A History Of Audi From Four Rings To Sports Cars
The cars in the Audi range today can trace a heritage back more than a century to the Horch Motorcar Company, named after the founder August Horch. However a mere eight years after the first Horch car was rolled out the founder was bought out of his own company. After a court case determining whether the founder could retain his family name for a new company, Horch was denied. It was at this point that Audi was born; horch meaning listen in German and Audi meaning listen in Latin.
The early stages of the Audi development saw a range of cars that excelled in the motor sport arena. Predominantly the cars relied upon six and four cylinder engines licensed from Peugeot. At the beginning of the Nazi period Audi formed a company made up from the original Horch manufacturer, DKW and Wanderer, naming it Auto Union. It was at this point that the four rings emblem that we see on the Audi range today was born. During the war the company was instrumental in the war effort manufacturing armoured cars and light transportation vehicles.
After the war Auto Union was broken up due to factories and headquarters lying in different parts of the now divided country. DKW became the most powerful of the four during the next decade until Volkswagen was able to buy out all four brands of the union. At this point an executive decision was made to forget the two stroke engines that were characteristic of the DKW range in preference for more comfortable and efficient four stroke engines. Part of this move meant forgetting the DKW brand in favour of Audi.
In the modern era Audi finally became the brand it is today, separating itself from the various mergers throughout its history. At this time (1970) the company was introduced to American shores with a range made up of small and saloon cars. The most important of this new generation was the Audi 50, a car that is seen as seminal by many due to its obvious likeness of the later Golf and Polo models produced by Volkswagen.
Audi are probably most famous however for producing a car that revolutionised drive systems and the world of rally racing. It was in 1980 that the Quattro was introduced to the range, a coupe that utilised a turbocharged engine and a unique four wheel drive system. This car was unbelievably successful in rally racing at a time when most competitors had discounted the benefits of a complicated all wheel drive system. The doubters were soon silenced however as the Quattro went on to dominate the rally world until the rest of the pack caught up with the technological developments.
Despite this the Audi range has consistently been labelled with a 'grandfather image'. That was until the late nineties when a range of sporty models were developed. These cars captured a growing market for performance cars that could be used on a daily basis. The pursuit of performance however has not ceased since this time, the latest car to be developed by the company was the R8, an all out sports car of undeniable beauty and ability. This latest inception has been developed to compete with Aston martin, Porsche and other European manufacturers but at a price of almost sixty thousand pounds it is anything but affordable.
Audi today have advanced from humble beginnings to be one of the predominant car manufacturers in Europe. Predictions for this year estimate that more than one million cars will be sold showing that the company is going from strength to strength. Long considered to be the little brother of the German car manufacturing industry; this four ringed company has finally come into its own.
About the Author
Car industry expert Thomas Pretty looks into the development of the Audi range and the cars that have shaped the brand image.
Audi Sport Quattro E2 "The Sound"
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OEM Audi A3 S3 8P Leather Sport Gear Knob Shift 6 Gear $175.00 |
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Audi Chrome Mens Sport Watch Match For A4 A6 S4 Quattro $0.99 |
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AUDI Sport KEY CHAIN RING KEYCHAIN TT A4 S4 A6 A3 S6 $0.99 |
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Eximious Sports Steering Wheel Audi A3 A4 A6 RS4 TT SW2 $45.93 |
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AUDI 90 QUATTRO 20V CS S SPORT - Ignition Switch 88-95 $25.64 |
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2010 Matchbox Audi A8 #15 Exotic Sports Car N.i.B. $0.99 |
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AUDI 90 QUATTRO CS S SPORT - Ignition Wire Set 93-95 $160.54 |
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Matchbox -#15-AUDI R8-SPORTS CARS-MADE IN 2009-SHARP $0.25 |
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OEM Audi Quattro Sport Rear Badge A3 A4 A6 A8 S3 S4 S6 $29.90 |
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17 SPORT SILVER WHEELS TIRES RIMS MERCEDES BENZ, AUDI $800.00 |
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AUDI 90 & QUATTRO SPORT Sway Bar Link Links Pair 95 $35.59 |
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!!! Sports Audi Motorcycle Velcro Wristband Watch Black $0.99 |
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!!! Sports Audi Motorcycle Velcro Wristband Watch Blue $0.99 |
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!!! Sports Audi Motorcycle Velcro Wristband Watch Red $0.99 |
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AUDI Cap Sport 3D baseball Hat Q7 RS4 Trucker A4 A6 S4 $0.99 |
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AUDI Cap Sport 3D baseball Hat Q7 RS4 Trucker A4 A6 S4 $0.99 |
