Volkswagen’s luxury brand, Audi, is changing model designations and nomenclature to indicate power output in kilowatts (kW). Model names won’t change, but designations denoting the vehicle’s engine or powertrain choice will. The designations will be universal for both standard combustion engines, hybrids, and electrics.
A two-number combination will be used for this power output designation. These combinations increase in increments of 5 and each stands for a range of power output. For example, models producing between 81 and 96 kW will have a “30” sub-model designation (usually appearing on the rear hatch or deck lid). A “45” designates 169-185 kW, or “70” for 400 kW or more. Powertrain technology will also be included as before (TFSI, TDI, g-tron, e-tron). The exception to power output names will be for “halo” vehicles in the model range, such as high-performance S and RS models, which will retain their classic names.
“As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels.” —Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Audi AG
The changes begin with Audi’s 2018 model year line, starting with the A8, which is expected to enter the market this fall.
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