All-new Audi A6 allroad officially revealed

So it seems today is allroad-day here at quattroholic.com. Following earlier news from Audi of America of the A4 allroad's addition to the 2013 U.S. model lineup and subsequent allroad-owner photo contest, Audi AG has revealed this; the all-new Audi A6 allroad. Based on the current C7-platform Audi A6 Avant, the new A6 allroad features all the standard off road-themed styling cues as well as more performance and greater fuel efficiency than it's predecessors. More details and photo gallery after the jump.

By definition, the allroad is a vehicle designed to keep driving even after the asphalt ends. And like its A4-bodied little brother, the new A6 allroad certainly looks the part. From the widened wheel arches, skid plates and raised ride height, Audi's latest A6 allroad shows a clear evolution from past models. In addition to the standard features we've come to expect from the better-than-an-SUV wagon, the good folks in Ingolstadt have even given the car an exclusive new color called Java Braun (photos of which can be seen in the gallery below).

Under the hood, the new Audi A6 allroad offers the choice of one gasoline and three diesel 3.0-liter V6 engines. A 310 horsepower, supercharged 3.0 TFSI and a range of 204 hp, 245 hp and 313 hp 3.0 TDIs producing 332, 428 and 479 lb/ft of torque (respectively). In it's most powerful form (boasting the twin-turbo, 313 hp, 3.0 TDI), the new A6 allroad is capable of a sprint from 0-100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 5.6 seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Look for the new Audi A6 allroad to be available in Germany this spring starting at a list price of €54,600. For more information, check out the official press release following the photo gallery below.










Press Release:

The new Audi A6 allroad – the Avant for any kind of road

Ingolstadt, January, 10th 2012 - The first two generations of the allroad quattro from the years 2000 and 2006 were winners, and Audi hopes to build on this success with the third generation. Universally talented, the new A6 allroad quattro extends the range of uses for the A6 Avant because when the asphalt ends, it just keeps on driving. Performance has improved and fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.

Body and exterior design
The new A6 allroad quattro is 4.94 meters (16.21 ft) long, 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide and 1.47 (4.82 ft) meters tall, making it a few millimeters bigger than the Avant. It follows the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle familiar from the sedan, with aluminum components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms (154 lb) compared with the previous model.

The Audi A6 allroad quattro has a sportily distinctive road stance. It features balanced proportions, sharp lines delineate taut surfaces and the roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers progressive LED technology as an option for the headlights and tail lights. The xenon plus headlights can be combined with adaptive light, which ensures that the road is always properly illuminated for the situation at hand.

The body of the new A6 allroad quattro sits six centimeters (2.36 in) higher than that of the A6 Avant. Setting it apart are, in particular, the trim strips on the side sills, the more widely flared fenders and the single-frame grille with vertical slats. Stainless steel covers protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting color. Audi also offers a full paint finish in combination with the optional aluminum exterior package. The color Java Braun is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

Interior and luggage compartment
The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.91 meters (9.55 ft). It features a lean, elegant design, exemplarily clear ergonomics and superior workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are gleaming aluminum. MMI comes as standard, as does the onboard computer with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

Visual cues differentiating the A6 allroad quattro include the carpeting and the instrument panel, which are black throughout. Other refined details include the interior color Santos Brown and the optional aluminum inlays. The door sill trims are also made of aluminum and are emblazoned with “allroad.”

The luggage compartment of the new A6 allroad quattro has a capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu ft). Latches in the luggage compartment make it easy to fold down the rear seats, increasing luggage capacity to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft). Standard equipment features underscore the practical character of the new model – a rail system with an included load-securing kit for dividing the luggage compartment as needed, tensioning straps on the left wall and a double loading floor.

Equipment and Audi connect
Audi offers a broad choice of options for the new A6 allroad quattro. The head-up display projects important information onto the windshield. Ambient lighting bathes the interior with subtle LED light, and the widely adjustable deluxe front seats are optionally available with a ventilation and massage function. Additional highlights include four-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the convenience key, which can stay in the driver’s jacket pocket.

