Why is the Audi A6 called C8?
2 Answers
C8 is Audi's internal designation, meaning the 8th generation of C-class vehicles. Its predecessor was the Audi 100. The first-generation Audi 100 was born in 1968 with the internal code C1, where "C" represents C-class (mid-to-large size) vehicles, and "1" indicates the first generation. The second-generation Audi 100 was launched in 1977. The C2 series models were the first to be equipped with a 2.2-liter 5-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering a maximum power of 136 horsepower. This was also the world's first mass-produced sedan to use a 5-cylinder gasoline engine. The third-generation C3 appeared in 1982, and in 1988, FAW in Changchun began producing this model. The fourth-generation Audi 100 was renamed A6 in 1994, and by the end of 1999, the fourth-generation A6 was produced in China. The Audi C8 refers to the 2019 Audi A6L. The 2019 Audi A6L has body dimensions of 5050mm in length, 1886mm in width, and 1475mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3024mm. The new Audi C8 is equipped with four engines: 1.8TFSI, 2.0TFSI, 2.5FSI, and 3.0TFSI. Among them, the top-tier 50TFSI model still uses the EA888 3.0L V6 supercharged engine from the previous generation.
Speaking of the Audi A6 being called C8, it's actually related to Audi's chassis code tradition. Since the 1960s, Audi has classified its mid-size sedans into the C series, with the initial model being the Audi 100, designated as C1, representing the first generation. This system works like a family tree, incrementing the number with each new generation—C5, C6, C7, and so on—until the latest A6 launched in 2018, which became C8. This naming convention primarily helps internal development teams and repair shops distinguish between different generations to avoid confusion. As a car enthusiast, I think this is similar to how other automakers, like BMW with its E series or Mercedes-Benz with W codes, standardize management for more uniform parts. By the way, modern car manufacturers love using such codes, and Audi has particularly stuck with this practice, reflecting German precision. It also makes it easier for used car buyers to identify model years, ensuring more confidence when selecting a vehicle.
