Some folks are into engines; others are into exterior design. Me, I'm into interiors and how they can make your ride more convenient and pleasurable.
So when I came across this thingamabob in the Audi Q7, I had to know what it was. Problem is, neither the editors nor the data staff I asked knew...
The owners manual was no help, either. It took a call to Mark, who runs service at Pacific Audi here in California, to figure it out.
Curious? I'll give you a hint: This doohickey sits just anterior to the grab handles in the second-row ceiling.
Post your guesses in the comments area. First person who gets it right, wins our respect and collective admiration. Tune in for the answer tomorrow.
Joanne Helperin, Edmunds.com Senior Features Editor
ewilfong says:
02:37 PM, 10/11/07
I wish I could be there to fiddle with it. I'll guess that it pops down and acts as a hanger.
crowb says:
02:39 PM, 10/11/07
Some sort of docking station for a shower curain rod?
Maybe its an adapter for a flux capacitor?
How's about something to do with car seats or cargo nets?
Whatever it is, I bet it makes the car go faster...
cah11705 says:
02:49 PM, 10/11/07
Mabye they ran out if fabric?
mabye not...
jchan2 says:
02:57 PM, 10/11/07
cargo cover holder, perhaps.
bimmerjay says:
03:01 PM, 10/11/07
You guys deleted my response from yesterday... I noticed this post disappeared and reappeared?? Well I guess I'll restate my answer from memory...
I believe it's the hook for the accessory cargo net that extends from the top of the rear seat to the ceiling. These nets are commonly used on wagons and SUVs in Europe to prevent cargo/pets from flying forward into the pax area in a collision or during sudden braking.
jamhandman says:
03:07 PM, 10/11/07
I also believe it is a coat/clothing hanger the pops out.
joefrompa says:
03:21 PM, 10/11/07
I'm going to have to say that it's for a 2nd-row clothing rod to fit into...
either that or it's a template for an option you didn't select :)
Joe
SubyTrojan says:
03:41 PM, 10/11/07
These are all excellent guesses!
My crazy guess is that it's a mounting point for some sort of (retractable?) privacy screen/glass based on Joanne's clue.
stovt001 says:
04:00 PM, 10/11/07
I'd guess a place to hook clothes hangers. I can't tell from the picture if it is big or deep enough though...
estreka says:
04:30 PM, 10/11/07
It's a keyhole. If you find the matching key, the safe below the third row seat opens up to reveal all the excess money the owner spent on this vehicle.
SubyTrojan says:
04:32 PM, 10/11/07
LOL! g1 (good one), estreka!!!
johnnyturbo says:
05:13 PM, 10/11/07
Looks like bimmerjay beat me to it -- my answer is the same as his.
altimadude00 says:
05:17 PM, 10/11/07
A hanger for the seat belts so people can get into the third row easier.
billt9 says:
06:04 PM, 10/11/07
Educational block hole for children 3 and under.
Block sold separately.
SubyTrojan says:
06:27 PM, 10/11/07
johnnyturbo may have insider information. Therefore, his guess is invalid. J/k, John!
christiangm says:
07:25 PM, 10/11/07
clothing hanger?
prndlol says:
08:27 PM, 10/11/07
OEM pet barrier mount?
http://images.buyautotruckaccessories.com/products/main/MainImage_HIpetbarrier.jpg
nwfmlymn says:
10:02 AM, 10/12/07
It's for a pet/cargo partition.
See: http://www.audi-collection.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=4L0861691+94H&SKW=AUQ7&Cat=car&SubLevel=17&lcat=All%20Audi%20Q7
SubyTrojan says:
10:26 AM, 10/12/07
And the winner is?
researchqueen says:
10:35 AM, 10/12/07
Hey guys. Bimmerjay got it first. Look for my next blog post to see more. -- Joanne
estreka says:
11:10 AM, 10/12/07
Darn. I thought I nailed it.