Topping the modular range of infotainment options is the hard drive-based navigation system MMI Navigation plus with touchpad operation (MMI touch) and whole-word voice control. Its power-retractable eight-inch monitor displays extremely sharp, high-contrast images. The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System boasts 15 speakers.

The new A6 allroad quattro is also state of the art when it comes to connection technology. The optional Bluetooth car phone online connects it to the Internet via UMTS, and a WLAN hotspot lets the passengers surf and e-mail. Tailored services for the driver, such as the all-new Audi traffic information online or Audi music stream web radio, are delivered right to the car. Attractive services from Google, including Google Earth, Google Street View and voice-activated POI search, are also available.

Driver assistance systems
The Audi assistance and safety systems lend even more confidence to driving. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function always keeps the new A6 allroad quattro at the proper distance from the car ahead. At speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision. ACC stop & go works closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system, which is available in a number of configurations.

Audi active lane assist helps the driver to maintain the lane; Audi side assist helps when changing lanes. The night vision assistant with marking of detected persons reduces the stress of driving in the dark. The driver information system with rest recommendation function detects when the driver is getting tired and recommends taking a rest.

A variety of high-end systems help take the stress out of parking. The park assist system with 360° display takes over the steering; the parking system plus with 360° camera provides good vision in all directions. Four small wide-angle cameras record images of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, which can then be displayed from a variety of perspectives on the MMI monitor.

Drivetrain
The new A6 allroad quattro is available with a choice of four powerful and highly cultivated V6 engines – one TFSI gasoline engine and three TDI units. All are three-liter engines with turbocharging and direct injection. They make use of important technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Their fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 percent compared with the previous model.

The 3.0 TFSI, which is boosted by a mechanically driven compressor, produces 228 kW (310 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the A6 allroad quattro from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds on the way to a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). It consumes 8.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.43 US mpg).

The three variants of the 3.0 TDI produce 150 kW (204 hp), 180 kW (245 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp); torque values are 450, 580 and 650 Nm (331.90, 427.79 and 479.42 lb-ft). The entry-level version consumes on average just 6.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (38.56 US mpg), corresponding to 159 g CO2/km (255.89 g/mile). Audi will soon offer a particularly low-emissions clean diesel version of the 180 kW (245 hp) engine. The twin-turbo 3.0 TDI developing 230 kW (313 hp) is a powerful, great sounding engine. It accelerates the A6 allroad quattro from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.6 seconds; the top speed is an electronically regulated 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The most powerful TDI delivers its power to a smooth and fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The three other engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic, a sporty dual-clutch transmission. With their wide ratio spreads, the automatic transmissions are major contributors to the efficiency of the A6 allroad quattro. The driver can operate them manually, including via optional paddles on the steering wheel.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is paired with torque vectoring. During dynamic driving this system brakes the wheels on the inside of the curve, which are under a reduced load, before they can slip. This further enhances traction and handling. The optional sport differential distributes the power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.

Chassis
The chassis of the A6 allroad quattro combines sportiness with comfort. The new electromechanical power steering is sensitive and highly efficient. The optional dynamic steering adjusts the steering ratio to the speed driven.

With the Audi drive select system, the driver can vary the function of the steering, the air suspension, the gas pedal, the automatic transmission, the sport differential, the automatic air conditioning, the lighting and the adaptive cruise control. In Efficiency mode, these systems work as economically as possible; their function can be very freely configured in Individual mode.

The adaptive air suspension, which combines air suspension with controlled damping, comes as standard. It lowers the body by 15 millimeters (0.59 in) at high speed and raises it by 35 millimeters (1.38 in) at the push of a button. This allroad mode is suitable for rough terrain. Furthermore, the driver can select a lift mode at low speeds. An additional ten millimeters (0.39 in) enables the new Audi A6 allroad quattro to also handle major irregularities in the road surface.

The Audi A6 allroad quattro rolls on 18-inch, five-arm alloy wheels and 235/55-size tires. Audi and quattro GmbH offer optional wheels measuring 18, 19 and 20 inches in diameter. The large brakes provide powerful deceleration. The driver can activate a hill descent assist function for steep downhill passages. This limits the speed to between 10 and 20 km/h (6.21 and 12.43 mph), depending on the surface.

