Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro
Audi took the L.A. setting seriously to introduce its small convertible concept. After introducing the Metrojet concept last month, this convertible looks to be bigger, but perhaps the two will usher in a new line of small cars to combat BMW’s 1 Series. The concept is a soft-top convertible, practically a rarity in these days of retractable hardtops.
The roadster features a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine. Who knows, though — with low-emission diesel engines just starting to enter the U.S. market, this might be an available power plant if the Cross Cabriolet makes it into production.
One other surprise is that it’s not really that small. At 181.8 inches, it’s considerably longer than a Mini Cooper convertible, and even a few inches beyond the VW Eos. The style might be the deciding factor for buyers, though.