Diecast Audi

Dating back to 1899, Audi builds high quality cars which are built in Germany.  The legendary four ring logo that we see on the front of today's Audi's is actually a symbol that was made up to symbolize the 4 companies that merged in the past to create Auto Union - Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer.  For a number of years Audi's were produced under the Auto Union banner. Today, Audi is owned entirely by Volkswagen. 



For many years during and after WWII, Audi built some less than inspiring cars, none of which made it to the U.S.  In 1970 Volkswagen decided to bring some of it's Audi models to the United States, first with the Audi 100 and then the Audi 80 and Audi 50.

In 1980 Audi decided that they needed an edge over the competition which led to the making of a car with and all-time four wheel drive system called the Audi Quattro.

Audi gained in popularity dramatically since the 1990's and its current lineup consists of  8 models.

Audi Q7

A large luxury SUV introduced in 2006.  It shares its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne.  Five engines are available - Gas V6, Diesel V6, Gas V8, Diesel V8 and a 6.0L diesel V12.

Audi R8

Audi entered the true sports car market with the introduction of the mid-engine R8 in 2006.  Available with a 4.2L V8 or a 5.2L V10 and either a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed semi-automatic transmission.  Audi has come along way with this model as it's main competitor is the Lamborghini Gallardo.  Who would have thought an Audi would compete against a Lamborghini?

Audi TT

A sports car made by Audi since 1998.  Based on the Audi A4 platform, it comes in both 2 wheel drive and four-wheel drive.  This first generation model was made until 2006 and included a 1.8L Turbo 4 cylinder engine, or a 3.2L VR6 engine.  Four transmissions were available - 5 speed manual, 6 speed manual and auto and a 6 speed Direct-Shift Gearbox which includes an electronically controlled clutch.  For those looking for a higher performance model, the TT quattro Sport is the answer, of which only 1000 where made.

In 2007 the Audi TT was refreshed and became a hatchback.  A rear spoiler is includes which will automatically open when the car is traveling faster than 75mph.

Audi A3

The Audi A3 - my personal favorite in the Audi lineup.  It's a small entry level luxury car which has been produced since 1996, but not available in the U.S until 2005.  In the U.S the A3 exists as a 5 door hatchback with a number of 4 cylinder engines to choose from.  As with all of the Audi lineup, the front has been retouched for the 2008 model year.

Audi A4

The A4 is a small 4-door sedan or 5-door wagon which replaced the Audi 80 in 1994.  With a whole host of engine and transmissions available, the Audi A4 has been revised in 2001, when a 2-door convertible was added and again in 2005.  A new model is now available for the 2008 model year with more aggressive styling.

Audi A5

A 2 door luxury sports car intrduced in 2007. 
Audi A6 to compete against the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes-Benz CLK class.  Available in either coupe or convertible, engine choices range from a 2L 4 cylinder to a 4.2L V8.  Transmission choices include a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

Audi A6

A mid-size executive car which fits in between the A8 and A4 models.  It was introduced in 1994 as a replacement to the Audi 100.  It is available in a 4 door sedan or a 5 door Avant (wagon).  In the latest models, engine size can range from a 2.0L Turbo I4 all the way up to a 5.2L V10 which put out an incredible 420hp.  Transmissions include a 6 speed manual, 6 speed auto and a 7 speed S tronic which was introduced in the 2008 model year. 

Audi A8

The flagship model in the Audi lineup, this full-size luxury car competes against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz  S-class and the BMW 7-series.  Introduced in 1994, the Audi A8 is a 4-door executive car with either a V6, V8 or a 6.0L W12 which is also found in the Bentley Continental.  A performance version exists, called the S8, which includes a V10 engine - the same engine used in the Lamborghini Gallardo.

With such a strong lineup of cars, a diecast collector is sure to find a diecast Audi that fits in your collection.