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Audi S4 (C4)
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1994
Audi was re-configuring its lineup during the early 1990s, and introduced the original S4 (Typ 4A) in 1991 as the performance version of the re-styled Audi 100 (C4) saloon/sedan. Despite being based on the C4 Platform, and sharing its basic structure with the 100, the S4 effectively took the place of the Audi 200 turbo quattro, which had been discontinued the year before. Being the first in the S4 lineup, it is commonly referred to as the UrS4, coming from the German words Ursprünglich (meaning: original).
Audi A4, (B5)
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 2001
The first-generation Audi A4 (known internally as the Typ 8D) was debuted by Audi in 1994 on the Volkswagen B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat. It had a longitudinal engine and standard front-wheel drive, although many of the A4 owners selected the optional quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon/sedan; the Avant (estate/wagon) arrived a year later.
Audi A6 (C4)
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997
Audi's mid-size car was named the Audi 100 (or Audi 5000 in the United States) and was released in three successive generations (C1, C2 and C3). In 1994, the latest generation (C4) of the Audi 100 was facelifted and re-badged as the A6, to fit in with Audi's new alphanumeric nomenclature (as the full-size A8 had just been introduced). The exterior was changed only a bit from the C4 100 - new front and back lights, new radiator grid, the same happening with chassis and engine and transmission choices.
Audi A8 (D2)
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 2003
The A8 debuted in Europe in 1994, although it wasn't until 1997 that it became available in North America. Unlike the Audi V8 model, which was built on an existing steel platform, the A8 debuted on the then-new Volkswagen Group D2 platform, an all aluminium monocoque, tagged as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), which helped to significantly reduce weight, without sacrificing structural rigidity. The saloon/sedan was offered in both the A8 and the A8L long-Wheelbase (LWB) version. The A8L adds 5 in (127 mm) of rear legroom. In addition to being the world's first car built on an entirely aluminium platform, updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior airbags, making the A8 the first vehicle to be so equipped.
Audi S6 (C4)
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1997
Audi was fairly constantly re-structuring their model lineup in early and mid-1990s, and in 1995 began selling the fifth generation 100 model as the A6. Wanting to keep a sports-saloon in their lineup, the company made small revisions to what had been badged as the S4, and began reselling it as the S6; the S4 would eventually become a completely separate car based on Audi's smaller A4.
Audi A3, (8L)
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2003
The original A3 (or Typ 8L) was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the lower market segments since the demise of the Audi 50. This was the first VAG model to use the PQ34 or "A4" platform, bearing a natural close resemblance to its contemporary, the Golf Mk. IV. The car was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, in order to present a more sporty image than the Golf, in both front- and four-wheel drive. All engines had a four-cylinder configuration and were transversally mounted. After the A4, the Audi A3 was the second model in the Audi lineup to use five valves per cylinder.
Audi S4 (B5)
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2002
The second generation S4 (Typ 8D) debuted in 1997, as part of the B5 platform Audi A4 line-up, although it wasn't available in North America until year 2000. The B5 S4 had a 2.7 L, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 265 PS (195 kW/261 hp) in European trim. The engine was slightly detuned to meet US emissions regulations, and power stopped at 250 hp (186 kW) in North America. In addition to the saloon/sedan, an estate/wagon version, the Audi S4 Avant, was introduced into the lineup from 1998.
Audi A6 (C5)
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2004
In 1997 the scene changed strikingly for the A6. With the introduction of an ambitious new design (C5) and a new pack of engines, the A6 moved up a notch and was positioned alongside the hegemonic BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Italian redesigned body presented a modern design with a dramatic fastback styling that set the trend for the Audi lineup and gave the relatively large sedan an aerodynamic shell with a low coefficient of drag of 0.28. In 2000 and 2001, the fifth-generation A6 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list.
B5 facelift
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2001
Audi refreshed the model in the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales beginning in Europe in early 1998. Besides the introduction of a 2.8 L 30-valve V6 (replacing the outdated 2.8 V6 12 valve), the most important additions to the range were the 2.5 L V6 TDI (diesel) engine with 150 PS (110 kW) and standard quattro, and a six-speed gearbox, as well the new high-performance S4, now part of the A4 lineup (the previous S4 had been an Audi 100). New taillights, headlights, door handles, and other minor exterior/interior changes rounded out the cosmetic updates.
Audi S8 (D2)
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2003
In 1998, Audi introduced the S8, a high-performance version of the Audi A8 in the vein of Mercedes-Benz AMG models. Although it shared the standard model's platform, it featured a re-tuned, 340 PS (335 hp/250 kW) version of the standard V8 engine, a re-tuned suspension with larger wheels and upgraded tyres, enlarged brakes and a re-calibrated version of the 5-speed Tiptronic transmission (European-spec. models had a 6-speed manual transmission option); quattro was standard. At the same time of the A8's 2001 facelift, the S8 received another 20 bhp (15 kW), taking the output of the engine to 360 bhp (270 kW). This was the first model to be introduced to the American market. Production of the first-generation S8 ended in 2003, shortly before the introduction of the second-generation D3-platform A8.