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AUDI Cap Sport 3D baseball Hat Q7 RS4 Trucker A4 A6 S4 $0.99 |
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AUDI Cap Sport 3D baseball Hat Q7 RS4 Trucker A4 A6 S4 $0.99 |
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Horn Relay Auxillary Light Alarm Relay AUDI 90 SPORT 95 $9.99 |
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COOLANT Fan Relay AUDI 90 SPORT 95 $9.99 |
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COOLANT Fan Relay AUDI 90 QUATTRO SPORT 95 $9.99 |
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Horn Relay Alarm AUDI 90 QUATTRO SPORT 95 $9.99 |
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1/18 Audi R8 Radio Remote Control Sport Racing Car RC $32.98 |
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NEW SPORT cars Audi custom men Sport Metal Watch $0.99 |
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4-17" Audi A3 Chromed Sport OEM Wheel Rims-Free Ship $300.00 |
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MATCHBOX AUDI TT ROADSTER LUXURY SPORTS CONVERTIBLE $3.50 |
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Audi Head gasket 2.8 100 90 A4 A6 Quattro CS S Sport $23.49 |
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Audi Sport Quattro, 1/43 model by Minichamps $9.00 |
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Audi R8 carbon sport steering wheel color ring on top $1,850.00 |
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Transmission Speed Sensor AUDI 90 SPORT 95 $81.00 |
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alternator regulator kit AUDI 90 QUATTRO SPORT 95 $21.00 |
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Audi V8, 5000, 100, 200 Sport Seats $100.00 |
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AUDI A4 S4 B5 A8 96-01 95 00 CLEAR SIDE MARKER LIGHTS $21.98 |
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AUDI A4 S4 B5 A8 96-01 SMOKE CLEAR SIDE MARKER LIGHTS $21.98 |
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Audi 2000-2005 01 A4 03-05 04 S4 Front Sport Grille Kit $29.99 |
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Audi 00-05 01 02 A4 03-05 S4 Front Sport Grille Grill $29.99 |
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Audi 00-05 A4 03-05 04 S4 Front Sport Grille Grill Kit $29.99 |
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Audi Quattro Front Sport Brake Pads-PAGID-80-91- NIB $59.99 |
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HIGH QUALITY METAL EMBLEMS STICKER--AUDI SPORT A4 A6 A8 $7.00 |
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Audi 05-08 A4 B7 Front Mesh Sport Grille Grill Chrome $84.99 |
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05-08 06 07 Audi A4 Front Mesh Sport Grille Grill Kit $84.99 |
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HIGH QUALITY METAL EMBLEMS STICKER--AUDI SPORT RS A6 A8 $7.00 |
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Audi Shark Flying Sports Car Wood Model FreeShip $124.75 |
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H&R SPORT SPRINGS 07 08 AUDI S6 SEDAN AWD V10 50317 $285.00 |
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AUDI Sport Cap Hat A2 A3 A4 A6 Q7 Trucker Baseball A1 $0.99 |
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Sport Metal Watch Audi Limited Special Edition $0.99 |
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AUDI CAR LOGO SPORT METAL WATCH $0.99 |
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AUDI Sport Cap Hat A2 A3 A4 A6 Q7 Trucker Baseball A1 $0.99 |
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AUDI Sport Cap Hat A2 A3 A4 A6 Q7 Trucker Baseball A1 $0.99 |
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BILSTEIN SPORT SHOCKS STRUTS AUDI A4 QUATTRO 00 - 01 $459.00 |
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Audi : TT 2.0T COUPE PADDLE SHIFT SPORT WHLS CARFAX CERTIFED ONLY 10K MILES $16,100.00 |
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Audi *SPORT* S4 S5 S6 A8 Q7 BLACK Metal License Frame $6.50 |
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Audi*SPORT*TT A4 A5 A6 A3 Q5 BLACK Metal License Frame $6.50 |
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AUDI Sport Cap Hat A2 A3 A4 A6 Q7 Trucker Baseball A1 $0.99 |
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AUDI A4 B8 4D SPORT Edition Carbon Fiber Roof Spoiler $259.00 |
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4 NEW 18" AUDI A6 OEM SPORT CHROME WHEELS RIMS A3 A4 A8 $1,518.30 |
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AUDI Sport Cap Hat A2 A3 A4 A6 Q7 Trucker Baseball A3 $0.99 |
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Audi Sport R8 LeMans Racing Poster ALMS 17x12 2005 New! $2.00 |
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AUDI SPORT KEY CHAIN RING A4 S4 S5 RS4 A6 A8 TT~CHROME~ $4.99 |
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AUDI 90 QUATTRO CS S SPORT - Ignition Coil 93-95 $259.34 |
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Audi Sport S A3 A4 A6 RS4 S5 S6 A8 R10 Decal Sticker $9.99 |
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Audi : A6 3.0T S/C 10 PRESTIGE QUATTRO SUPERCHARGE SPORT AWD CD LCD $39,600.00 |
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Audi Sport A4 Molded Trunk mat w/ Cargo Management $84.16 |
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Matchbox Audi quattro Rally Sport Ltd edition MIB $4.97 |
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1/18 AUDI SPORT-QUATTRO RALLY 1985 S.BLOMQVIST $104.50 |
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AUDI NEW 9 SPORT GOLD METAL WATCH $0.99 |
