Audi A4

Infobox Automobile
name = Audi A4


manufacturer = Audi AG
parent_company = Volkswagen Group
production = 1994 – present
assembly = Ingolstadt, Germany
predecessor = Audi 80
successor = None
class = Compact executive car
layout = Front engine,
front wheel drive,
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
platform = Volkswagen B platform
related = Audi S4
Audi RS4

The Audi A4 is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1994. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80.

It is available as a saloon/sedan or an estate/wagon (Audi calls it the "Avant"). The 2nd (B6) and 3rd generations (B7) of the A4 also had a Cabriolet version, which was not retained for the 4th generation (B4), due to the introduction of the related A5 coupé/cabriolet.

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B5 A4 (8D) (1994–2001)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = 1st generation B5 A4 (8D)


production = 1994–2001
predecessor = Audi 80 (B4)
successor = Audi A4 (B6)
body_style = 4-door saloon/sedan,
5-door Avant (estate/wagon)
platform = Volkswagen B5 platform
engine = 1.6L I4
1.8L I4 20V
1.8L I4 20V Turbo
2.4L V6 30V
2.6L V6
2.8L V6
2.8L V6 30V
2.7L V6 30V Turbo;
1.9L I4 TDI
2.5L V6 24V TDI
transmission = 5-speed manual; 4 speed automatic; 5-speed ZF 5HP19 automatic
wheelbase = auto mm|2615
length = auto mm|4520; Avant: auto mm|4488
width = auto mm|1730
height = auto mm|1415; Avant: auto mm|1440
fuel_capacity = Convert|62|L|usgal impgal|1
related = Audi S4 (B5),
Audi RS4 (B5)
Škoda Superb
Volkswagen Passat (B5)

The first-generation Audi A4 (known internally as the "Typ" 8D) was debuted by Audi in 1994 on the Volkswagen B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat. It had a longitudinal engine and standard front-wheel drive, although many of the A4 owners selected the optional quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon/sedan; the Avant (estate/wagon) arrived a year later.

A wide range of engines were available to European customers, between 1.6 and 2.8 litres, and a 1.9 L Diesel available with VW's new "Pumpe Düse" (PD, or unit injector) technology, capable of achieving a then high power value of 110 PS (81 kW), although Audi's 2.8 L V6, carried over from the old 80/90 was the only engine option in North America until 1997.

The Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8 L 20V motor with five valves per cylinder, based on the unit Audi Sport had developed for their Supertouring race car. A turbocharged version produced 150 PS (110 kW) and 210 Nm (155 ft·lbf.) of torque. This technology was added to the V6 family in 1996, starting with the 2.8 L V6 30V, which now produced 193 PS (142 kW).

Audi also debuted their new Tiptronic transmission on the B5 platform, based on the unit Porsche developed for their 964-generation 911. The transmission is a conventional automatic gearbox with a torque converter, but it offers the driver a choice of driving the car as either a fully automatic operation or with a manual override of the gear ratios.

The B5 A4 was arguably a watershed model for Audi. The massive improvement in quality and engineering with the B5 A4 made buyers realize that there was a luxury German marque other than BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

B5 facelift (1998–2001)

A refreshed B5 A4 range appeared at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales beginning in Europe in early 1998. Besides the introduction of a 2.8 L 30-valve V6 (replacing the 2.8 L 12-valve), the most important additions to the range were the 2.5 L V6 TDI diesel engine with 150 PS (110 kW) and standard quattro, and a six-speed gearbox, as well the new high-performance S4, now part of the A4 lineup (the previous S4 had been an Audi 100). New taillights, headlights, door handles, and other minor exterior/interior changes rounded out the cosmetic updates.

In mid 1998, the 1.8T engine available outside Europe had its power output raised to 170 PS (125 kW). This was accomplished by upgrading the previous KKK KO3 turbocharger with a KO3s(sport) unit. The 12-valve V6 was replaced by the 30-valve unit that had been available in Europe for two years. In 1999, Audi debuted an even higher performance "RennSport" model, the RS4 Avant, like its predecessor RS2 available only in the Avant bodystyle.

afety

The Audi A4 (B5) received 3 stars for front- and side-impact protection, but the last star is flagged to indicate that the driver may be subjected to a high risk of chest injury in the side impact.Cite web|url=http://www.euroncap.com/tests/audi_a4_1997/14.aspx|title=Audi A4|accessdate=2008-06-01|work=EuroNCAP.com]
* Adult occupant = rating|3|5
* Pedestrian = rating|2|4 (pre 2002 rating)

