Audi 100/A6 C4 Platform - When Designed?

[Duffelcoat]

Just a curiosity, but who knows when the C4 platform was actually designed?

What year, they produced - what 92-98? But when was it dreamed up?

Any ideas?

Sorry for the kinda random question!

[UrS4boy]

Just a curiosity, but who knows when the C4 platform was actually designed? What year, they produced - what 92-98? But when was it dreamed up? Any ideas? Sorry for the kinda random question!

The first 17000 odd C4 100s were built in December 1990 as 1991 model year vehicles. On that basis, I would guess the first sketches were done in 1987-88 with the engineering and tooling (evolution of the Type 44 100) done in 88-90.

Just guesses.

The C4 sedans were built from Dec. 1990 to the end of April 1997.

The C4 avants went on longer as 98 A6 avants. "WN" VINs to 10/97 (my 98 C4 A6 avant is a 7/97 build).

I can look for hard facts in my archives if needed.

[mcandmar]

It was really an evolution of the 100/200/v8 platform so most of the chassis parts date back to the early/mid 80's. By 1997 it was a bit of a dinosaur.

[Guslotti]

Just a curiosity, but who knows when the C4 platform was actually designed?

What year, they produced - what 92-98? But when was it dreamed up?

Any ideas?

Sorry for the kinda random question!

Before 1980, I believe that was 77. Look this Audi 100 1980. My father won this car in 1995 when he opened the hood the first impression was the suspension columns... the same as Audi 100 and A6.

[UrS4boy]

Before 1980, I believe that was 77. Look this Audi 100 1980. My father won this car in 1995 when he opened the hood the first impression was the suspension columns... the same as Audi 100 and A6.

Well not the same. Similar but different.

I think that is a "C2". The question was about the "C4".

C1 to C5 designations explained:

http://www.audistory.24max.de/old1/el.htm

[Duffelcoat]

Thanks for the replies...

Only reason I wondered, is that as a person I am pretty much stuck in the 80s, but when I thought about the car, being a 96 or so wasn't sure if this counted, but it appears it does and maybe that is why it appeals so much..

Good info, if you have any more, it won't fall on deaf ears..

Cheers
Richard

[5cylinderman]

To the best of my knowledge the C4 model that ran to '97 in Avant form was the same setup since the circa '88 vintage Audi 100.

[UrS4boy]

To the best of my knowledge the C4 model that ran to '97 in Avant form was the same setup since the circa '88 vintage Audi 100.

As I suggested, the C4 was an evolution of the Type 44 100.

The C4 avants went on longer than just 1997s. There were also 98 A6 C4 avants. "WN" VINs to 10/97 (my 98 C4 A6 avant is a 7/97 build), at least in North America.

[Zoig]

I did not have a thorough enough look to find any pictures from the C2 front suspension, but based on what i could see from parts catalogue the C2 front suspension in basic design is fairly similiar to the one used in C4. Ofcourse they are not 1:1 but they are quite similiar, front stabilizer acting as the front half of the wishbone and the woshbone looks quite similiar to the one used on C4. I'd suggest that the C4 front suspesnsion might actually be an evolution of the C2 front setup.

[Bram]

...... as a person I am pretty much stuck in the 80s, but when I thought about the car, being a 96 or so wasn't sure if this counted, but it appears it does and maybe that is why it appeals so much..

Off-topic

How does that work when you are stuck in the 80s? Music-wise, clothing-wise, anti-nuclear protester, etc.? Or do you just mean you like 80s cars better than newer ones?

Off-topic

[Henkjan]

as long as it's not 80's paycheck

[Duffelcoat]

Off-topic

How does that work when you are stuck in the 80s? Music-wise, clothing-wise, anti-nuclear protester, etc.? Or do you just mean you like 80s cars better than newer ones?

Off-topic

That's a very long answer for that question!

Not sure I could go into it here, but basically since my son was born 7 years ago I have been reliving my childhood and everything that goes with that! (I grew up in the eighties)

I have a toy car collection that is some 400 cars, plus star wars stuff, so much kack it has to stay in the loft!

Music, of course, my mechanic commented that he hadn't heard the Thompson Twins for a while (when he listened to the CD in my car)

[Duffelcoat]

Clothes, I am getting there! Its all coming back 80s fashion, so for the first time in my life I might become fashionable!

Nuclear - don't care much lol - but isn't that a hippy thing?

Don't care for mobile phones, would happily throw mine in the bin if it wasn't for work.

[Thecrispynoodle]

I had a C5 A6 before my C4 S6, the S6 handles better when pushed hard but the ride comfort is much poorer by comparison. Having said that my A6 wasn't a sports suspension or quattro and as a result was very boaty. Describing the C4 as a bit of a dinosaur compared to current cars is sadly a fair assessment, they excel where build quality and longevity is concerned by can't really compete anywhere else...

[MGaz]

I had a C5 A6 before my C4 S6, the S6 handles better when pushed hard but the ride comfort is much poorer by comparison. Having said that my A6 wasn't a sports suspension or quattro and as a result was very boaty. Describing the C4 as a bit of a dinosaur compared to current cars is sadly a fair assessment, they excel where build quality and longevity is concerned by can't really compete anywhere else...

I borrowed my brothers subaru impreza for a week or so..
Its the second shape with the Chrysler neon style lights.

And i was so pleased to get back in to the C4 quattro again. And its only a diesel.. But its so much better than that subaru to drive. Except for the brakes.. Think i need an upgrade in that department.