Audi has announced that the 2008 A3 Convertible will be produces in HUngary: "The Gyor site has excelled in the production of premium vehicles during recent years ... therefore it is optimally suited for the assembly of a new model alongside the Audi TT Coupe and the TT Roadster," Audi said in a statement.

"The market launch of the A3 Cabriolet is scheduled for next year, just in time for the start of the convertible season," Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told a news conference jointly held with Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany.

The A3 Convertible will be powered by the same FSI petrol and TDI diesel engines used by the A3 hatchback range. The base models will use a 1.6 FSI unit, while the top of the line will be powered by a 3.2-litre V6. A turbocharged S3 will also be launched in 2009.