Audi MLP
Encyclopedia
The Volkswagen Group MLB platform is one of a range of automobile platform
s of the Volkswagen Group
. MLB stands for the German Modularer Längsbaukasten, which can be loosely translated as "Modular Longitudinal Matrix". It is sometimes also referred to in English as MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform). This component matrix is intended to allow Volkswagen Group to design a wide variety of longitudinal
, front-engined, front-wheel or four-wheel drive models using the same set of components. Cars based on MLB range from mid-size car
s to full-size
luxury cars.
This technology forms the basis of a number of Audi
models produced from 2007 onwards, and is also expected to be used for the 2011 Bentley Continental
range.
In MLB-based vehicles, the longitudinally-mounted engine
and transmission
are mounted further rearwards than in previous Volkswagen Group platforms, (shifting the centre of mass
of the major mechanical components (engine and transmission) behind the front axle
), and allowing an increase in the wheelbase
without lengthening the car's overall exterior dimensions. Less front overhang
means MLB-based models have a more even front:rear weight distribution
.
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
s of the Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group is a German multinational automobile manufacturing group. , Volkswagen was ranked as the world’s third largest motor vehicle manufacturer and Europe's largest....
. MLB stands for the German Modularer Längsbaukasten, which can be loosely translated as "Modular Longitudinal Matrix". It is sometimes also referred to in English as MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform). This component matrix is intended to allow Volkswagen Group to design a wide variety of longitudinal
Longitudinal engine
In automotive engineering, a longitudinal engine is an internal combustion engine in which the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back....
, front-engined, front-wheel or four-wheel drive models using the same set of components. Cars based on MLB range from mid-size car
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
s to full-size
Full-size car
A full-size car is a marketing term used in North America for an automobile larger than a mid-size car. In the United States, the EPA uses "large car" to denote full-size cars....
luxury cars.
This technology forms the basis of a number of Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
models produced from 2007 onwards, and is also expected to be used for the 2011 Bentley Continental
Bentley Continental
Bentley has used the Continental name on a number of automobiles since 1952From 1952 to 1965 always for cars with more powerful engines than used in standard cars installed in lowered chassis provided to coachbuilders for distinctive and distinguished body shapes of specially lightened...
range.
In MLB-based vehicles, the longitudinally-mounted engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
and transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
are mounted further rearwards than in previous Volkswagen Group platforms, (shifting the centre of mass
Center of mass
In physics, the center of mass or barycenter of a system is the average location of all of its mass. In the case of a rigid body, the position of the center of mass is fixed in relation to the body...
of the major mechanical components (engine and transmission) behind the front axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
), and allowing an increase in the wheelbase
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
without lengthening the car's overall exterior dimensions. Less front overhang
Overhang (automotive)
Overhangs are the lengths of a car, at the front and rear, which extend beyond the wheelbase. They are normally described as front overhang and rear overhang. Practicality, style, and performance are affected by the size and weight of overhangs....
means MLB-based models have a more even front:rear weight distribution
Weight distribution
Weight distribution is the apportioning of weight within a vehicle, especially cars, airplanes, and trains.In a vehicle which relies on gravity in some way, weight distribution directly affects a variety of vehicle characteristics, including handling, acceleration, traction, and component life...
.
Current MLB-based models
- Audi A4 (B8) (Typ 8K)
- Audi A5Audi A5The Audi A5 is a coupé produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since 2007. It is the coupé, cabriolet, and five-door fastback versions of the fourth generation Audi A4 saloon and estate models....
(Typ 8T) - Audi Q5Audi Q5The Audi Q5 is a compact crossover SUV which was released by German automaker Audi for the 2009 model year. It is built using the new Audi MLP platform which debuted in the 2007 Audi A5 coupé. The Q5 is the second Audi model in the "Q" range, after the full-size Q7...
(Typ 8R) - Audi A6 (C7)Audi A6The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
- Audi A7Audi A7The Audi Sportback concept is a concept car produced by Audi, shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The Sportback concept, a luxury five-door fastback model, was regarded as a preview of two future models: the Audi A5 Sportback variant and the Audi A7...
(Typ 4G) - Audi A8 (D4)Audi A8The Audi A8 is a four-door, full-size, luxury sedan car manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, the A8 has been offered with front wheel drive or permanent four-wheel drive, with multitronic or tiptronic automatic transmissions — and in short- and...
(Typ 4H) - Bentley ContinentalBentley ContinentalBentley has used the Continental name on a number of automobiles since 1952From 1952 to 1965 always for cars with more powerful engines than used in standard cars installed in lowered chassis provided to coachbuilders for distinctive and distinguished body shapes of specially lightened...
(2011-)