Audi Spells Out Details on 2008 A3 Cabriolet


INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi AG unveiled everything you'd ever want to know about its 2008 A3 Cabriolet on Monday, but there are still no plans to bring it to the U.S. market.

The first compact cabriolet from Audi goes on sale in Europe in the spring with four turbocharged direct-injection engine options. They include two gas and two diesel engines. The performance range extends from 105 to 200 horsepower. The S tronic dual-clutch gearbox is optional, while a six-speed manual transmission is standard on engine versions from 140 hp upward.

In late November, Christian Bokich, Audi of America manager of product and technology communications, told Inside Line that the A3 Cabriolet will not come to North America because it isn't certified for the U.S.

In the meantime, Audi AG issued a complete list of details about its compact cabriolet. The A3 Cabriolet convertible top comes in two versions: a semiautomatic soft top with two layers and a fully automatic, three-layered acoustic top. In both versions, a high-pressure pump and two hydraulic cylinders move the top. It opens in 9 seconds and closes in 11 seconds. The acoustic top can be opened and closed while driving up to 19 mph.

A standard wind deflector comes in the Ambition line.

The cabin gets a standard four-spoke steering wheel. A leather cover is optional. The Ambition line offers a modified slip-proof leather sports steering wheel with a three-spoke design. Leather seats are optional. Cabin touches include decorative inlays in pearlescent granite in the Attraction line or inlays in aluminum, burr walnut, micrometallic silver and Vavona wood.

The A3 Cabriolet includes standard storage in the center tunnel with a 12-volt outlet. The cabriolet gets an expandable trunk with capacity up to 23.8 cubic feet. Daytime running lights are standard.
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