| Drivetrain
The engines available for the A4 deliver pure driving
enjoyment. All ten engines are direct injection units. Apart from the
top-of-the-range 3.2 FSI, they are all turbocharged. The 2.0 TFSI and the
3.2 FSI feature different versions of the Audi valvelift system, which improves
torque based on variable valve lift.
The range:
- 1.8 TFSI developing 88 kW (120 bp)
- 1.8 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI quattro developing 118 kW (160 bp)
- 2.0 TFSI developing 120 kW (180 bp)
- 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI quattro developing 155 kW (211 bp)
- 3.2 FSI and 3.2 FSI quattro developing 195 kW (265 bp)
- 2.0 TDI developing 88 kW (120 bp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro developing 105 kW (143 bp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro developing 125 kW (170 bp)
- 2.7 TDI developing 140 kW (190 bp)
- 3.0 TDI quattro developing 176 kW (240 bp)
The A4 engines consume on average ten percent less
fuel than their predecessors. This advance was founded on a broad-ranging
package of technologies from Audi’s modular efficiency system, including
reduced internal friction, demand-based control of ancillary components,
intelligent temperature management, economical power steering and air conditioner
drive units and an energy recuperation system. In terms of transmission,
customers have a choice of three high-tech solutions: the six-speed manual,
the tiptronic six-speed automatic and the continuously variable multitronic.
In all transmission units the differential is located directly behind the
engine, in front of the clutch or torque converter. This enabled the Audi
developers to move the front axle well forward, resulting in a well-balanced
distribution of axle loads to deliver sporty handling. The manual transmissions
feature a useful gearshift indicator on the display of the driver information
system. One of the sporty classics in the Audi portfolio is the quattro permanent
four-wheel drive system. Its purely mechanical Torsen center differential
feeds 40 percent of the power to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear
in normal driving, permitting a rear wheel handling characteristic. But when
the need arises, the Torsen differential redirects most of the torque to
the axle with better traction.
Suspension
The dynamic suspension of the Audi A4 has been redesigned
from the ground up. The pivot bearings and the five links per wheel that
make up the front suspension are made of aluminum, as is the support member
that adds rigidity to the front end of the vehicle. The steering box is located
well to the front and lower down, to enable steering movements to reach the
wheels directly via the track rods. The construction of the rear axle adopts
the self-tracking, trapezoidal link principle used on the larger A6 and A8
models. The trapezoidal links, wheel carriers, upper lateral control arms
and track rods are all made of aluminum. The separate spring and shock absorber
mounting points make the car highly responsive. Powerful brakes are located
behind the large wheels; the front discs are ventilated. All front-wheel
drive variants of the A4 model series will shortly be marking a new first
in terms of Audi standard-fit technology: The electronic stabilization program
(ESP) with electronic differential lock will make the already agile handling
even more neutral, enabling the four-seater convertible to accelerate with
absolutely no understeer or slip even out of the tightest bends, as if on
rails. With regard to suspension, Audi has yet another high-tech feature
in its portfolio with the Audi drive select control system, available in
a range of configuration variants. In the basic version, it influences the
engine’s throttle response, the shift points of the automatic transmission
and the servo assistance of the power steering system. The driver is able
to switch these systems between three different modes. When the MMI navigation
system plus is fitted, an additional mode is available enabling a custom
profile to be created. As a modular system, Audi drive select can be combined
with one, two or three other technologies: the quattro drive system with
sport differential; the adaptive shock absorber system; and the Audi dynamic
steering system, featuring a superposition gear capable of varying its gear
ratio by as much as 100 percent. The dynamic steering system is linked to
the ESP. If the A4 threatens to oversteer, it automatically corrects itself
with small steering maneuvers in the opposite direction; these frequently
eliminate the need to brake. The high-tech system also helps in counteracting
understeer and when braking on surfaces where there is grip only on one
side.
Assistance and communications systems
Audi provides a wide range of assistance systems for
the A4. The Audi parking system advanced uses a rearview camera to simplify
parking. Audi lane assist warns the drive if the car starts to veer out of
lane by making the steering wheel pulsate. The Audi side assist system is
a lane-change safety feature with an LED display to indicate critical situations.
Radar-assisted cruise control is another system originally available in luxury
cars. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) system adjusts the car’s speed
and the distance to the vehicle ahead by accelerating and braking as appropriate.
If the automatic deceleration is insufficient, a subfunction of the ACC known
as the braking guard prompts the driver to brake. The warning pulses it delivers
vary in strength depending on the hazard posed by the given situation. Audi
also offers a wide range of features in the communications and infotainment
field. The Audi music interface (AMI) enables an iPod to be connected to
the system. The MMI Navigation plus and MMI Navigation systems and the optional
concert and symphony audio systems provide a Bluetooth connection for a cell
phone. The ultimate in hifi listening pleasure is delivered by the sound
system from high-end Danish maker Bang & Olufsen. It features a 505 Watt
power output, 10 active channels and 14 speakers.
The equipment, specifications, and prices stated
herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change
without notice; errors and omissions excepted. |
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Their high efficiency is an
expression of Audi’s technical expertise, as is their dynamic suspension
and countless technological features from the luxury car class.
The sedan’s trunk capacity is 480 liters (16.95
cubic ft). With the rear seat backs folded down (a standard feature in
the quattro variants) that capacity is increased to 962 liters (33.97
cubic ft). The A4 Avant offers 490 and 1,430 liters (17.30 and 50.50
cubic ft) respectively. The convenient cargo cover retracts automatically
when lightly tapped. Audi also offers a wide range of other practical features.
The interior ambience is spacious, light and airy. It reflects the strengths
of Audi: refined looks, uncompromising quality of craftsmanship and logical,
intuitive user controls. The center console is angled toward the driver,
and features a large screen at the top. When the A4 is fitted with an onboard
navigation system, its center tunnel houses a large color monitor and the
MMI multimedia interface. The electromechanically operated parking brake
means there is plenty of room left for all the knobs and switches. In the
front, Audi offers climate-controlled comfort seats as a high-end variant,
featuring small built-in fans which provide six-stage ventilation to the
seat back and cushion.