The Germans Really Know How To Build A Car

Relentless pursuit of the highest standards in mechanical and electronic technology is what the Germans are known for and that sort of production values are just what you would expect. Like all classic German car manufacturers, Audi's history goes back to before the Second World War. The first Audi car ever was introduced in 1915. Not many people know this but the logo symbolizes the merger of Audi with four other companies to form the Auto Union firm which used the four interlinked rings as their logo.

Early Intrigue, Later Success

After the war, the company was forced to relocate to West Germany and was first owned by Damiler-Benz in 1958 and then Volkswagen in 1964. This is when the thrilling part of the story begins. Back then the VW boss, Heinz Nordhoff banned Auto Union from product development. The Auto Union engineers were too proud of their past history and developed the Audi 100 in secret. When Nordhoff finally got to know, he was impressed enough with the finished 'Audi' car to allow its production in 1968. It was a smashing success.

Four Wheel Drive Revolution

Among most Indians is the strange misconception that the four interlocking circles of the logo stand for the company's proprietary all-wheel drive 'quattro' technology. Volkswagen had been developing four-wheel drive engines since the War. Quattro cars were the first to win rally competitions with a four-wheel drive transmission mated to a turbocharged engine. Quattros first appeared in the European market in 1980.

Indian Offering

Since the Indian car buyer first set eyes on the new 2017 Audi A4 at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo exhibition, there has been rising anticipation for this German pedigree automobile if the online reviews of the car are anything to go by.

 

Looking much like the larger Q7, the car has been increased in both length and wheelbase. It comes with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants and the equally high quality with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that delivers the 190+ horsepower engine's output to the road.

 

Speaking of technology, you would be hard-pressed to find anything that is not cutting edge. From the fully digital TFT-MMI dashboard and virtual cockpit design. When it comes to Audi A4 reviews, the one thing everyone has praise for is fellow German manufacturer Bang & Olufsun's brilliant 3D sound system. Despite all the goodies stuffed into it, the new 2017 model is 120 kg lighter than its predecessor.