Just as BMW unveiled the new 1-series convertible, Audi has now chopped the top on its A3, transforming the car into a four-seat cabriolet. The new car sports a fabric roof - as does its chief competitor - claimed to blend in with the 'authentic idea of open-top driving'. The exterior design of
the Cabriolet retains the basic form of the A3 hatchback, featuring the familiar grille and high shoulderline, but the front end design has evolved to include new headlamp units featuring seven LEDs and a lower bumper section, nearly identical to that of the A4. Measuring 4,238mm in length, 1,765mm in width, 1,424mm in height and with a 2,578mm wheelbase, the A3 Cabriolet retains the proportions of the hatchback and its windscreen angle as well. From the rear, the Cabriolet has adapted the taillamp design of the larger A5 coupé.
Structural rigidity is enhanced through extensive use of hot-formed steel, including in the twin roll hoops aft of the rear seats. Weight savings and interior space were also a priority in the design. The fabric roof, which can raise or lower in nine seconds, includes a large heated glass rear window and folds up in a Z-pattern for space savings. It can be specified as a semi-automatic or fully automatic 'acoustic' top and comes in three colors: black, blue or red.
Power will be supplied by a range of four-cylinder engines, two petrol and two diesel, when the car goes on sale in Germany from February 2008.
Source: cardesignnews