Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept hints at 2009 Q5

By Todd Lassa

Think that Audi can tackle the BMW X3 with a convertible? Nah, Audi doesn't either. But its Los Angeles show concept, the Cross Cabriolet, looks to be a hint at the five-door 2009 Q5.

Like this concept, the Q5 will ride on the A4/S5's longitudinal-engine, "transmission-forward" platform. Concept engine is a 240-horsepower, 369 pound-foot longitudinally mounted six-cylinder turbodiesel with an ultra-low emission system that Audi says will meet the European Union's 2014 standards. U.S.-spec Q5s will probably launch with the 3.2-liter V-6. The Cross Cab is shown with a full-time quattro system and electronic ride adjustment.

At 181.2 inches long and 75.2 inches wide, it's about the size of the A5/S5 coupe, so if you imagine it lowered by a good ten inches, you're also looking at a vague hint of the 2010 A5/S5 convertible. Overall height of the concept is 64.2 inches, on the low side of small crossover ride heights. Gee-whiz features include Google Earth software for the navigation system, which has a high-resolution display and 3-dimensional maps. It comes with an internet connection so that drivers can tune in on traffic, weather and air-quality information.

With the '09 Q5 and the smaller Q3, previewed by the Cross Coupe quattro at the Shanghai show earlier this year, Audi plans to triple its crossover SUV lineup within a few short years.