2009 Audi A4 Preview :
07-17-07, 11:51 PM
#1
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2009 Audi A4 Preview :
Preview: 2009 Audi A4
Posted on Tuesday 17 July 2007
Rumored to bow in at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi’s next-gen A4 sedan is being prepped for a sales launch early next year with several test mules already spotted around Audi plants in Germany.
This latest rendering shows that the new A4 will be styled very similarly to the A5, picking up the same shaped headlights and bonnet, plus the A5’s instantly recognizable swooping character line stretched across its flanks.
Utilizing the latest iteration of Audi’s modular-length platform design, the new A4 will share much of its mechanicals with the A5 including engines and transmissions. Handling and dynamics will be a major improvement over the current model because of the positioning of the engine behind the front axle. This means that the car will be less nose-heavy and overall weight distribution will be closer to the ideal 50-50 split.
FWD will again be the standard but AWD quattro models will also be offered including the potent RS4 model that will make its appearance in 2009. Expect the 4.2L V8 to star once again, with more power than the current 420hp. Mercedes is giving the C63 more than 450hp and we expect Audi to better this.
Posted on Tuesday 17 July 2007
Rumored to bow in at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi’s next-gen A4 sedan is being prepped for a sales launch early next year with several test mules already spotted around Audi plants in Germany.
This latest rendering shows that the new A4 will be styled very similarly to the A5, picking up the same shaped headlights and bonnet, plus the A5’s instantly recognizable swooping character line stretched across its flanks.
Utilizing the latest iteration of Audi’s modular-length platform design, the new A4 will share much of its mechanicals with the A5 including engines and transmissions. Handling and dynamics will be a major improvement over the current model because of the positioning of the engine behind the front axle. This means that the car will be less nose-heavy and overall weight distribution will be closer to the ideal 50-50 split.
FWD will again be the standard but AWD quattro models will also be offered including the potent RS4 model that will make its appearance in 2009. Expect the 4.2L V8 to star once again, with more power than the current 420hp. Mercedes is giving the C63 more than 450hp and we expect Audi to better this.
07-18-07, 05:44 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Sonatas, though, are not offered in bright red.
One thing I hope Audi does with the new model is offer a 2.0T/DSG/Quattro combination. Audi, in the U.S. market, currently offers that combination only on the A4 Avant Wagon. It not available on the current A3 hatchback and A4 sedan; you have to buy the 3.2L V6 to get Quattro.....a MAJOR marketing goof, IMO. The 2.0T is very torquey for its size, and, in conjunction with the superlative DSG gearbox, can easily handle the weight and drag of AWD....you don't need the V6.
I have consulted the Audi people about this policy twice (no Quattro with the 2.0/DSG) and they couldn't come up with any real answer for it other than just "That's Audi marketing".
One thing I hope Audi does with the new model is offer a 2.0T/DSG/Quattro combination. Audi, in the U.S. market, currently offers that combination only on the A4 Avant Wagon. It not available on the current A3 hatchback and A4 sedan; you have to buy the 3.2L V6 to get Quattro.....a MAJOR marketing goof, IMO. The 2.0T is very torquey for its size, and, in conjunction with the superlative DSG gearbox, can easily handle the weight and drag of AWD....you don't need the V6.
I have consulted the Audi people about this policy twice (no Quattro with the 2.0/DSG) and they couldn't come up with any real answer for it other than just "That's Audi marketing".
07-18-07, 07:09 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
07-18-07, 07:29 AM
#7
Forced induction seems to be all the rage in Germany.
I'm also glad that, to date, Lexus has stayed with naturally aspirated engines. Those using forced induction tend to run into long term (and in some instances, short term) maintence and reliability issues, so I am not complaining that the IS-F will be naturally aspirated.
I'm confident that with direct injection, variable valve timing advancements, and careful tuning Lexus will continue to build competitive naturally aspirated engines. What would be scary though, is if they DID ever decide to slap on twin turbos or a supercharger
. If the horsepower war continues, they may not have a choice but we will see.
Imagine...a factory TT IS-F.
As for this A4...I would bet that photochop is probably what it will look like. Pretty much a 4-door A5, but it sounds good to me. I have heard tell of Audi with a new 292HP DI V6. We'll see...
I'm also glad that, to date, Lexus has stayed with naturally aspirated engines. Those using forced induction tend to run into long term (and in some instances, short term) maintence and reliability issues, so I am not complaining that the IS-F will be naturally aspirated.
I'm confident that with direct injection, variable valve timing advancements, and careful tuning Lexus will continue to build competitive naturally aspirated engines. What would be scary though, is if they DID ever decide to slap on twin turbos or a supercharger
. If the horsepower war continues, they may not have a choice but we will see.Imagine...a factory TT IS-F
.As for this A4...I would bet that photochop is probably what it will look like. Pretty much a 4-door A5, but it sounds good to me. I have heard tell of Audi with a new 292HP DI V6. We'll see...
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07-18-07, 02:35 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
I think this is one of those cars that will look great in person.
Lately, I like the direction Audi is heading with the styling of the new A6, TT, etc.
I must admit, when the picture first appeared the first thing that flashed in my mind was this:
Now I look at it again, and... not so similar. Something about the proportions and peak of the hood
strike me as similar, however. It's got a little 300C mixed-in with the grille.
Lately, I like the direction Audi is heading with the styling of the new A6, TT, etc.
I must admit, when the picture first appeared the first thing that flashed in my mind was this:
Now I look at it again, and... not so similar. Something about the proportions and peak of the hood
strike me as similar, however. It's got a little 300C mixed-in with the grille.
07-18-07, 02:39 PM
#13
Lexus Champion
Looks nice but my lease on my 2006 A4 is up in another 3.5 months and while I have enjoyed this car, life is too short to lease the same exact car twice. The only Audi that I'll consider leasing when the time comes is the A5, and rates aren't out for it yet... I'm not hopeful that they're going to be good, though.
It's looking like a 335i or G37 lease may be in my future - or possibly the purchase of the new 08 Accord depending on the 4-cylinder's fuel economy...
It's looking like a 335i or G37 lease may be in my future - or possibly the purchase of the new 08 Accord depending on the 4-cylinder's fuel economy...
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