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro will be available in Germany from spring 2012. The 3.0 TDI developing 150 kW (204 hp) has a list price of €54,600.

Source: Audi AG

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Audi USA launches ‘Memorable Mile’ photo contest to find the best Audi allroad owner story

Celebrating the allroad's return to the U.S., Audi of America has launched the "Memorable Mile" photo contest. The contest was created for current Audi allroad owners to tag an image and story about themselves and their vehicle to Audi's various social media channels. From there, Audi USA will pick ten winners that will receive a VIP trip to Deer Valley to test drive the all-new 2013 Audi A4 allroad. For more information on how to enter, check out the official press release after the jump.

HERNDON, Va., January 10th, 2012 - Starting today, Audi invites enthusiasts to share an image and brief story of themselves with their Audi allroad for a chance at winning a VIP trip to Deer Valley during the USSA Freestyle International World Cup in Park City, Utah, to test drive the all-new allroad. The “Memorable Mile” contest officially kicks off today and ends on Jan. 17, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Current Audi allroad owners can share their story and images via any of Audi social media channels, including Twitter, Google+, Flickr or Instagram. Posts must be tagged with #myallroad for consideration. For those who are not registered users of these social media sites, submissions can be emailed to myallroad@audi.com.

Audi will select 10 winners to take part in an all-inclusive VIP trip to Deer Valley to test drive the all-new Audi allroad. Winners will be notified between the dates of Jan. 18 - 20, 2012, and must be ready to book flights within 24 hours of being selected. Travel for this trip will take place from Feb. 1 - 5, 2012. Please visit http://audi.us/allroadcontest to view the official rules.

Making its re-entry into the U.S. market for the first time since 2005, the Audi allroad returns with iconic design and functionality blended with segment-leading technology. The new features 211 horsepower with 258 pounds-foot of torque that makes it faster and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. The new allroad also features a longer wheelbase for ride comfort and more headroom for front passengers. Audi offers several advanced technology features for the allroad, including adaptive front lighting, Audi side assist, Audi connect™ with factory-installed wireless internet and onboard MMI® Navigation system with Google Earth™ maps and real-time SiriusXM Traffic information, for a true aerial view of the route.

Source: Audi of America

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Audi USA replaces A4 Avant with new A4 allroad

Replacing the A4 Avant in Audi of America's 2013 model year lineup, the all-new Audi A4 allroad will hit U.S. showrooms later this year; marking the return of the allroad marque to North America after nearly an eight year hiatus. The U.S.-spec Audi A4 allroad will be powered by a 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 211 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque, matched to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive and boasts up to fifty cubic feet of cargo room. Unlike its ancestor however, the new A4 allroad will not feature the trick air-ride suspension many U.S. allroad drivers adored (when it worked). Full report after the jump.



Detroit, Mich. January 9th, 2012 - Making its re-entry into the U.S. market for the first time since 2005, the Audi allroad made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new allroad is built on the A4 platform and has been modified to meet the functionality and design elements that define the iconic allroad.

The new allroad features 211 horsepower with 258 pounds-foot of torque that makes it faster and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The exterior features a unique single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and raised aluminum-optic roof rails. Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches are standard, while a full paint finish is optional.

The Audi allroad will replace the A4 Avant starting in the 2013 model year, and will be 0.6 inches wider and 2.3 inches taller with 1.5 inches greater ground clearance. The new allroad is 185.9 inches in length with a wheelbase of 110.4 inches. Compared to its predecessor, the new allroad has a longer wheelbase for ride comfort and more headroom for front passengers. The allroad has 27 cubic feet of cargo space and a spacious 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down. An optional power tailgate is available. 18-inch wheels are standard, and 19-inch wheels are optional.

The interior of the new allroad features a standard Panorama sunroof, 8-way power seats, and Aluminum Trigon inlays. Heated front seats, driver memory, a choice of three wood inlays, and a 505 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System are optional. The allroad can also be equipped with a sports interior package featuring 12-way power front sport seats, and a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles.

