skiracerblah

I know the S4 is partly based off of the A4. So, wondering if the A4 is based off another platform like some sort of VW that might share the same frame/parts.

Sorry for the newbie questions, this is my first Audi :P

Eggplant Wizard

I don't think the S4 is "partly based on" the A4 so much as it is an A4 with different parts bolted to it. The only body panel that's different is the trunk lid.

I don't think VW has a car based on this platform at this point. The Passat used to be, but no longer. It's all very confusing because the platforms are more modular now and it's almost as if each car has its own.

NWS4Guy

It's the B8 platform, which is shared across the A4, S4, A5, S5, and Q5.

These are all the same basic chassis with some slight differences, but to Audi, they are the same platform.

skiracerblah

Ah ok, so Audi is not like other manufacturers like:

Honda to Acura
Toyota to Lexus
Nissan to Infiniti


So Audi's parts are proprietary to Audi and not shared with VW brand parts?

PsYkHoTiK

They do share platforms with VW and the various other sister companies (makes sense since chassis and engine are some of the most expensive to develop - just look at how popular the "V6T" motor is now). I think the B8 seems to be used by Audi only right now.

swissdrive

this looks like it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswa...p_MLB_platform

currently only Audi (and Bentley), maybe one day some new Seat (don't know if you have the Exeo in the states, it's basically and Seat'ified A4 B7) could also be based off it

Excelsior7

Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) is a large car conglomerate comprised of Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Seat, Bugatti, and -maybe- Porsche. I'm not clear on the politics of that right now.

Some parts are shared between them. For example, I -believe- the 5.2 V10 is the same V10 that Audi developed for the Gallardo. Similarly, there's the (somewhat) famous Volkswagen Golf GTI W12.

It had frame parts from a Gallardo and an R8, and the W12 TT engine from the Bentley stable.

That said, yes, they are different than the japanese luxury brands, which don't even exist in Japan.

Those companies basically offer two quite different trim levels for the same vehicle, with some differences.

For instance, the G37 and the 370z are related, but still quite different.

The Toyota Landcruiser and the Lexus GX470, however, are very, very similar, but with quite different amenities.

Someone please correct me if I've made any errors. I'm no expert!

orderedanalog

I think the majority of "re-badging" is pretty much gone, with GM's recent deconstruction project, but of course they are parts shared within the conglomerate groups all over the place.... and there are still a few rebadgers out there...

To trust the wiki or not to that is the question:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badge_engineering

Tifosi

VW and Audi does share platforms, just one generation behind. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswa..._B_platform#B5 ). Also see link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Passat

rktskicar

Interesting, looks like they (VW, Audi) were synched at B5 platform and then diverged.

Bruce