A8 L versus its cousins: Cayenne and Touareg
06-18-2003, 09:45 AM
#1
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A8 L versus its cousins: Cayenne and Touareg
Has anyone driven the new A8 L and an air-suspended Cayenne or an air-suspended Touareg? Not so far fetched as it may seem, because all have the same basic platform and air suspension. I like the convenience of a station wagon-crossover-SUV, but I'm strongly considering the A8 L to replace my A6. Your thoughts are welcome. Thanks
06-18-2003, 10:05 AM
#3
Platform means that they use the same basic machines for the large assembly process and that the
firewall and possibly the front doors share the same basic design. That is all.
The robots on the assembly line are expensive. So they are configured to work with cars with a certain range of width, height and length, and well as fit into openings of certain sizes and be able to mount certain similar items like subframes, etc.
That is what is meant by platform sharing in this case. After all, construction techniques are very different on space frame aluminum cars vs unibody steel cars.
No matter what, they are entirely different cars.
The A8 assembly line uses force sensors on virtually every automated function. It can tell you exactly how many newton meters of force was applied to the certain bolt or screw, and if resistance was met, or the part turned freely. This process is not shared with the others - yet.
The robots on the assembly line are expensive. So they are configured to work with cars with a certain range of width, height and length, and well as fit into openings of certain sizes and be able to mount certain similar items like subframes, etc.
That is what is meant by platform sharing in this case. After all, construction techniques are very different on space frame aluminum cars vs unibody steel cars.
No matter what, they are entirely different cars.
The A8 assembly line uses force sensors on virtually every automated function. It can tell you exactly how many newton meters of force was applied to the certain bolt or screw, and if resistance was met, or the part turned freely. This process is not shared with the others - yet.
06-18-2003, 10:43 AM
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A8 Avant?
This suggests that an A8 Avant would be a very doable vehicle - the basics are already in place: the platform, quattro, a great engine, Audi interior, and variable suspension height. A top of the line, all-weather, high performance cruiser that can carry both passengers and stuff without looking like a truck. Any takers?
06-18-2003, 04:09 PM
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Re: A8 Avant?
The UK's CAR magazine shows pics of the new VW Passat that looks very much like the picture posted by mingblues (see below). The family in-fighting must be raging between Audi and VW. VW is really attempting to blur the lines between Audi and itself.
All I can say is, as a consumer, I love it if it'll create competition and force prices down. If we have to spend $70K to $80K+ for a decent euro luxury sedan today, give it another 4-5 years and we'll be at $100K without blinking an eye.
I have to admit, however, starting with the intro of the (dare I say) new BMW 7-series and now the A8, we are entering into one of the most exciting periods of car design and manufacturing. It appears that car manufacturers have awakened from their hibernation and are finally producing exciting and fun cars again.
All I can say is, as a consumer, I love it if it'll create competition and force prices down. If we have to spend $70K to $80K+ for a decent euro luxury sedan today, give it another 4-5 years and we'll be at $100K without blinking an eye.
I have to admit, however, starting with the intro of the (dare I say) new BMW 7-series and now the A8, we are entering into one of the most exciting periods of car design and manufacturing. It appears that car manufacturers have awakened from their hibernation and are finally producing exciting and fun cars again.