A4-derived hybrid version

In 1997 Audi was the first European car manufacturer to put a hybrid vehicle into series production, the third generation Audi duo, then based on the A4 Avant. [http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/about_audi_ag/news/press_echo/Audi_Q7_hybrid___making_a_clean_start.html] [ [http://www.audi.com/audi/aola/cr/about_audi_ag/company_perspective/design/studies/q7_hybrid_concept/hybrid_history.html Audi > Acerca de Audi > Diseño > Diseño > Estudios > Q7 hybrid concept > Hybrid-Historie ] ]

Engine choices

The following engines are available:

B8 A4 (8K) (2008–present)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = 4th generation B8 A4 (8K)


production = 2008–present
predecessor = Audi A4 (B7)
successor =
body_style = 4-door saloon/sedan,
5-door Avant (estate/wagon)
platform = Volkswagen B8 (MLB/MLP) platform
engine = 1.8L TFSI I4,
3.2L V6 FSI,
2.0L TDI I4,
2.7L V6 TDI,
3.0L V6 TDI
transmission = 6-speed manual,
6-speed automatic,
multitronic CVT
wheelbase = auto mm|2808
length = auto mm|4703
width = auto mm|1826
height = auto mm|1427; Avant: auto mm|1436
weight =
fuel_capacity =
related = Audi A5,
Audi S4 (B8)
designer =

Audi released the first official pictures of the B8 series A4 in August 2007, and unveiled the car to the public at the September 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. Saloon/sedan and Avant (estate/wagon) models are offered. The Avant was unveiled to the public at the March 2008 Geneva Auto Show.

The B8 A4 is built on a variant of the Audi Modular Longitudinal Platform, a platform which is also used in the Audi A5 coupé. Whilst prior A4 chassis were limited in wheelbase due to the relationship between the engine, transmission and front axle, the MLP allows for a reduced front overhang, resulting in a greater wheelbase length without the same increase in overall length. [Citation | last =Monticello | first =Mike | title =2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro | journal =Road & Track | volume =60 | issue =2 | pages =104 | date =October 2008 | year = | url = | doi = | id = ] This effectively redistributes the center of gravity slightly rearwards, improving handling by better balancing vehicle mass between the front and rear axles. The estimated static front:rear weight ratio of the B8 A4 is approximately 55:45, depending on body style and engine. The relocation of the steering rack in front of the axle also improves handling over previous A4 platforms.

The B8 A4 has increased in length by convert|117|mm|abbr=on over the prior B7, which has allowed for increased rear seating legroom. Although the overall dimensions have increased, the curb weight has dropped some 10%. The boot (trunk) has also increased to 480 litres (17 cu ft) for the saloon (sedan) version. The A4 Avant will have a maximum capacity of 1,430 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Significant new features have been developed for the B8. As standard the A4 includes:
*LED daytime running lights (on some models);
*MMI system (Multi Media Interface) (multi-mode interface of driver information and entertainment systems);
*Electronic park brake
*Speed sensitive steering (servotronic - on some models)

Options:
*Audi Lane Assist (Lane departure and blind spot warning systems);
*Adaptive cruise control;
*Advanced Key (keyless entry and start);
*Bang and Olufsen sound system (505W);
*Advanced parking system front and rear plus reversing camera;
*Navigation system with full MMI with 7 inch screen;
*Adaptive headlights (Cornering technology);
*Audi Drive Select;

Powertrain

* 1.8 litre (1798 cc) 16-valve I4 (petrol/gasoline); convert|120|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|208|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 10.4 s; convert|7.1|L/100 km|abbr=on clarifyme|what standard and what kind of driving
* 1.8 litre (1798 cc) 16-valve I4 (petrol/gasoline); convert|160|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|225|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 8.6 s; convert|7.1|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 2.0 litre (1984 cc) 16-valve I4 (petrol/gasoline); convert|180|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|236|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 7.9 s; convert|6.6|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 2.0 litre (1984 cc) 16-valve I4 (petrol/gasoline); convert|211|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|250|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 6.9 s; convert|6.6|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 3.2 litre (3197 cc) 24-valve V6 (petrol/gasoline); convert|265|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|250|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 6.2 s; convert|8.9|L/100 km|abbr=on

