Learn What Inspired Audi To Build The A4

Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a “lesser” model. Typically, this plan is used when costs have to be cut to realize real savings. The concept is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the standard one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the advent of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s permitted the German automaker to gain advantage from the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize vehicle from its European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a non permanent move. Let’s have a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the head of German car excellence.

For years, the Audi eighty defined the smaller vehicles in Audi’s line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would have to be changed with the 2 digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model most unlikely. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the first Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.

Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors continually spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their respective Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their prime quality and successful standard brands.

Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the first Audi A4 is now in its 4th generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the most recent Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised precisely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac’s Swedish built BLS.

So, what does today’s Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:

A choice of three models including a sedan, a van, and a cabriolet

Two engine selections : a 2.0L I4 and a powerful 3.2L V6

Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive

A plethora of transmission selections including manual, automatic, and manumatic shifters

Major safety initiatives including power helped safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes

12 way power seat for the driver

Leather, aluminum, and dress appointments

Premium ten spokesperson sound system

16 in., five spoke amalgamate wheels

Base costs start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet ; all costs are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.

Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isn’t holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The most recent model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final for the last choices, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep up with the competition. This is great news for those wanting a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.

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