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Audi 90 CS S Sport Cabriolet Radiator A/T $213.97 |
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Audi 90 CS S Sport Pair of Rear Axle Beam Mounts $88.97 |
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B5 Audi A4 Sport Steering Wheel 3 Spoke $125.00 |
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AUDI 80 90 100 A4 A6 A3 A2 QUATTRO UR SPORT SHIFT BOOT $19.99 |
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HERPA HO 3535 SMS AUDI V8 DEKRA 44 MOTOR SPORT $7.00 |
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Audi 2000-2005 02 A4 03-05 S4 Front Sport Grille Grill $29.99 |
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Audi Sport Fleece Jacket - size M $37.00 |
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Audi Sport Fleece Jacket - size XXL $37.00 |
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Audi Sport Fleece Jacket - size XL $37.00 |
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Audi Sport Fleece Jacket - size L $37.00 |
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Audi : A4 2.0 Quattro 2009 Audi A4 B8 Premium AWD Quattro Sedan w/ Sport Pkg $760.00 |
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1/18 Audi R8 Radio Remote Control Sport Racing Car RC $32.98 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 977.33013 $733.70 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 977.33013 $733.70 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 977.33014 $696.30 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 978.33013 $740.30 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 978.33013 $740.30 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 978.33014 $697.40 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 979.33013 $812.90 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 979.33013 $812.90 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A3 979.33014 $774.40 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33005 $638.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33005 $638.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33006 $682.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33006 $682.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33012 $737.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33012 $737.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33015 $739.20 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 977.33023 $638.00 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 978.33005 $777.70 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 978.33005 $777.70 |
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STOPTECH SPORT KIT AUDI A4 978.33006 $712.80 |
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AUDI PARKING ONLY sport car street sign $19.95 AUDI PARKING ONLY sign. A BRAND NEW sign made of thick aluminum (will never rust) and tough vinyl lettering and graphics. Please do not confuse this sign with inexpensive novelty signs. It is 12in. wide and 18in. tall - just like official signs and made to last for years outside but pretty enough to display indoors. Comes with holes pre-punched for easy mounting, corners are rounded. Buyer to pay ... |
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Covercraft Universal Pet Pad for Bucket Seat, Red $27.74 The Single Bucket Seat Pet Pad is made from heavy-duty quilted material to protect seats and provide a comfortable pad for pets. Universal fit for a single bucket seat, pet pads are constructed from rip-stop nylon backing, quilted to heavy denier waterproof, PVC backed polyester. Sandwiched in between is soft, high-loft, batting. The entire pet pad is bound with 2 inch black webbing that is double... |
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Covercraft Universal Pet Pad for Bucket Seat, Coal $29.60 Pet Pad Universal Bucket Seat Approx. 48 in. High x 29 in. Wide Coal Easy To Keep Clean Rip-Stop Nylon Backing Heavy-Duty Quilted Material Double-Needle Sewn Protect Seats Waterproof Comfortable Pad For Pets Hose It and Hang Dry... |
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Bussmann BP/ATM15 Carded Fuse $1.35 Blade type. For most late model domestic and import cars. 5 per card. No. BP ATM10: 10A No. BP ATM15: 15A No. BP ATM20: 20A No. BP ATM25: 25A No. BP ATM30: 30A... |
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Wagner BP9003TV TruView Headlight Bulb $12.28 WAGNER BP9003TV TRUVIEW HAL BULB BLISTER PACK... |
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Wagner BP921LL Blister Pack Miniature Lamp $4.50 Federal-Mogul manufactures Wagner miniature lamps with a continuous coil that resists shock and vibration, extending service life. This design also improves candlepower consistency. In addition, Wagner uses high-temperature gas so the lamps can be used in the hottest-running applications.... |
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Top Gear 10: The Complete Season 10 $28.73 Car experts travel the world to test the newest automobiles.... |
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GT Racer - Season 2 $35.99 Studio: Sce Associates Release Date: 10/20/2009... |
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2008 LeMans Official Review $16.44 The enthusiastic group of over 258,000 fans who made the trek this year to the Circuit de la Sarthe in northwestern France for the 76th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans were rewarded for their perseverance in putting up with some appalling weather conditions by seeing exciting racing, renewed rivalries, first-time and record-breaking victories, and the dominance of the diesel engine cars. The wo... |