Audi offers several advanced technology features for the A4 family, including adaptive front lighting and Audi side assist, which monitors the space behind and beside the A4 by radar and detects any vehicles in neighboring lanes. Driving in the A4 is also enhanced by the optional Driver Assistance package, which features adaptive cruise control that keeps the A4 at a constant distance from the preceding vehicle, active lane assist, and dynamic steering. Dynamic steering varies the effort as well as the steering ratio at different speeds. Active lane assist allows the steering to help maintain lane discipline should the driver begin to sway outside of the lane markings without setting the turn signal.

Audi is the first company worldwide to feature factory-installed wireless internet, enabling the innovative infotainment system called Audi connect™. Previously available in the A6, A7, A8 and Q7, Audi connect will now be available on all A4 and A5 models, making Audi the only brand worldwide to feature this level of internet system integrated service in the segment.

With Audi connect, the onboard MMI® Navigation system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps and real-time SiriusXM Traffic information, for a true aerial view of the route. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; the myAudi Destination feature, which allows registered users to log on to Google Maps™ from any location and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle; and a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices to simultaneously use the wireless connectivity.

Engine
− 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque

Powertrain
− 8-speed tiptronic transmission, standard
− quattro permanent all-wheel drive, standard
− 27 cubic feet of cargo space 50 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded down

Chassis
− 185.9 inches in length; wheelbase of 110.4 inches, longer than predecessor for ride comfort and more headroom for front passengers
− 18-inch wheels standard, 19-inch wheels optional
Exterior
− Features single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and raised aluminum-optic roof rails
− Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches standard, full paint finish optional
− Unique single frame grille design with vertical chrome struts, stainless steel skid plates and side sills, and aluminum-optic roof rails. Matte finished lower bumpers and wheel arches are standard, full paint finish is optional

Interior
− Standard Panorama sunroof, 8-way power seats and Aluminum Trigon inlays
− Optional heated front seats, driver memory, choice of three wood inlays and 505 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System
− Available sports interior package with 12-way power front sport seats and three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles

Technology
− Audi offers advanced technology features, including Audi side assist and adaptive front lighting. Also available is the Audi Driver Assistance package, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go, active lane assist and dynamic steering
− Factory-installed wireless internet, enabling features such as Audi connect™ for real-time weather, traffic, news and live fuel prices. First introduced in the A7, A4 models will be first in the segment with factory installed internet connectivity.

Source: Audi of America

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Video: 2013 Audi A4, S4, A4 allroad quattro - Driving scenes & details (10 videos)

Following the 30-40 second-long trailers originally included in the 2013 Audi A4/S4's official reveal last month, Audi has now released full driving scenes and exterior/interior details of the newly facelifted A4 series. Below, we've included a total of ten videos, highlighting every aspect of the new A4, S4 and A4 allroad quattro.





















Source: Audi via our YouTube channel (QuattroholicVideos)

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2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 allroad quattro officially revealed

Completing the B8 platform's 2013 model year product improvement, Audi has officially introduced the new A4 range. Sporting a fresh facelift that's nearly identical to that seen on the new A5, the 2013 A4/S4 incorporates the same beveled-edge grille, headlight design and overall front/rear fascias; each carrying over familiar design cues from the new A6 and A7. Full report, videos and photo gallery after the jump.

As we mentioned above, the A4's new facelift corresponds almost identically with that of the new A5. As Audi explains "The new look further accentuates the horizontal lines at the front end. The engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally." Optional S-Line styling gives the new A4/S4 a more "dynamic" look, though appears slightly less aggressive (perhaps "more refined" would be a better way to put it) than that of the current model.

Inside, the A4's refresh includes the addition of new multifunction steering wheels (including an optional 'flat bottom' design), ignition key, gear lever, the button for the optional Audi drive select system and air conditioning controls. All interior colors (except black) have been re-coordinated with Fine Nappa replacing Valcona in the leather department and new interior inlays round out the package; including aluminum trigon, walnut, natural fine grain ash and Beaufort oak plywood.

Under the hood, the new A4 range continues Audi's focus on efficiency with consumption levels dropping 11 percent on average, despite the increased power and torque of many of the engines. A total of of six TDI and four gasoline engines are available for European customers (details of which can be found in the press release below), with their American counterparts likely retaining the 2.0 TFSI. The S4 will also keep the same 333-hp, supercharged, 3.0 TFSI V6 currently found in the 2012 model.

