Should Audi drop FWD configuration?

[Matt]

^ is the IS350 a FWD set up?? Gosh, so much driving fun is because of RWD, and Audi is missing that, probably killing a part of their potential market.

 

[cawimmer430]

^ is the IS350 a FWD set up?? Gosh, so much driving fun is because of RWD, and Audi is missing that, probably killing a part of their potential market.

As far as I know, the IS was designed with RWD in mind from day one.

 

[Yperion]

Most car buyers aren't enthusiasts. These people wouldn't be to obsessed whether or not the car is FWD, RWD or AWD. If they want an Audi, especially a lower end model, they'll have the option adding AWD if they want to.

An enthusiast for example would most likely complain about an almost 300-hp FWD Toyota Avalon because FWD can't take that much power and torque and be driven like a sports car. But this car isn't aimed at enthusiasts. It's the same people who want a Toyota but with a little more power and options... off topic but you get the idea. FWD isn't an issue to them.

Well said Christian.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Well honestly, the FWD might be important to Audi in other countries but since they are trying to break into the US market as equals to MB and BMW, they need to get rid of the FWD because at least here in the US FWD is seen as a cheap car tech like the Hondas and the Toyotas. I mean even lexus has RWD, so why can't a Premium german car maker just make AWD cars?

 

[MikeJ]

You've got a point there Naruto - all-AWD Audis wouldn't be a bad idea in the image-above-anything-else U.S. market.

 

[NarutoRamen]

That's what I was trying to get across. How can AUDI justify the price of their cars in the US and offer FWD when a nowhere near premium Japanese brand (Subaru) offers a full AWD standard line-up? It's not like I'm bashing AUDI or something.

 

[cawimmer430]

Well honestly, the FWD might be important to Audi in other countries but since they are trying to break into the US market as equals to MB and BMW, they need to get rid of the FWD because at least here in the US FWD is seen as a cheap car tech like the Hondas and the Toyotas. I mean even lexus has RWD, so why can't a Premium german car maker just make AWD cars?

What about the Lexus ES or Acura TL? They're FWD.

I think the "enthusiast or car nut" might think of FWD as inappropriate, but the majority of consumers probably don't even know what the difference between FWD and RWD is.

 

[cawimmer430]

Well said Christian.

 

[NarutoRamen]

What about the Lexus ES or Acura TL? They're FWD.

I think the "enthusiast or car nut" might think of FWD as inappropriate, but the majority of consumers probably don't even know what the difference between FWD and RWD is.

I can tell you one thing...no one that I know of or ever talked to will ever compare the Acura TL or the Lexus ES to MB or BMW. I'm not too sure about audi

 

[cawimmer430]

I can tell you one thing...no one that I know of or ever talked to will ever compare the Acura TL or the Lexus ES to MB or BMW. I'm not too sure about audi

I think Audi's image in the US is on the rise, but slowly. Acura is probably in the same boat as Audi in the US, image-wise.

Either way, as a European, FWD for Audi is a necessity in this market. There are too many buyers here who don't see the need for an AWD base model Audi. FWD is also beneficial for weight-saving purposes. Just make sure the car isn't overpowered (aka Acura TL or Nissan Maxima style...).

 

[Bruce]

As far as I know, the IS was designed with RWD in mind from day one.

Correct

The old generation and new generation Lexus IS has always been RWD with the option of AWD.

 

[cawimmer430]

Correct

The old generation and new generation Lexus IS has always been RWD with the option of AWD.

I just learned something new. I never knew AWD was an option on the IS.

 

[Deleted member 182]

Just make sure the car isn't overpowered (aka Acura TL or Nissan Maxima style...).

Cadillac Seville, 300 hp Northstar V8. Saab 9-5 Hirsch 305 hp