Audi A4
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- See also Audi S4
Audi-A4-3.2-FSI-'05.jpg
The Audi A4 is an automobile series made by Volkswagen Group, first sold in 1995 as a 1996 model and replacing the Audi 80. It was originally based on the B5, the same as the current VW Passat, and had the same chassis until a redesign in 2002. One distinction was the combination of longitudinal engine orientation and front wheel drive. Four wheel drive was available as an option. It was at first only available with a 2.8 L 172 hp (128.3 kW) V6 until 1997, when the 150 hp (111.9 kW) 1.8 L turbo inline-4 was introduced.
In 1998, the sedan/Avant received a facelift with a revised engine—the 2.8 was changed from 2 valves per cylinder to 5 valves per cylinder (for a total of 190 hp, 141.7 kW). Also, new taillights, headlights, and minor interior changes were available the next year. A high-performance version, the Audi S4, was introduced in 2000. The S4 was equipped with a bi-turbo intercooled 2.7 L V6 producing 250 hp (186.4 kW) and Nm) of torque. The car came in both a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed Tiptronic transmission to drive the power to the wheels via Audi's Quattro four wheel drive system. For 2001, the turbo boost on the 1.8T engine was raised to make 170 hp (126.8 kW). Cars with the boosted four get a red shadow under the letter "T" on the back. Later models were available with power outputs of 163 or 190 hp (122 or 142 kW).
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B6
For 2002, the car was redesigned with a new chassis designated B6 (also called "8E" by Audi). It received a larger displacement engine, the 220 hp (164 kW) 3.0 L V6. The 1.8T is still being produced. A continuously variable transmission was an option on front wheel drive cars. The new Audi S4 was introduced in 2003 and still used up to the current (2005) model. The new S4 is powered by a 4.2 L 40-valve V8 engine producing 340 bhp (254 kW). New to the 2003+ model S4's are the choice between a 6-speed manual or a new 6-speed Tiptronic gear box.
Other engine options include a 1.9 L turbocharged diesel TDI I4 making 100 or 130 hp (75 or 97 kW) and a 2.5 L TDI V6, producing in its early incarnations 155, but presently 163 or 180 bhp (122 or 134 kW), depending on the model. The diesel engines are not available in the United States.
B7
For the late 2005 model year, the A4 received its third redesign, named the B7. Major changes included a larger base engine (a 200 hp (149 kW) 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder) and a larger V6 (a 3.2 L 255 hp (190 kW) naturally aspirated engine), both of which featured FSI technology. Other changes included a new, controversial front grille, a redesigned rear end, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, larger front and rear brakes, a new 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, and minor interior modifications.
Competition
The biggest competitors for the A4 are the BMW 3-series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Lexus IS 200/300. Others include the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35 and Volvo S60. The original A4's success is generally viewed as the single most important factor for Audi's recovery in the US after the sales plunge caused by the Audi 5000's sudden acceleration incidents (disclosed on the TV program 60 Minutes in 1986). Early A4s also suffered from several major design flaws such as premature control arm failures, timing belt failures, and oil sludging.
In specific, the original turbocharged I4 engine was affected by an oil sludge problem caused in part by its relatively low oil capacity. Transverse applications of this engine, as found in VW/Audi A platform vehicles, have a greater capacity and do not suffer from sludging to the same extent.
Awards
The A4 made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1996 through 1998, and again for 2002.
Volkswagen Group
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Current models: A2 | A3 | S3 | A4 | S4 | RS4 | A6 | S6 | RS6 | Allroad Quattro | A8 | TT | ||
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Historical models: Audi 50 | Audi 80/90/4000 | Audi 100/200/5000 | Audi Quattro | Audi V8 | Audi S2 | Audi RS2 | ||
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Concept and future models: A5 | Q5 | Q7 | RSQ (from I, Robot) | Allroad quattro concept | Audi LeMans | Audi Nuvolari | ||
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