Audi S3(8L)
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2003
The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, VW Golf Mk4, Audi TT, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia. The straight-4 20V 1.8 L turbocharged petrol engine comes in two versions of power output: 210 bhp and 225 bhp. Early models (1999-2001) had 210 bhp which is said to be a de-tuned Audi TT engine, and was said to be reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful TT. Later models (2001-2003) had variable valve timing and 225 bhp. The engine provides a maximum 280 newton metres (210 ft·lbf) of torque, most of which is available from 2200 through to 5500 rpm. This is the first time a small four-cylinder engine has been used in an Audi S-series car.
Audi RS4 (B5)
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
The first generation RS4 (Typ 8D) was introduced by Audi in late 1999, as the successor to the Porsche/Audi developed RS2 Avant. The vehicle, like its predecessor, was available only as an Avant (estate/wagon), and was built on an existing platform, in this case the "B5" generation A4/S4. Retail price was around 103,584 Deutsche Mark. The RS4 was available for sale in most of Europe, and in some Latin American countries.
Audi S6 (C5)
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2003
In 1997, Audi introduced the second generation A6 models. It was a complete re-design, and a new S6 appeared in 1999 on the new platform. Power is from a 4.2 litre 40 valve[citation needed] V8 engine (code AQJ). quattro permanent four-wheel drive was again standard, as was a six speed manual gearbox, with the optional 5-speed Tiptronic. As for appearance, the body panels were largely based on the A6 4.2 model, with flared wheel arches and door sills
Audi TT (8N)
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2006
The production model (internal designation Typ 8N) was launched as a coupé in September 1998, followed by a roadster in August 1999, based on the Volkswagen A platform used for the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia and others. The styling differed little from the concept, except for slightly reprofiled bumpers and the addition of a rear quarterlight windows behind the doors.
Audi A4, (B6)
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
An all-new A4, internally designated Typ 8E, debuted in late 2000, now riding on the all new Volkswagen B6 (PL46) platform. The car's new styling was inspired on the C5 (second-generation) Audi A6. The 1.6 L base model remained unchanged, but most other petrol/gasoline engines received either displacement increases, or power upgrades.
Audi RS6 (C5)
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2004
The first RS6 was the top-of-the-line of C5 (2nd generation, 1997-2004) A6 (Typ 4B) and was available as both a saloon (sedan) and an Avant (wagon). Derived from the C5 S6, the RS6 also shares aluminium structure from the firewall and forward with the C5 V8 A6s (A6 4.2 V8 quattro, S6 saloon/Avant).
Audi A3, (8P)
January 1, 2003 - Now
In the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Audi launched the second-generation of the A3, the Typ 8P, designed by Walter de'Silva. Originally launched as a three-door hatchback only with four cylinder engines, it featured a new mechanical platform (the PQ35 platform), a redesigned and more spacious interior, new petrol engines with Fuel Stratified Injection and standard six-speed gearboxes (except on the base 1.6).
Audi S4(B6)
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005
The third generation S4 (Typ 8E) debuted in mid-2003. This was based on the B6 platform used by the Audi A4. Despite having moved to yet another entirely new platform, the S4's most publicized new feature was its engine. It became available in three bodystyles for the 2004 model year: saloon, Avant (estate/wagon) and convertible.
Audi A8 (D3)
January 1, 2003 - Now
The second-generation A8 built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform was introduced in early 2003. The model was longer than the previous generation, with room for four or five large adult occupants in the cabin, depending on rear seat configuration.
Two body variants of the second generation A8 are offered, the A8 and the long-wheelbase (LWB) A8L. The A8L adds 5 in (127 mm) of rear legroom.
Audi A4, (B7)
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
Audi introduced a heavily revised A4 in late 2004, with the internal designation of B7. However, this new range A4 still utilised the existing Volkswagen B6 (PL46) platform, a chassis derived from the outgoing B6, but enjoyed heavily revised steering settings, suspension geometry, new engine ranges, navigation systems and chassis electronics (a new advanced Bosch 8.0 ESP system).
Audi S4 (B7)
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
The Audi B7 platform S4 is the most recent version of the vehicle currently on sale, based on the B7 Audi A4, having debuted in late 2005. Although Audi classifies it as a new car, the differences between it and the outgoing B6 S4 are primarily cosmetic, and is still classified by the internal designation: Typ 8E. It has the same engine 4.2 L V8 as the previous generation, producing 344 PS (253 kW) at 7000 rpm.
Audi A6 (C6)
January 1, 2005 - Now
The new A6 (C6) was released in 2005. Designed by Walter de'Silva, the new model is visually an evolution of the C5, but is longer (492 cm), incorporates the new Audi trademark single-frame grille, and features more sophisticated technology. It's design has been criticised, as the grill is almost exactly the same as the Rover 75 V8's, which was revealed a year earlier. Most notable is the MMI (Multi Media Interface) which is a system controlling in-car entertainment, satellite navigation, climate control, car settings such as suspension configuration and optional electronic accessories through a central screen interface. This has the advantage of minimizing the wealth of buttons normally found on a dashboard by replacing them with controls which operate multiple devices using the integrated display.
