Re: New Passat, and A4Q

[ti@bazooka.amb.org (Ti Kan)]

dieckeaw@PLU.edu writes:
> On Thu, 9 May 1996, Ti Kan wrote:
> > Well this is nothing new... The previous generation Passat (which we know
> > as the Quantum in the U.S.) was based on the Audi 4000 platform, and
> > the Quantum Syncro was really a 4000 quattro underneath.  Deja vu.
> 
> I heard tell that the new Passat was going to be based on the A4 
> (descendant of the 4000) originally, but they felt it was too small, so 
> they chose the new A6.  Hmmm...

Well the next generation A6 will simply be a stretched A4 platform
anyway, so they are all related.  Incidentally, the A4 front suspension
design is based on that of the A8...

BTW, I took a good look under my A4Q a few days ago and came away quite
impressed.  The front suspension is well publicized in the rags,
that trick 4-link setup with the "virtual steering axis" geometry.
The control arms are all nice alloy pieces instead of the more customary
stamped steel.  What was a surprise was the rear suspension: it too
is a real double wishbone design, different from the previous
generation quattros.  This is also in contrast to the front-drive A4,
which has a semi-independent torsion beam axle rear suspension.

This means that for the $1550 quattro option, one not only gets the
quattro all-wheel drive configuration, but it also comes with a
truly superior rear suspension.  Well worth the extra cost.

I also noticed the full bottom engine compartment cover with NACA
ducts, which contribute to the car's very smooth under belly
(and no doubt helps keep the engine compartment clean too).
The two sides of the V6 each have its own catalytic convertor,
and truly separate exhaust pipes.  The rear differential housing
also looks like a new design, vastly different in appearance than
the one I'm used to seeing on the earlier 4000/5000 quattros.

-Ti
96 Audi A4 quattro
84 Audi 5000S Turbo
80 Audi 4000
-- 
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