| Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicle | | | | shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised |
| based upon the platform of a "lesser" model. Typically, | | | | squarely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, |
| this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to | | | | Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac's |
| realize real savings. The theory is that the shared | | | | Swedish built BLS. |
| platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the | | | | So, what does today's Audi A4 owners get for the |
| upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a | | | | money? Quite a lot! Read on: |
| taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and | | | | - A choice of three models including a sedan, a wagon, |
| you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the introduction of | | | | and a cabriolet |
| the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the | | | | - Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6 |
| German automaker to capitalize on the success of | | | | - Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive |
| the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car from its | | | | - A plethora of transmission choices including manual, |
| European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a | | | | automatic, and manumatic shifters |
| temporary move. Let's take a look at the Audi A4 and | | | | - Major safety initiatives including power assisted |
| its surge to the top of German automotive excellence. | | | | safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock |
| For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller cars in | | | | brakes |
| Audi's line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was | | | | - 12 way power seat for the driver |
| in need of updating and the name itself would need to | | | | - Leather, aluminum, and clothe appointments |
| be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model | | | | - Premium 10 speaker sound system |
| designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, | | | | - 16 inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels |
| however, made the development of an all-new | | | | Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and |
| from-the-ground-up model impossible. Instead, Audi | | | | climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all prices |
| tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 | | | | are slightly lower than competing models from |
| upon the successful VW Passat. | | | | Mercedes and BMW. |
| Platform sharing has been common amongst | | | | Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German |
| automakers for generations. General Motors regularly | | | | automaker isn't holding still and plans for a fifth |
| spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota | | | | generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model |
| and Honda have learned that their respective Lexus | | | | may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is |
| and Acura luxury makes could share much with their | | | | receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final |
| high quality and successful standard brands. | | | | decisions, Audi A4 owners know that their favored |
| Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the | | | | model will keep up with the competition. This is great |
| original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and is | | | | news for those wanting a car incorporating German |
| built on its own platform. Indeed, the newest Audi A4 | | | | engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag. |