Audi #EXPLAINED
Out of the three big German manufacturers, Audi seems to be obsessed with order and precision, which is easy to see when it comes to their model naming system. Let’s take a closer look into the Ingolstadt giant in this week’s edition of #EXPLAINED.
Every Audi model carries an alpha-numeric title, like the A4, or the R8, or even a Q7. The first letter(s) represent the body-style of the vehicle, while the number denotes the size of the vehicle. When it comes to Audi, the bigger the number, the larger in size the model is.
The letter ‘A’ is used for cars that are traditional sedans, coupes and hatchbacks. The numbers that follow the ‘A’ denote the size of the car. The smallest A-model is the A1 hatchback, while the largest is the Audi A8. Other popular A-models include the popular A4 sedan and the sporty A7.
The A-models vary in body-types, from hatchbacks to sedans to coupes. Audi uses certain words to represent this; Sedan, Coupe and Sportback. The Sportback models are cars that have four-doors but are not traditional sedans. A good example is the A7 Sportback, which is a four-door coupe design.
Next are the Q-models. These are Audi’s SUV and crossover models, with the ‘Q’ representing the word ‘Quattro’, and therefore all-wheel drive. Again, the number that comes after the Q denotes the size of the SUV. The Q2 is Audi’s smallest crossover SUV, whereas the Q7 is the biggest SUV, at least until the Q8 arrives. The Q8 is expected to be a coupe-styled version of the Q7.
The next body-style is the performance coupe, which is represented by an ‘R’. The only models that carry the R-badge are the Audi R8 V10 and R8 V10 Plus. The Plus model has a sportier design than the normal V10 model, as well as increased power. There is one model, though, that doesn’t play by the rules. The two-door compact coupe Audi TT carries its own badge and is available in TTS and TTRS derivatives.
Audi also has their own performance division called Audi Sport. There is a variety of sportier, more athletic models that fall under their umbrella. These models are usually distinguished by an ‘S’ or ‘RS’ badge.
Almost every model is available in an ‘S’ and ‘RS’ derivative. The ‘S’ models feature moderately aggressive styling and improved performance, whereas the ‘RS’ models are extremely different from their regular counterparts. They’re the most powerful models available and are focused on being the fastest and most powerful in their class. Some popular RS models include the RS3 Sedan and the RS6 Avant.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of #EXPLAINED. Let us know which manufacturer you’d like us to feature in the next instalment of the series.