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Scosche IU3.5RC 3.5mm Retractable Cable $9.99 SCOSCHE RETRACT 3.5PLUG... |
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Westin Racks - Sport Series Alloy Tray [99-04 Audi A6 Wagon] $313.11 Westin Racks - Sport Series Alloy Tray |
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Westin Racks - Sport Series Alloy Tray [97-04 Audi S4 Wagon] $313.11 Westin Racks - Sport Series Alloy Tray |
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Westin Racks - Sport Series Mount Kit [99-04 Audi A6 Wagon] $28.3 Westin Racks - Sport Series Mount Kit |
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Westin Racks - Sport Series Mount Kit [97-04 Audi S4 Wagon] $28.3 Westin Racks - Sport Series Mount Kit |
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Westin Racks - Sport Series Rack Kit [99-04 Audi A6 Wagon] $186.74 Westin Racks - Sport Series Rack Kit |
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Westin Racks - Sport Series Rack Kit [97-04 Audi S4 Wagon] $186.74 Westin Racks - Sport Series Rack Kit |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 Cabrio 02+ $368.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 Cabrio 02+SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.3 inches in the front and 1.25 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appearanc |
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Koni Front Sport Shock Audi A6 05-07 $239.99 Koni Front Sport Shock Audi A6 05-07A KONI is not your average shock absorber. They feature a number of standards that make them unique: ADJUSTABLE: to set them to your personal preference and to compensate for wear. TAILORMADE: not a copy of the or |
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Hotchkis Sport Sway Bar Audi RS6 03-04 $472.99 Hotchkis Sport Sway Bar Set Audi RS6 03-04Hotchkis Tuning Sport Sway bars improve your handling and reduce body roll. Turn in with confidence and late brake in the corners with our track tested lightweight hollow sway bars. Sway bar sets include fron |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 2wd 02-08 $368.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 2wd 02-08SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.5 inches in the front and 1.4 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appearance. |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 Quattro 02-08 $368.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 Quattro 02-08SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.7 inches in the front and 1.6 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appeara |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 Quattro 96-01 $368.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi A4 Quattro 96-01SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.25 inches in the front and 1.0 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appear |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi S4 AWD 00-03 $398.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi S4 AWD 00-03SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.4 inches in the front and 1.3 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appearance. |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi S6 02-03 $398.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi S6 02-03SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.25 inches in the front and 1.2 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appearance. Sp |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi TT 99-06 $348.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi TT 99-06SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.3 inches in the front and 1.2 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appearance. Spo |
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H&R Sport Springs Audi TT Quattro 99-06 $348.99 H&R Sport Springs Audi TT Quattro 99-06SPORT The most popular spring in H&R's line-up, Sport Springs will lower your vehicle 1.3 inches in the front and 1.2 in the rear for a lower center of gravity, improved handling and a more aggressive appeara |
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Koni Front Sport Shock Audi A4 incl Sport Suspension 02-07 $259.99 Koni Front Sport Shock Audi A4 incl Sport Suspension 02-07A KONI is not your average shock absorber. They feature a number of standards that make them unique: ADJUSTABLE: to set them to your personal preference and to compensate for wear. TAILORMADE |
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Koni Front Sport Shock Audi A6 Quattro with Sport Suspension 98-04 $251.99 Koni Front Sport Shock Audi A6 Quattro with Sport Suspension 98-04A KONI is not your average shock absorber. They feature a number of standards that make them unique: ADJUSTABLE: to set them to your personal preference and to compensate for wear. TA |
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Koni Rear Sport Shock Audi A4 incl Sport Suspension 02-07 $191.99 Koni Rear Sport Shock Audi A4 incl Sport Suspension 02-07A KONI is not your average shock absorber. They feature a number of standards that make them unique: ADJUSTABLE: to set them to your personal preference and to compensate for wear. TAILORMADE: |
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Koni Rear Sport Shock Audi A6 Quattro with Sport Suspension 98-04 $247.99 Koni Rear Sport Shock Audi A6 Quattro with Sport Suspension 98-04A KONI is not your average shock absorber. They feature a number of standards that make them unique: ADJUSTABLE: to set them to your personal preference and to compensate for wear. TAI |
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