Quote:
Originally Posted by spudwest
My timeline is 2009 or 2010.
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Well, within that purchasing time frame, there might already be two interesting new products on the market, coming from the VW group, that might be seen as competition to the small BMW coupé, with regard to performance and driving exhilaration, among certain potential buyers:
* Somewhat more expensive, for those who don't really need rear seating and put a premium on performance:
The entry-level Porsche Cayman with a better engine (more powerful, better low-end torque, yet improved fuel efficiency due to direct injection), a limited slip differential for even better handling characteristics, and more leightweight due to use of aluminum in some places.
* Somewhat less expensive, for those who don't mind a hatchback door and place a premium on practicality:
The new Audi A1 in the 4-wheel drive quattro version, which is likely to be offered in addition to front-wheel drive. Audi has promised this car to be a "MINI killer", and it will be about 20 cm longer than the MINI, hence more practical. Though the engine won't be as smooth as an inline or boxer six, preliminary pictures of this car make it look very promising. If it has an aluminimum frame (like the discontinued A2) it will be light and could have superior handling. The A1, if Audi gets it right, has excellent potential to be a smash hit, especially among urban dwellers who want luxury but hate passing by parking gaps that are just slightly too small.