The Audi A4 is a middle-range car first generation of which appeared in 1994, its bodywork based on floor panels shared with VW Passat B5. Engine capacity ranged from 1.6 to 2.8 litre, and there were two versions of diesel engine (1.9 and 2.5 L). Later, the manufacturer introduced a 1.8 turbocharged engine, which could generate 150 and 180 horsepower. This was the first model to feature the Tiptronic gearbox. During its seven years of production the first generation of Audi A4 underwent two facelifts (in 1997 and 1999). A sports version, the Audi S4, was also launched, and was offered with a 265 horsepower engine. An even faster version of the A4 (the RS4) was produced as a result of Audi’s co-operation with Cosworth. It was the fastest estate car of that time, with 379 horsepower engine under its bonnet.
The model’s second generation made its market début in 2000. It had a larger body and a completely different floor panel (the PL46). The new suspension provided far superior traction parameters. The sports version of the new-generation car featured a larger engine, a 4.2 litre V8 with 344 horsepower, and the innovative Multitronic gearbox made by LUK. The vehicle’s third generation (the B7) premièred in 2004. It used the same floor panel and suspension as its predecessor, but there were greater differences in body and dashboard styling. More engine versions were introduced: the 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI. The currently produced B8 is the largest A4 to date. It is larger than not only its predecessor, but also its main competitors, the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3 Series.