Overall, the A4/S4's refresh is hardly a surprise following the A5/S5's reveal in July. What is a surprise though is the new A4 allroad quattro (seriously, how good does that thing look?). In addition to the new A4 and S4 sedans, we've heard that the new allroad will likely reach U.S. shores by next year (though likely in gasoline-powered form only). Be sure to check out the videos, photo gallery and official press release below for more information.

Videos:







Photo Gallery:

A4




A4 Avant




A4 allroad quattro





S4




S4 Avant




Press Release:

The new Audi A4 and the new Audi S4

A bestseller has become even more attractive: Audi has updated the A4 series. New solutions for efficiency, driving dynamics and infotainment, along with an even more attractive design, attest the “Vorsprung durch Technik” achieved by the A4 Sedan, the A4 Avant, the A4 allroad quattro and the S4.

Design
The A4 is Audi’s bestseller – for 39 years now and in its eighth generation. The brand has sold ten million such models in total. The A4, with its elegance, sportiness and emotional appeal, forms the centerpiece of the Audi brand. And now the design has become even more clearly defined and striking in all models – the Sedan, the Avant, the allroad quattro and the S4.

The new look further accentuates the horizontal lines at the front end. The engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The grille is painted gray, with high-gloss black on the six-cylinder models or in combination with the S line exterior package. The redesigned bumpers are striking with their angular air inlets, their revised grilles and the flat front fog lights. The A4 allroad quattro is distinguished by its grille’s horizontal chrome applications and by the round fog lights.

The headlights have also changed, with a slight wave at the bottom edges, and a re-arranged interior. Xenon plus headlights are available from Audi on request. The LED daytime running lights form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens. The adaptive light together with dynamic and static cornering lights are available on request.

The tail lights reflect the shape of the headlights, and in combination with xenon plus have homogeneous strips of LEDs. The bumper with its diffuser insert has been redesigned, with the exhaust system always terminating in two tailpipes.

There is a selection of 15 paint finishes, including four new tones. The Sedan and the Avant offer the S line exterior package, while the Avant also includes a roof spoiler.

The modifications have changed the dimensions only by a few millimeters. The A4 Sedan and the Avant each have a length of 4.70 meters (15.42 ft), while the A4 allroad quattro and the S4 are 4.72 meters (15.49 ft) long. The wheelbases for all models are 2.81 meters (9.22 ft), and the width is 1.83 and 1.84 meters, respectively (6.0 and 6.04 ft). The height varies between 1.41 and 1.50 meters (4.63 and 4.92 ft) depending on the body version.

Interior
The interior of the A4 models has also been refined. Audi offers a wide selection of new steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel also featuring a flattened lower rim. The steering arm and the ignition key have been modified. High-gloss applications and the slender chrome trim at the controls add elegance to the interior.

The elaborate finish makes operation even simpler and more intuitive. The MMI navigation plus system now features four instead of eight buttons, with a script function integrated in the volume control dial. Other improvements concern operation of the automatic transmission, the efficient air conditioning systems, Audi drive select and the multifunction steering wheel. The seat heating and air conditioning are now directly operated at the respective buttons.

The high level of workmanship is as much a matter of course for Audi as a sure touch in the range of colors. All interior colors – except black – have been re-coordinated. The upholstery range has also been revised, with Fine Nappa leather replacing Valcona leather. The new, single-part cluster trim has been adapted in color to the interior, while the inlays are available in Aluminum Trigon, walnut dark brown and fine grain ash natural. Especially eye-catching is the Beaufort oak plywood inlay.

The interior of the S line sport package comes in black, refined with high-quality applications. 18-inch wheels or the optional 19-inch wheels and an S line sport suspension that lowers the body by 30 millimeters (1.18 in) complete the package. Audi exclusive and Audi exclusive line offer further individualized options.

The A4 Sedan’s luggage compartment still has its 480-liter capacity – 962 liters with the rear seats folded down (16.95 and 33.97 cubic ft). The A4 Avant and the A4 allroad quattro have 490 and 1,430 liters, respectively (17.30 and 50.50 cubic ft), with Audi offering an optional electrically operated tailgate for both models.