* 2.0 litre (1968 cc) 16-valve TDI I4 (diesel); convert|120|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|205|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 10.7 s; convert|5.1|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 2.0 litre (1968 cc) 16-valve TDI I4 (diesel); convert|143|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|215|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 9.4 s; convert|5.3|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 2.0 litre (1968 cc) 16-valve TDI I4 (diesel); convert|170|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|230|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 8.3 s; convert|5.3|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 2.7 litre (2698 cc) 24-valve TDI V6 (diesel); convert|190|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|239|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 7.9 s; convert|6.0|L/100 km|abbr=on
* 3.0 litre (2967 cc) 24-valve TDI V6 (diesel); convert|239|PS|kW|0|abbr=on ; top speed: convert|250|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on ; 0-100 km/h; 6.1 s; convert|6.6|L/100 km|abbr=on

3.2 L V6 petrol (gasoline) and 3.0 L V6 diesel engines come with the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, now with a default 40:60 front to rear asymmetric torque distribution ratio (used on the B7 RS4) as standard. Previous A4 quattro models split torque with a default front:rear 50:50. The additional torque applied to the rear wheels helps mimic the driving dynamics of rear wheel drive cars.

afety

The Audi A4 (B8) passed the Euro NCAP crash tests, and was awarded the following car safety ratings:Cite web|url=http://www.EuroNCAP.com/tests/Audi_A4_2008/320.aspx|title=Audi A4|accessdate=2008-05-29|work=EuroNCAP.com]
* Adult occupant = rating|5|5
* Child occupant = rating|4|5
* Pedestrian = rating|2|4

Motorsport

Audi Sport A4 DTM

Audi Sport joined the 2000 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) after having priveteer teams run the Abt:TT-R, and deciding to run a V8 A4 in the series. Audi in the past had used a V8 engine in the series with the original Audi V8 quattro, but had opted for a highly tuned V8 which Audi had no resources for. So Honda was contacted, and at the time had been using V8s in Indy Racing League (IRL), and Audi wanted a similar package in performance and reliability, so Honda and Mugen (M-Tec) got together and decided to let Audi use the Mugen/Honda MF308 V8 engine [Racecar Engineering Oct 2007 DTM:Worlds Closest Racing Saloon Series] (the only improvements made to the racing engine by Audi was shaving weight off the crankshaft since the engine had already been designed from the ground up), which Audi Sport prepped tested/implemented/approved and raced in 2004, the engine produced convert|460|bhp|kW PS|0|lk=on|abbr=on and over convert|500|Nm|ftlbf|lk=on|abbr=on of torque in 4.0 litre trim, and has been a mainstay in Audis DTM programme.

Audi R11 A4 DTM

Audi R12 A4 DTM

Audi R13 A4 DTM 04-07

The Audi R13 DTM was based initially on the B6 bodystyle, and the later B7, of the Audi A4.
*Engine: 4.0 Litre 90° V8 engine
*Power: convert|460|bhp|kW PS|0|lk=on|abbr=on
*Torque: over convert|500|Nm|ftlbf|lk=on|abbr=on
*Gearbox: Xtrac or Hewland 6-speed
*Chassis: Space frame
*Tyres: Dunlop Race Tyres
*Front: 265/660-R18
*Rear: 280/660-R18

Audi R14 A4 DTM 08-?

The Audi R13 DTM is based on the latest B8 bodystyle of the Audi A4, and includes the LED daytime running lights.
*Engine: 4.0 Litre 90° V8
*Power: convert|460|bhp|kW PS|0|lk=on|abbr=on
*Torque: over convert|500|Nm|ftlbf|abbr=on
*Gearbox: Hewland Sequential 6-speed sports gear (DTM Standard)
*ECU: Bosch MS 2.9
*Chassis: Space frame
*Wheels: OZ forged alumminium
*Front: 10 x 18 in
*Rear: 11 x 18 in
*Tyres: Dunlop Race Tyres
*Front: 265/660-R18
*Rear: 280/660-R18
*Team: Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline

See also

* Audi S4
* Audi RS4
* Volkswagen Group China

References

External links

* [http://www.audi.de/audi/de/de2/neuwagen/a4.html Official Audi A4 Website (In German)]
* [http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4.html Official Audi USA A4 Website]
* [http://new-cars.audi.co.uk/audi-a4/ Official Audi A4 UK Microsite]
* [http://www.audicanada.ca/audi/ca/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4.html Official Audi Canada A4 Website]
* [http://www.audi.co.in/audi/sea/in/new_cars/a4.html Official Audi India A4 Website]