Every year, Audi introduces a number of new models and expands its product line. Because of this, it gets more and more difficult to make sense of the models’ positioning in the lineup and their purpose.
However, even though it might not seem like it, Audi’s new naming system makes a lot of sense. In this article, we will tackle not only the model designations but also the drivetrain naming system. After reading this, you will be able to navigate among the vast range of models and drivetrains without any issues.
Model Lineup
Under the current naming system, Audi mainly distinguishes between the “A” and “Q” models, with a few lower-production models deviating from this naming. The letter is followed by a number, such as A3, A4, and so on. The higher the number, the larger and more premium the model is. “A” stands for the conventional sedan, hatchback, and wagon models, while the “Q” is a designation for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
There are also models starting with the letter S or R, and a combination of letters, TT and RS. These are all sports-focused vehicles. The S and RS models are always based on a standard “A” or “Q” model. For example, the RS6 is a sports wagon built on the basis of the A6, and the Audi S3 is a variation of the standard Audi A3.
Think of these as an equivalent to the GTI and M-performance models. Furthermore, the “S” lineup is the tamest of the sports-focused models and provides a good balance between daily usability and performance. The RS models are positioned above the S models and are the best that Audi has to offer in terms of performance. The TT is then a small sports coupe. The ultimate sportscar and top model offered by Audi is then the R8. This is the only model using the “R” letter.
The newest addition to Audi’s new naming system is the e-tron label. This designation is intended for fully electric (EV) vehicles. As of now, there are three such models.
Here is the complete list of all models Audi currently offers on the US market:
· Sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8
· SUVs: Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8
· EVs: e-tron, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron
· Performance models: S3, RS3, S4, S5, RS5, S6, RS6, S7, RS7, S8, SQ5, SQ7, SQ8, RS Q8, TT, R8
Audi’s New Naming System — A Major Change
While the naming system above is quite easy to understand once you look through all of Audi’s models, the situation is slightly more difficult with drivetrains. Before, Audi drivetrains were labeled as 2.0 TFSI or 3.0 TDI. The first part stands for engine displacement, and the letter combination specifies the type of engine (i.e., gasoline, turbodiesel). In that sense, the old system was quite self-explanatory. However, with Audi’s new naming system, the situation needs a bit more clarification.
Now, drivetrains are described with a two-digit number ranging from 30 to 70 in increments of five. The number is still followed by letters specifying whether it is a naturally aspirated, turbo, gasoline, diesel engine, or electric. With that said, the vast majority of Audis offered in the USA use the TFSI turbo gasoline engines, so the situation is a bit simpler here.
To get into the specifics, the number “30” is now a designation for drivetrains with power between 109 and 128 horsepower. “45” is used on models generating between 226 and 248 hp. “50” then represents the power range between 281 and 308 hp. “55” stands for outputs between 328 and 368 hp and so on. Here is the complete list:
· 30 = 109-128 hp
· 35 = 147-160 hp
· 40 = 167-201 hp
· 45 = 226-248 hp
· 50 = 281-308 hp
· 55 = 328-368 hp
· 60 = 429-455 hp
· 70 = 536+ hp
With this new number combination, Audi will be able to better blend in the electric models, which could not be specified with the old engine displacement naming system. There are also a number of models which use a single drivetrain tuned to different power outputs.
This meant that you could encounter two Audis, both with a “2.0 TFSI” label on the trunk, but one would make 150 hp, while the other one would generate 220+ hp. The new system will prevent this and give more clarity.
A Few Examples
The new system is already in use across the Audi model range, and here are a few specific examples of what the new labels represent.
45 TFSI
The 45 TFSI is a label that you can find on models such as the Audi A4, A6, and Q7, to name a few. It represents a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a horsepower output of 261 hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb.-ft.
Its maximum speed is typically capped at 130 mph, depending on the model it powers. With regard to acceleration, the A4, the lightest model to be powered by the 45 TFSI, manages to reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The largest and heaviest model you will see this engine in is the Q7, where the 0-60 mph time is rated at 6.7 seconds.
50 E-TRON
The “50” on electric models represents a power output of 295 hp generated by a combination of two motors — one synchronous motor on the rear, and an asynchronous motor on the front. On the Q4 e-tron, the “50” ensures that the car can get from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 112 mph.
55 TFSI
Most commonly found on the most luxurious Audi executive sedan, the A8, the 55 TFSI stands for a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine. Sending a generous amount of power to the wheels, it can produce 335 hp and 369 lb.-ft of torque. This ensures a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, which is impressive given how large the A8 is.
Typically, the drivetrain is delivered in combination with an eight-speed automatic transmission labeled as Tiptronic in Audi’s jargon, as well as with Quattro all-wheel drive. Not only that, but the engine is very fuel efficient, given its 4,233 lbs. of weight. One factor that helps to achieve this is the coast function, which shifts into neutral in certain conditions, and can even turn off the engine while coasting.
Get Used to Audi’s New Naming System, It’s Here to Stay
Audi’s model naming system is easy to understand. “A” for standard models, “Q” for SUVs, and the higher the number, the larger the vehicle. Audi has used this strategy for years now. With regard to drivetrains, while the old system may have been a bit more straightforward, Audi’s new naming system is a bit more modern and simplified. For car enthusiasts, removing the engine displacement from the drivetrain labels might be seen as a step back.
However, most customers are concerned with other things than precise horsepower and displacement and in that case, the simplified system makes more sense. Moreover, the displacement is slowly becoming less and less relevant with the shift to hybrid and fully electric models. Horsepower is far more representative of the engine’s potential and the new system acknowledges that.
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