Description
Audi AG is a German automaker in the Volkswagen Group. It can trace its historic roots to several automakers from the early 20th century, though Audi's present-day form is created by Volkswagen in 1969.
History
The surname of Audi's original founder, August Horch, means 'listen' in German, and 'audi' is the Latin word bearing the same meaning. The four rings of the Audi logo each represent one of the four companies that merged into Audi's predecessor, Auto Union, which formed in 1932.
Before WWII, economic pressure of the time led Auto Union to focus on economy cars, and the Audi brand disappeared in 1939.
In the 1960s, Volkswagen acquired a 50% holding in Auto Union, including the DKW and Audi brands with the rights to the new engine design funded by Mercedes-Benz. In 1968, VW relaunched the Audi brand with the Audi 100.
Technical Uniqueness
- Galvanization: Audi was the first mass-market automaker to produce 100% galvanized cars to prevent corrosion.
- Aluminium Space Frame: Audi introduced the aluminium space frame (ASF) that is lightweight and that improves torsion rigidity compared to a conventional steel frame with the D2 A8. Currently, A8, R8, and TT use the ASF.
- Drivetrain Layout: While Audi vehicles are frequently equipped with quattro all-wheel drive, many are available with front-wheel drive. However, unlike most manufacturers, Audi equips its larger vehicles with longitudinal engines that stick in front of the front axle, producing the characteristic front overhang.
- Engines: To accommodate longitudinally-mounted engine in front of the front axle, Audi has used a couple of rare engine configurations: It is one of two (alongside Volvo) to have used the inline-5 engine, which is still available today. It was also the first to use a W12 engine that is now exclusive to Bentley.
Current Lineup
Audi's current vehicle lineup consists of hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, and crossovers:
- Hatchback: A1, A3, S3, RS3
- Sedan: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, S3, S4, S5, S6, S8, RS3, RS5, RS7
- Wagon: A4, A6, S4, RS4, RS6
- Crossover: Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, e-tron, SQ2, SQ5, SQ7, SQ8, RS Q3, RS Q5, RS Q8
- Convertible: A3, A5, TT, R8, S3, S5
- Coupe: A5, TT, S5, TTS, RS5, TTRS
- Sports Car: R8
Scores
No review has been published yet.
Products
Articles
Audi Showcases Its Chassis Design Prowess: Adaptive Air Suspension, Dynamic All-Wheel Steering, & Active Anti-Roll Bar, etc.
Audi showcased its chassis engineering with emphasis on Adaptive Air Suspension, Dynamic All-Wheel Steering, Active Anti-Roll Bar, and Integrated Brake Contr...
Guide · 07 Aug 2020
Audi SQ7 & SQ8 Receive New V8 TFSI Gasoline (Petrol) Engine in Place of the V8 Diesel
As the Euro 6d emission standard comes into effect in January 2021, Audi is replacing the V8 diesel engine found in current SQ7 and SQ8 models with a new pet...
News · 16 Jul 2020
It's in the Thermals: Audi Explains High Charging Performance of Its e-tron Models
Sophisticated thermal management in Audi e-tron allows the vehicle to maintain a flat charging curve and thus charge more quickly at High Power Charging (HPC...
Guide · 05 Jun 2020
Audi RS Models: How Are They Set Apart from Other Variants in the Same Series?
RS models represent the best of Audi. In this review, let's look at how Audi designs, develops, tests, and assembles these impressive vehicles.
Guide · 25 May 2020
Reviews
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