Audi’s marketing and product planning departments are thinking big, but not too big. Automobile magazine is reporting that the next addition to the German automaker’s lineup is called the Audi A4 Superavant and, no, it’s not a minivan nor an MPV. Audi claims its market research found enough demand to bring it to market.
As its name suggests, the new crossover is essentially a supersized Audi A4 Avant wagon. Audi emphasizes that the vehicle will have the same sporty styling and driving characteristics as its smaller sister models. Most importantly, the Audi A4 Superavant’s high roof and three-row seating configuration will provide more practically and cargo room than an A4 Avant. It should also ride higher, too, allowing American drivers to enjoy a commanding view of the road also found in SUVs.
The car’s front fascia sports Audi’s familiar corporate nose with a wide gaping grille and requisite LED daytime running lamp accents—the full rendering is at Automobile. The A4 Superavant’s side profile shows off the high roof and four, full-size doors, similar to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class people-mover. Speaking of which, Mercedes-Benz struggled to convince the public that the R-Class wasn’t a minivan; first it was described a grand sport tourer, before the company finally relented to the crossover moniker. The R-Class will likely serve as a case study for Audi executives who want to avoid the same fate.
Automobile speculates the A4 Superavant will ride on an extended version of Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, expected to underpin the next-generation A4. Power will come from a number of forced-induction powerplants including a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated at 255 hp and possibly a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel rated at 197 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The magazine also hints at a possible rear-drive, electric powertrain with two motors for a total output of 136 hp.
Should the A4 Superavant get the green light, a concept car could be ready as early as 2014 with production following two years later. If the car does come, it would compete with other premium entries like BMW’s 3 and 5 Series GT models and possibly the planned replacement for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
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