INGOLSTADT, Germany — German automaker Audi will soon introduce a convertible version of its A3, sources have told Inside Line, as the hardtop version is just now hitting the U.S. market in hatchback form.

The A3 Cabriolet is scheduled for introduction in Europe in spring 2007; plans for the U.S. are not known yet.

The A3 Cabriolet will be based on the next-generation A3, which uses the sixth-generation Golf platform. It will share no exterior body panels with the current A3. The current three-door A3 hatchback will be replaced in 2010.

Sources say the A3 Cabriolet's new look features a high and short rear end, more contoured flanks, and a fresh face that reportedly wears the single-frame grille upside down — like the famous Auto Union racing cars. The car is described as having a "gangsta" look vaguely reminiscent of the 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster.

Instead of a retractable top, which has become so popular on most open-air cars these days, the A3 will have a fabric soft top as will other Audi open-air cars, including the replacement for the TT roadster, due in 2006, and the A5 Cabriolet, scheduled to supersede the A4-based model in 2008.

The A3 Cabrio in Europe will offer four different gasoline engines, ranging from a 115-horsepower four-cylinder to 280-hp V6. A diesel might be available. Audi's popular Quattro all-wheel-drive will be offered along with an S-line with a body kit, lowered suspension and extra-wide tires.