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If you are like us here at Dubspeed Driven, you are looking at the photos of this concept and thinking to yourself… “WTF?” Yes, Audi has teased us for weeks that a concept of the upcoming Audi Q5 SUV would be shown at the LA Show this week, and this is what they give us. Audi says that the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro Concept introduces a completely new vehicle segment, and that it contains all the genes of a soft-top with all the capabilities of a fully fledged SUV. The concept is powered by a 3.0-liter 240hp TDI engine, and is mated to Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system.

We’re not exactly sure what a convertible has to do with the Q5, but we do know that much of the design language visible in this concept will carry over to the production model Q5.

Full press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2007 LA Auto Show – Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro Concept

Post and Podcast by Kasey Kagawa

I apologize in advance for this week’s edition of Dubspeed Radio. First, the lateness. We managed to make it zero weeks before I completely blew my self-imposed and self-enforced deadline of Sunday night. Secondly, the sound quality of this week’s podcast. I really need to set a curfew for recording the podcast, as it was way too late when I recorded this one and the quality of the product suffered as result. Also, a mysterious background buzz makes this one sound like it was recorded inside a florescent light bulb. Again, many apologies. However, there’s still some good news in there, so take a big bite of Dubspeed Radio, and don’t worry about the occasional hair. Send complaints to the chef to dubspeedradio@gmail.com.

 

 Dubspeed Radio 11/11/07 [15:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Post by Kasey Kagawa

I know we already talked about the Special Edition Bullitt Mustang in a previous podcast, but I think that the media frenzy about the launch of, quite frankly, the most innovative and unique Mustang, nay, car to come out of Ford in years deserves its own news post. We spared no expense to bring you this exclusive photograph, even using the same technique used by Ford engineers and designers to produce the Special Edition Bullitt Mustang. Using specialized Ford Racing technology, the Special Edition Bullitt Mustang produces 319 HP and 325 ft-lbs of torque, a number identical to the Shelby GT’s power figures, something entirely coincidental, I’m sure. Other coincidences between the Shelby GT and this extremely unique, one-of-a-kind and Special Edition Bullitt Mustang include suspension, bolt-on cold-air intake, and the bolt-on exhaust system. However, the rear differential gear ratio has been changed from 3.55:1 in the Shelby GT to 3.73:1, which in another shocking bit of synchronicity is the same rear drive ratio as the Shelby GT500.

Despite the astonishing amount of similarities between this car and other so-called “special edition” Mustangs, we can cite several facts as conclusive proof that the Special Edition Bullitt Mustang is a totally separate member of the Ford family, and completely deserving of the pages and pages of coverage in the major automotive news blogs. First, the metal dashboard has a new texture applied to it at the factory. Secondly, it’s painted in a new color that will never be available on any other Mustang. Finally, aside from the special edition Bullitt Mustang badge on the rear, it doesn’t have any other badges on it. Obviously, the new and creative way of thinking that lead to the Special Edition Bullitt Mustang is truly in the spirit of Bold Moves, and this revolutionary and extremely cost-effective method of designing new models is surely what is currently leading the way back to financial success for Ford. I’m surprised other manufacturers like General Motors or Chrysler haven’t caught onto this sooner.

Post and Podcast by Kasey Kagawa

In this harrowing installation of Dubspeed Radio, we confront the wretched hive of scum and villainy that is SEMA and all that it contains. Some other news stories escape the crushing horror that is SEMA, but they are the lucky few. As mentioned in the podcast, we’re moving the podcast to Sunday nights to try to catch the two or three announcements that always pop up as I’m recording the podcast. This week’s edition’s a little later than we’d like, but it was my birthday this Sunday, a sadly annual occurrence, so I think that this probably won’t happen again for at least a year. And again, send comments to dubspeedradio@gmail.com.

 

 Dubspeed Radio 11/04/07 [20:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download