. will unveil 15 new models by 2010, says Wolfgang Hoffmann, director of product management.

“Four or five of the new models will be in niches where we don’t play yet,” he says.

In an interview at the recent New York Auto Show here, Hoffmann tells Ward’s the cross/utility vehicle segment holds a lot of potential for Audi’s volume growth.

He also notes Audi’s Q7 CUV will get a hybrid-electric version powered by a gasoline engine next year. “We see the most (growth) potential in the Q7 at the moment,” he says.

Hoffman says the brand will switch over completely to its FSI direct-injection gasoline engines in the next three to four years. At present, the S4 engine is not equipped with the technology.

Audi’s Q7 CUV to get hybrid-electric version powered by gasoline engine next year.

He also forecasts Audi’s introduction of lane-departure technology within the next two years in many of its car lines. Additionally, Audi will extend the application of its brake-disc dry system, which already is in the new Q7 and A5 and A6 sedans.

Other planned upgrades include making Bang and Olufsson sound systems available across the board and introducing Audi’s first light-emitting-diode headlight system.

Meanwhile, Audi is closely watching the battle between competing alternate-fuel technologies, with an eye on selecting one for eventual introduction into its vehicles, Hoffmann says. At the same time, it continues efforts to improve horsepower in some models.