Engines
The new A4’s drive system sets new standards. The consumption levels have dropped by 11 percent on average, despite the increased power and torque of many of the engines. In the Sedan and the Avant each, Audi offers any of six TDI and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations. All engines are supercharged direct-injection systems; the start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard throughout.

The TDI engines combine pulling power with pioneering efficiency, with the four-cylinder versions presenting extensive modifications. A new centrifugal pendulum-type absorber (in the 2.0 TDI with 100 kW, 120 kW or 130 kW with quattro drive) in the dual-mass flywheel makes engine running even more refined and quieter at low revs, for even earlier upshifting and savings of up to 0.2 liters per 100 km.

The most economical variant in the model family is the Audi A4 2.0 TDI with 100 kW (136 hp). In the Sedan, this engine needs only 4.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (56.0 US mpg) on average – a CO2 equivalent of just 112 grams per km (180.25 g/mile). The new A4 2.0 TDI with 120 kW (163 hp), also optimized for maximum efficiency, manages with 4.4 liters of diesel per 100 km (53.46 US mpg). This equates to 115 grams CO2 per km (185.07 g/mile). Both engines are available for the Sedan and the Avant.

In addition, three other four-cylinder diesel engines are available – with 88 kW (120 hp), 105 kW (143 hp) and 130 kW (177 hp). They can also be ordered for the allroad quattro, apart from the entry-level version. Three V6 TDI units complete the line. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) (not for the allroad quattro) is the most efficient six-cylinder engine in its class worldwide; in the A4 Sedan it consumes an average of just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.0 US mpg). The second variant, the 3.0 TDI, generates 180 kW (245 hp), with an especially clean diesel version.

The A4 series also presents the latest state of the art in gasoline engine technology. A new highlight of the TFSI family is the new 1.8-liter engine, available for the Sedan and the Avant. The four-cylinder engine delivers sporty thrust, with a power output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. The average consumption in the A4 Sedan is limited to 5.6 liters per 100 km (42.0 US mpg), or 134 grams CO2 per km (215.65 g/mile). That is a decrease in consumption of 19 percent compared with the predecessor engine.

The new 1.8 TFSI engine features many innovations: in the control of its valves and their lift, in the novel thermal management system, in the fuel injection system, in the turbocharger and in the integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. The engine weighs 3.5 kilograms (7.72 lb) less and its internal friction has sharply decreased.

The entry-level gasoline engine is the 1.8 TFSI with 88 kW (120 hp). The 2.0 TFSI – as the only spark-ignition engine also available in the A4 allroad quattro – delivers 155 kW (211 hp). At the top of the line is the 3.0 TFSI in two variants. In the A4 the V6, to follow a bit later, affords 200 kW (272 hp). In the sporty S4 top model its power is an impressive 245 kW (333 hp).

Drivetrain
The wide range of drivetrains is typical of Audi. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sedan and Avant models with front-wheel drive; most variants offer continuously variable multitronic as an option. The quattro versions have either the manual transmission or (as of the 2.0 TDI with 130 kW (177 hp)) the seven-speed S tronic on board. The A4 allroad quattro employs a manual transmission or S tronic with all engine versions.

The innovative thermal management system shortens the warm-up phase of the manual transmission, among other things, and thereby reduces friction loss. All transmissions are distinguished by convenient and precise operation, high efficiency and a wide spread of gear ratios – the long ratios in the higher gears reduces fuel consumption, while the short ratios in the lower gears benefit the dynamics.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard on the A4 allroad quattro, and available in the Sedan and Avant from the 2.0 TDI with 105 kW (143 hp). The A4 family uses the self-locking center differential here. In regular driving operation it primarily transmits the engine torque to the rear wheels in the ratio of 40 to 60. If necessary, redistribution occurs within the shortest possible time. The torque vectoring function supplements the work of the center differential with finely incremented brake applications, to make handling even more precise and safer.

In the V6 quattro variants Audi offers the sport differential as a supplement, lending maximum precision and high traction to the A4 when cornering at the handling limits. The high-end component actively distributes the power between the rear wheels as required.

