The eye catching Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept seen at the LA Auto Show might be destined for production. The SUV could head into showrooms by 2010 as the drop top version of the forthcoming Q5 SUV. The Q5 is set to do battle with the BMW X3 and the Land Rover Freelander.

Audi Q5

Steve Lewis design chief for Audi USA spoke at the LA Show and said that “Such a vehicle has been talked about within Audi for quite some time, because nobody else has ever produced a cabriolet SUV before. If there is sufficient demand for around 5,000 units a year, this model could go into limited production, and arrive in showrooms around 2010.”

The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro will have a neat soft-top. Its design follows Audi’s pledge to continue shunning folding metal hard-tops for its convertibles, in favor of traditional fabric hoods. However, the roof isn’t the only feature on the off-roader that could find its way to the showroom. Audi is also considering making its bright metallic Copper Sunrise paint job available to customers as an optional extra. A quick swing around the vehicle show that the concept isn’t as high up as a typical SUV, actually looking more like a raised Audi TT. The Cross features a double body shell for stiffer suspension. Electronic ride height adjustment gives the Cross Cabriolet extra clearance when needed.

Audi Cross Cabriolet Concept