.MY2010 Audi change points (V-6 dropped, reasoning now added)
04-22-09, 05:23 PM
#31
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The current 3.2 V6 in the A4 is actually quite sophisticated. It is one of the few vehicles to offer direct injection, and the AVS (Audi Valve Lift) is much more intricate than Acura's VTEC in operation (variable intake and exhaust-valve timing and intake-valve lift). It's not as quick as a 335i or IS350, but it's not a slouch either. Honestly a half second difference by the time you hit 60 isn't that large of a deal.
04-23-09, 07:00 AM
#33
Lexus Test Driver
I believe the 3.2L engine is still offer in the A6 RWD and the A5 model, not sure for how much longer. I have driven both the 2.0T A4 and the V6 A4 and there wasnt much different in power, the MPG in the 2.0T was much better.
This is suppose to be Audi's new trend, instead of a V8, they will use a supercharge V6. Instead of a V6, they will use a Turbo 4 cylinder engine, etc.
This is suppose to be Audi's new trend, instead of a V8, they will use a supercharge V6. Instead of a V6, they will use a Turbo 4 cylinder engine, etc.
04-23-09, 11:02 AM
#35
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05-15-09, 08:03 AM
#36
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http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_4938.shtml
Why Audi of America Cut V6 Models Heavily for 2010 with the Arrival of the 3.0T-Powered S4
May 14, 2009
by: George Achorn, photos: Audi AG and George Achorn
A document intended for dealers outlining Audi of America’s 2010 model year change points raised eyebrows and made the automotive news outlet rounds recently when it was confirmed that the company was deleting normally-aspirated V6 offerings from its TT, A3, and A4 ranges. The move may have been a foregone conclusion for products like the TT and A3 where the V6 marked little volume and, in the TT’s case, too close a horsepower number to the new TTS. However, the deletion of the six-cylinder option in the A4 was more widely unexpected, especially since that car just went on sale. Just what are they thinking? We decided to pay a visit to Audi headquarters in Herndon, Virginia in order to find out.
The man with the answers is Carter Balkcom, the current product manager for the North American versions of the A3, A4, and A5 ranges including S models. He handles most of the vehicles affected by the change.
According to Carter, the move is simply a streamlining of the lineup. As he explained, the model with the widest-reaching ramifications from such a change must certainly be the A4. Audi’s B-segment sedan accounts for nearly 50 percent of North American sales, so Herndon doesn’t make a fundamental change to the A4 without a serious degree of investigation and thought.
As it turns out, current buying trends are moving toward the A4 2.0T. Power levels for the turbo’d four, now in its latest EA888 generation complete with Valvelift, have never been closer to that of the normally-aspirated V6. And, with a supercharged 3.0T-powered S4 just a few months away, the positioning of the 3.2 within the range was about to be pinched tighter.
Carter tells us the positioning of the S4 will be slightly adjusted within the line. As most readers know, the North American S5 retains its 4.2-liter V8 for now, so that car will be positioned in more of a premium place as compared to the S4. When the S5 switches to the 3.0T with its 2011 freshening, we suspect the A5 3.2 will also disappear. In the meantime, Audi of America is doing its best to price the S4 as competitively as possible.
As Carter explained, the price won’t be as low as the A4 3.2, but there will be a strong case for value. He says the goal is for the S4 to be competitive with a similarly-equipped BMW 335i without xDrive, BMW’s name for all-wheel drive. And, when you consider that the S4 has all of the added S-car kit whereas the 335 is still visually just another 3-series, this makes the S4’s case even more compelling.
In other models, the changes made more sense. As we’ve already said, the TTS makes the TT 3.2 redundant, while the A3 2.0 TDI and A3 2.0T FSI with quattro make more of a compelling case to A3 buyers than did the expensive 3.2. One can assume this also leaves room for an S3 or RS 3 should Audi decide there is a market here for these vehicles.
Audi’s business may not be as far down as most of its competitors and, in fact, the brand is gaining market share at a healthy rate. However, a streamlined product offering with a focus on efficiency with performance is a sound strategy at this time. There is no doubt that these changes reflect such a move.
Why Audi of America Cut V6 Models Heavily for 2010 with the Arrival of the 3.0T-Powered S4
May 14, 2009
by: George Achorn, photos: Audi AG and George Achorn
A document intended for dealers outlining Audi of America’s 2010 model year change points raised eyebrows and made the automotive news outlet rounds recently when it was confirmed that the company was deleting normally-aspirated V6 offerings from its TT, A3, and A4 ranges. The move may have been a foregone conclusion for products like the TT and A3 where the V6 marked little volume and, in the TT’s case, too close a horsepower number to the new TTS. However, the deletion of the six-cylinder option in the A4 was more widely unexpected, especially since that car just went on sale. Just what are they thinking? We decided to pay a visit to Audi headquarters in Herndon, Virginia in order to find out.
The man with the answers is Carter Balkcom, the current product manager for the North American versions of the A3, A4, and A5 ranges including S models. He handles most of the vehicles affected by the change.
According to Carter, the move is simply a streamlining of the lineup. As he explained, the model with the widest-reaching ramifications from such a change must certainly be the A4. Audi’s B-segment sedan accounts for nearly 50 percent of North American sales, so Herndon doesn’t make a fundamental change to the A4 without a serious degree of investigation and thought.
As it turns out, current buying trends are moving toward the A4 2.0T. Power levels for the turbo’d four, now in its latest EA888 generation complete with Valvelift, have never been closer to that of the normally-aspirated V6. And, with a supercharged 3.0T-powered S4 just a few months away, the positioning of the 3.2 within the range was about to be pinched tighter.
Carter tells us the positioning of the S4 will be slightly adjusted within the line. As most readers know, the North American S5 retains its 4.2-liter V8 for now, so that car will be positioned in more of a premium place as compared to the S4. When the S5 switches to the 3.0T with its 2011 freshening, we suspect the A5 3.2 will also disappear. In the meantime, Audi of America is doing its best to price the S4 as competitively as possible.
As Carter explained, the price won’t be as low as the A4 3.2, but there will be a strong case for value. He says the goal is for the S4 to be competitive with a similarly-equipped BMW 335i without xDrive, BMW’s name for all-wheel drive. And, when you consider that the S4 has all of the added S-car kit whereas the 335 is still visually just another 3-series, this makes the S4’s case even more compelling.
In other models, the changes made more sense. As we’ve already said, the TTS makes the TT 3.2 redundant, while the A3 2.0 TDI and A3 2.0T FSI with quattro make more of a compelling case to A3 buyers than did the expensive 3.2. One can assume this also leaves room for an S3 or RS 3 should Audi decide there is a market here for these vehicles.
Audi’s business may not be as far down as most of its competitors and, in fact, the brand is gaining market share at a healthy rate. However, a streamlined product offering with a focus on efficiency with performance is a sound strategy at this time. There is no doubt that these changes reflect such a move.
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