Chassis
The chassis of the A4 is striking with its sporty precision, high ride comfort and superior safety. The mounts of the rear suspension control arms and the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been even more finely tuned. Most of the components of the five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum.

The electromechanical power steering is new in all models of the series. The direct gear ratios convey precise road contact; slight brake applications counteract pulling to the side on unevenly slippery surfaces. The electromechanical power steering requires no energy for straight-ahead motion, thereby reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. This is equivalent to a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 7 g/km (11.27 g/mile).

Another high-end feature that gives the A4 a special status in its class is Audi drive select. In the basic package, the driver can switch the characteristic of the accelerator, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the power steering and the automatic air conditioning between the four modes “comfort,” “auto,” “dynamic” and “efficiency.” If there is an onboard navigation system, the additional “individual” mode is also included.

Further modules are optional – adaptive cruise control or the cruise control system, the sport differential, the suspension with damper control and dynamic steering. By means of a superposition gear, the gear ratio is adjusted in a continuously variable manner depending on the driven speed; at the handling limits small interventions compensate for understeering and oversteering.

All front-wheel-drive versions of the A4 feature the electronic stabilization program (ESP) with electronic limited slip differential. In dynamic driving the system further improves handling and safety by initiating minimum brake interventions at the front wheel that is subject to a reduced load on the inside of the curve. The large wheel brakes – with ventilated front and rear disks in many variants – offer excellent stopping power and can be precisely modulated.

All A4 variants roll off the assembly line on elegant aluminum wheels. Depending on the engine version, they are 16 or 17 inches in size; tires with optimized rolling resistance belong to the 205/60 and 225/50 series. The A4 3.0 TFSI has 18-inch wheels with 245/40 series tires. The line of options ranges to 19 inches with 255/35 series tires. Four of the 18 available wheels are new designs. The A4 allroad quattro offers four independent designs.

Assistance systems
Audi offers highly developed assistance systems for the A4 family, for making driving even more relaxed. Standard on all variants is the new driver information system with break recommendation – it detects and draws the driver’s attention to deviations from typical driving behavior on the basis of steering motions and other parameters.

The adaptive cruise control assistance system keeps the A4 at a constant distance from the preceding vehicle at speeds between zero and 200 km/h (124.27 mph). If the threat of a rear-end collision becomes imminent at speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system will execute a full brake application. Audi active lane assist supports the driver in keeping to his lane. A camera detects the lane markings and the system makes slight corrections to the steering if necessary. Audi side assist monitors the space behind the A4 by radar and detects any vehicles in the blind spot, for example.

Infotainment systemsAudi offers a whole kit of state-of-the-art infotainment systems for its A4 series. The chorus CD radio with eight speakers is standard, while the MMI navigation plus system with large hard disk, color monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player forms the top of the line. Voice control and the optional digital audio broadcasting are further improvements to the system.

The high-end supplement to the MMI navigation plus system is the Bluetooth online car phone. Via Audi connect the system provides special services in the car, such as voice-controlled Google searches for points of interest and navigation with Google Earth pictures, along with Google Street View. Audi online traffic information, another such service, gives the driver the latest news on congestion along the selected route. The WLAN hotspot, another feature of the Bluetooth online car phone, allows passengers in the A4 to surf the internet and send e-mails as they please with their mobile devices.

The Audi S4
The Audi S4, available in the Sedan and Avant versions, employs the most powerful engine in the line – the 3.0 TFSI with 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) torque. The Sedan’s average fuel consumption is a mere 8.0 liters per 100 km (29.40 US mpg) – with an impressive performance: The S4 accelerates in 5.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and achieves an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The modified Audi S4 is identifiable from the changes to the headlights, the bumpers, the air inlets and colors. The interior also contains subtle changes in appearance. The S sport suspension and 18-inch wheels featured on the S4 deliver outstanding road grip.

Prices
The prices of the A4 have changed only slightly, despite the extensive upgrading. For example, the A4 2.0 TFSI costs just 475 euros more – the sporty Sedan is now listed at 35,425 euros.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Source: Audi AG

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