Audi A4: From Passat and Back
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The Audi A4 is a capable fun to drive sedan cabriolet and wagon from Germanys third biggest luxury car maker. What distinguishes the A4 from Mercedes and BMW Price engineering and technology. Please read on to learn just what the Audi A4 has in store for you the motorist.
Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a lesser model. Typically this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The theory is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather a taut suspension and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off. For Audi the introduction of the allnew Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to capitalize on the success of the Volkswagen Passat a midsize car from its European cousin. The plan worked but it was only a temporary move. Lets take a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the top of German automotive excellence.
For years the Audi 80 defined the smaller cars in Audis line up. By the early 1990s the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures however made the development of an allnew fromthegroundup model impossible. Instead Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.
Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors regularly 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 high quality and successful standard brands.
Still the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed the newest Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised squarely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series Mercedes C Class the Volvo S60 and Cadillacs Swedish built BLS.
So what does todays Audi A4 owners get for the money Quite a lot! Read on:
A choice of three models including a sedan a wagon and a cabriolet
Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6
Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive
A plethora of transmission choices including manual automatic and manumatic shifters
Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints head and side air bags antilock brakes
12 way power seat for the driver
Leather aluminum and clothe appointments
Premium 10 speaker sound system
16 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels
Base prices start around $28000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37000 for the cabriolet; all prices are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.
Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers the German automaker isnt holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final decisions 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.
Copyright 2006 Matt Keegan is a freelance writer covering upcoming models as well as the current favorites. To keep your Audi A4 looking its best and running great outfit your sedan with quality Audi A4 Avant or Audi A4 Quattro parts right now.
Tags: bmw 3 series luxury car s line car maker automakers general motors audi a4 german automaker cabriolet
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_63752_31.html
Occupation: Freelance Writer Matt Keegan is a freelance writer covering a variety of topics. His specialities are: automotive aviation personal finance mortgages and travel. Please visit his blog today for Matt wits tips and quips. http://www.thearticlewriter.com/blog