Blaa Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 Finnish tractor manufactor Valmet brought a modified Audi A4 to the Geneva car show.. Just bacause they can.. Valmet A4 CC Why didn't Audi make it like this from the start?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbie123 Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 That's great But I bet the problem is that there will be absolutely no boot space plus I guess it must weigh a lot more than the cloth. Which must have a negative inpact on the handling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blaa Posted March 4, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 But if Audi had started out with an idea like this, handeling problems would have been sorted by Audi tachs == no problems. Boot space would also seem like a problem. But Audi techs would sort that prob also. Rather than Tractor builders from Finland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 That really is quite remarkable! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brn7y Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 That is the best mod I have ever seen pity about the car colour. Bugger boot space if you were worried about that you would not buy a cab in the first place, and as for handling a good aftermarket suspension set-up will fix what small difference there would be. Bring it on Audi, get the tractor company as coachbuilder for the next Cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 [ QUOTE ] The Audi A4 Coupé Cabrio is the new concept car created by Valmet Automotive. It is based on the Audi A4 Cabriolet. Top down you can hardly see any difference to the original vehicle. Top up you see a fabulous hard top coupé. The concept car has a fully automatic retractable roof consisting of three panels. Simple and unique technical solutions ensure short cycle time and smooth operation for the roof. When the roof is down it is stowed into an extremely compact package. All the panels are packed parallel. This unique packaging maximises the size of the luggage compartment. The Audi A4 Coupé Cabrio is a true four-seater. The interior of the concept car is carried over from the original Audi A4 Cabriolet. The A-pillars and windscreen are also carried over from the original soft top car. The rear side windows have been lengthened to offer better rear view and to allow more light in the cabin. This concept car project was carried out in three months in the Technical Center of Valmet Automotive. It shows the the specialty vehicle know-how of Valmet Automotive. The concept car is unique and there are no plans for series production. Valmet Automotive has a long experience in the development and production of convertibles, their roof systems, body structures and interior solutions, and of total concepts for niche vehicles. In over 30 years the company has manufactured nearly one million vehicles (Saab, Opel, Chryslel Talbot, Porsche Boxster) including over 300,000 convertibles. Valmet Automotive offers the OEMs complete vehicle projects from product development to production. The company works in co-operation with ThyssenKrupp Automotive AG. Today Valmet Automotive is contracted by Porsche AG to produce Porsche Boxster sports cars to the worldwide market. The facilities in Finland consist of body shop, paint shop, final assembly and a product design and development center. [/ QUOTE ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brn7y Posted March 4, 2004 Report Share Posted March 4, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GCab Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 Looks very nice, but I wouldn't want one. Metal tops are already beginning to look like a downmarket option, for the petit-bourgeoisie who can't quite get rid of their fear of convertibles. Look at all the new 'coupe-convertibles' coming out: Megane, Peugeot, Hyundai. Now look at the premium manufacturers: BMW (new 6 series cabrio); Merc (once you get above SLK level); Audi. All swathed in increasingly high quality, flexible, classy-looking fabric. When's the last time you saw a folding-metal top Porsche convertible ? I think metal tops are going to look a bit 'hairdresser' in a couple of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brn7y Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 SL55 AMG? The most powerful hairdresser car in the world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmmlmmam Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Look at all the new 'coupe-convertibles' coming out: Megane, Peugeot, Hyundai. [/ QUOTE ] I've read reviews of the Megane and Pug CC's and to accomodate the hard top they had to move back seats forward, meaning the cars are no longer true four seaters. IMO this makes these cars pointless - if you only need 2 seats there are better options. Also I agree with GanS's view that a well engineered modern soft top is something to be proud of, not scared of (depending on where you live!). So whilst the Valmet A4 is undoubtedly a stunning show car, and an excellent example of their capability I'm not sure these metal folding lids are the way to go for a four seater at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 The problem with all of these new four seater folding hard top cars like the Megane and 307 is that in order to keep the roof section as short as possible they've curled the screen back so far it virtually goes over your head! This alone would put me off, who wants a convertible that feels like you are under the screen not in the outdoors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nasse Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Rather than Tractor builders from Finland. [/ QUOTE ] FYI, Valmet Automotives has about as much to do with tractors as the ever so fine Valmet assault rifle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4_sat Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 nah,itll tread on the toes of the a4 coupe thats meant to be comin out in a little while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 Pictures from S4V8CAB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 I quote from their site: Valmet Automotive is a mechanical production company in Uusikaupunki, Finland, producing cars and vehicles for other manufacturers, including: Saab - Some specialized 9-3 models Porsche - The Porsche Boxster Valmet also produces guns, and notably developed a well known assault rifle, derived from Mikhail Kalashnikov's AK-47. http://www.valmet-automotive.com/ Lots of pictures of cars, but no guns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GCab Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 Finnish companies, like Korean ones, tend to be pretty diverse in what they do. Bear in mind Nokia started life as a timber company... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted March 5, 2004 Report Share Posted March 5, 2004 [ QUOTE ] The problem with all of these new four seater folding hard top cars like the Megane and 307 is that in order to keep the roof section as short as possible they've curled the screen back so far it virtually goes over your head! This alone would put me off, who wants a convertible that feels like you are under the screen not in the outdoors? [/ QUOTE ] Jesus yeah! Never noticed that until you pointed it out! I personally hate these 'lifestyle' CCs like the Megane, 307, 206....etc. They are horrid. Would rather keep mundane wheels for the daily commute and spend that 15-17k on a nice late Mk1 Elise for the weekend... holds its value better too! The press Sport 135, one of the 50 Factory versions rather than the upgrade/kits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blaa Posted March 6, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Finnish companies, like Korean ones, tend to be pretty diverse in what they do. Bear in mind Nokia started life as a timber company... [/ QUOTE ] And dont forget Noika wheels, and rubberboots.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdehoogh Posted March 7, 2004 Report Share Posted March 7, 2004 I don't see the need for a metal roof, as the current fabric roof is so good an silent And on top of that, it saves lots of boot space (a fabric one that is...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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