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Audi launched the Roadjet concept at the North American International Automobile Show in 2007 with a car that combines Audi's new design philosophy with a feeling of space with the large window area.
With a 300bhp 3.2 liter engine, longitudinally installed it is the first Audi model to have the 7 speed direct shift gearbox and the vehicle appears to be acting as a production testbed for Audi's electronic innovations for the next generation.
The dimensions of the Roadjet are in proportion for length and width at 4.70m and 1.85 m respectively, however the height at 1.55m and a wheelbase of 2.85m give rise to a far greater passenger and driver space accommodating four occupants with ease.
With the amount of electronic add-ons that pack this automobile, the Roadjet is a mobile marketing center for cutting edge cross manufacturing electronic applications; for a start the Bang & Olufsen sound system will make you think you are in the local nightclub rather than a cross-over SUV.
Many commentators and the buying public have questioned the wisdom of the Roadjet release, it appears to be in direct competition with the Audi A3 itself.
Take a closer look at this vehicle and it has has more innovation than just a fancy sound system while it is clear that Audi are really trying to push the envelope with their led by design strategy.
Under the hood there is an improved 3.2 liter six cylinder fuel injected engine generating 300bhp with exceptional pulling power and smooth linear acceleration right through the range.
Transmission is provided by the Direct Shift Gearbox, and the Roadjet is the first model to feature it with the longitudinally fitted engine. This follows the development of the transmission and engine layout that has been implemented with the A3 and TT, the effect being to provide the advantages of a manual shift with the qualities of automatic transmission.
Audi have also used the new steering rack and pinion with variable ratios for the first time, and this together with variable shocks and a dynamic suspension arrangement provide for an excellent ride for the vehicle.
Before you go thinking that all means a very dull, sluggish ride that makes you think you're driving a wet sponge, Audi have come up with a neat feature. Audi Select is a feature that allows you to select three individual driving characteristics at the touch of a button and the settings are quite simple; comfort, dynamic and sport, and these settings alter the steering, transmission and engine performance and power delivery.
Audi have also placed a great deal of emphasis upon safety besides economy and passenger comfort with the Roadjet, but in keeping with the electronic innovations that equip this automobile, Audi have also installed a new system of car to car communication, again a first with this vehicle.
Using the WLAN network vehicles are able to communicate with each other and stationary reception points. This opens up new possibilities for driver convenience with real-time traffic updates but also the possibility of being able to reserve and spot parking spaces before reaching your destination.