Audi A3 1.6 FSI Direct injection (gas) engine

[Dan Cordon]

> Hi All,
> 
> Perhaps this is a dumb comment provoking a question.  Why would Audi
> introduce a new model, called A3, when they've already used up to A8?  Am I
> missing something or is it the conservation of numbers to go back and use a
> number that hasn't been used.  In my mind an A3 would/should precede an A4.
> Is that flawed?
> 
> TIA.
> 
> Cheers!
> 
> Jim Jordan

I always thought of the numbers as increasing in luxury. Thus the A4 has 
been the *cheaper* (that's highly relative) of the audis, while the A8 
is the unobtanium for most. I'm guessing the new A3 will be the entry 
level audi and will probably compete with the 1 series BMW is supposed 
to be doing something with in the future. When you see a bigger number 
on a car, I think you're supposed to be more impressed.

Say...doesn't that mean my 5000 is super hot? It must only apply to 
sub-four digit schemes.

There was a time that I believed (incorrectly) that Audi's naming scheme 
was for body style and engine cylinders. An A4/S4 was a 4 banger, an 
A6/S6 was a six, and the A8 was an 8. I was highly confused seeing A4's 
with V6's, and S6's with V8's, and the upcoming A8 having a V12(?). And 
the A doesn't mean 'avant (wagon)' and S doesn't mean 'sedan.' In 
general, the S models are more sport oriented, and the RS models are way 
more so.

To muck things up further....if you look at the A4 model, you'll see 
things like the "B5 platform," and the "B6 platform." These numbers are 
more sequential like the numbering scheme you're thinking like. ie: the 
B6 is the update from the previous B5.

-- 
Dan Cordon
Mechanical Engineer
University of Idaho - Engine Research Facility