Audi S3, (8P)
January 1, 2006 - Now
The second generation Audi S3 is powered by a Volkswagen Group-sourced 265 PS (261 hp/195 kW) 2.0L Turbocharged FSI petrol engine. As with all Audi S models, the design was done in-house by quattro GmbH; latter RS models were usually tuned in collaboration with Cosworth Technology[citation needed] (now Mahle Powertrain). The engine features revised boost/fuel mapping, increased turbocharger size and larger intercooler. The most powerful form of this widely used engine, and quattro four-wheel drive, makes for a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 s and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Audi RS4 (B7)
January 1, 2006 - Now
After a long hiatus, the second generation RS4 (Typ 8E), built on Audi's "B7" A4 platform, by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, Germany (a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG), became available to European customers in the summer of 2006. It was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January, and arrived in August 2006 North America. There was no RS4 built on the Audi "B6" platform which served as the basis for the Audi A4 between 2000 and 2005.
Auci S6 (C6)
January 1, 2006 - Now
The third-generation S6 was introduced in the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January.
It features a 5.2 L FSI V10 engine, derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, re-tuned to produce 435 PS (320 kW/429 hp) at 6800 rpm and 540 Nm of torque between 3000 - 4000 rpm. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive, now (as of 2008) with the latest 40:60 F:R asymmetric/dynamic Torsen T-3, are standard. For the sprint to 62 mph, the S6 takes 5.2 seconds, with the quarter mile passing in 13.5 seconds.[1] The same engine is used in the Audi S8, where it develops 450 PS (331 KW/443 hp).
The S6 also features a row of 5 distinctive LED daytime running lights (DRLs) along the bumper as a point of differentiation from other A6 models.
Audi S8 (D3)
January 1, 2006 - Now
In the last quarter of 2005, Audi introduced the second-generation S8, powered by a 450 bhp (340 kW) 5.2L V10 FSI engine derived from the 5.0 litre V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo. A longer stroke and wider bore increases the displacement of the engine, and produces more torque at lower revs, making it more suitable for the larger and heavier Audi.
Audi TT (8J)
January 1, 2006 - Now
Audi revealed the second-generation TT, internal designation Typ 8J, on April 6, 2006. It is constructed of aluminum in the front, and steel in the rear, to enhance its balance and is available in front- or four-wheel drive. The production car uses either the 3.2 L VR6 engine, with 250 PS (184 kW), or a 200 PS (147 kW) version of Audi's direct injection 2.0 L four. Better known as FSI, Fuel Stratified Injection, the technology was derived from the Le Mans race cars, and offers improved fuel efficiency as well as an increased power output. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with the DSG as an option, and quattro four-wheel drive is standard with the VR6.
Audi A5
January 1, 2007 - Now
The A5 debuts the new Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which is planned to underpin the next generation A4, A6 and A8 models. The platform is notable for its departure from Audi's trademark "overhung" engine mounting position over the front axle, in favour of the powertrain being located behind the front axle - in an effort to achieve a more even weight distribution (55:45) between the front and rear wheels.
Audi S5
January 1, 2007 - Now
The Audi S5 was released to the public at the same time as the A5. The S5 is powered by a 4.2L V8 FSI producing 354 PS (349 hp/260 kW). It has a more aggressive fascia (as most S/RS series Audis do), including a string of LED daytime running lights around the HID headlamps.
The 2008 Audi S5 model year has now been cancelled in the U.S. due to production problems. All current S5 orders will not be delivered until the 2009 model year.c
Audi A4 (B8)
January 1, 2008 - Now
Audi released the first official pictures of the B8 series A4 in August 2007, and unveiled the car to the public at the September 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Saloon/sedan and Avant models are offered. The Avant was unveiled to the public at the March 2008 Geneva Auto Show.
Audi S4 (B8)
January 1, 2008 - Now
The fifth generation of the Audi S4 (Typ 8K) will be based on the latest B8 Audi A4, built on the Volkswagen B8 (MLB/MLP) platform. It is rumored that the B8 model will revert back to a twin-turbocharged format, utilising an all-new 3.0 litre TFSI powerplant producing an estimated 330bhp. Despite the lower power figure, the TFSI engine is expected to make the 0-60 sprint in around 5 seconds, marginally quicker than its V8 predecessor.
Audi RS6 (C6)
April 1, 2008 - Now
A second generation RS6 (Typ 4F) was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, which positions the car ahead of its main competitors, the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG in terms of horsepower and torque.
Initially the new RS6 will only come as a five-door Avant (wagon) version, and be powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre T-FSI V10 engine. The engine produces 580 PS (572 hp/427 kW) at 6,250 to 6,700 rpm, and 650 Nm (~482 ft·lbf) torque from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm. The RS6 overtakes the position from the BMW M5, making about 70 bhp and 150 Nm more than BMW's naturally-aspirated V10 engine.
