Tag: B8

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Audi

Audi A4 allroad quattro

2009 Audi A4 allroad quattro

Soccer mums rejoice! Audi’s newest allroad model is set for its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. However, the lads from Ingolstadt have been kind enough to show us a few pics before it goes on display.

Based on the A4 Avant the allroad has plenty of visual clues that hint at its alleged off road capabilities. The cosmetic clues include flared guards and a revised grille treatment, giving the car a more rugged look. I think it looks great, and, if anything, looks better than the regular tarmac-locked A4 Avant.

Of course, there is the 37mm increased ride height, as well, giving the car a total ground clearance of 180mm. Not so immediately obvious is the wider track, which has been increased by 20mm.

The metal bash plates at either end of the car are said to be stainless steel, so, depending on how far under the car they go, they could actually provide some bona fide protection should the A4 allroad ever see dirt road duties. Of course, the allroad is never going to displace the role of the Land Cruiser, but having previously owned a 2001 Subaru Outback it is surprising how far these types of cars can be pushed, if you remain sensible.

Being an Audi there is enough electronic trickery on board to assist the driver as well, including Offroad Detection (ORD). Okay, it sounds a bit daft and obvious, but the system will modulate the ESP capabilities to suit the road conditions. For example, in off road conditions the system allows more slip than usual which therefore enables the torque to be sent more quickly to the wheels with grip. In regular road situations the quattro system sends 60% of the car’s torque to the rear wheels.  When required, a maximum of 85% can be sent to the rear wheels, or a maximum of 65% to the front wheels.

Buyers can choose from three engines, all meeting EU5 emissions targets, and include a new 155kW/350Nm 2.0 TFSI four cylinder (which will also power the next Golf GTI), a 125kW/350Nm 2.0 TDI four cylinder and a 176kW/500Nm 3.0 V6 TDI. Six speed manual or S tronic transmissions will be available. Although, with the news that the new Q5 will come to the Australian market in S tronic guise only, it will be interesting to see if Australian buyers will be offered a manual option in the A4 allroad.

UPDATE: No need to wonder what transmissions will be available for the Australian market, I’ve just had it confirmed that the A4 allroad is not on Audi Australia’s radar.

More pics and press releases from Audi UK and Audi AG can be viewed after the jump.

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Audi

Audi gives A4 engine range more puff

Audi adds three new engines to A4 range

Audi have just added three new engines to its Australian A4 model range. A 3.0 TDI is now available with 176kW and, crucially, a 6.9l/100km fuel consumption figure, enabling the car to qualify for a lighter hit of Luxury Car Tax. Also joining the A4 range are two versions of the ever versatile 2.0 TFSI, one with 132kW, the other tweaked to produce 155kW. These engines supplement the existing 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines already in the line up.

For AUSmotive’s first impressions of the new A4, read our Drive Thru report. Full pricing and Audi’s press statement are listed below.

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Audi

Audi supercharges all new S4

All new Audi S4

If you’re looking for a new mid-size saloon, or estate for that matter, that can take you from rest to the legal speed limit in a shade over five seconds, while using less than 10 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres—and let’s face it, who isn’t—then Audi have the car for you. The all new Audi S4. Powered by a brand new 3-litre V6 engine, it puts out bona fide performance all of its own, while whetting the appetite for the next gen RS4. Just don’t bother trying to work out what TFSI stands for. Back in the day it meant Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection, but now, in this world of “mehcanical turbo charging”—yes that’s it, what you and I call super charging—it is probably best just to leave it to Audi to define. The addition of the blower helps the new V6 produce the very respectable numbers of 245kW/440Nm.

You may have guessed that AUSmotive is generally a fan of all things Audi, and the new S4 is no exception. Due for its first public reveal at the Paris Motor Show in a couple of weeks I can’t wait until I can get my own eyes on one when they arrive down under in the latter half of 2009.

More pics and details below. As always, click on each image for larger versions.

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Audi

Audi A4 Avant arrives in Australia

Audi A4 Avant

Regular AUSmotive readers will know of my love for Euro wagons, a love nurtured by Audi’s über RS2 estate from the mid 90s. Having the keys to an RS4 Avant for 24 hours last year only strengthened these feelings of mine. To say I’m keen to check out the new A4 Avant would be an understatement. I know many don’t necessarily share my views about wagons, and if that’s you, well, you’re just wrong! One thing is certain, a Euro estate is a damn sight more cool than a new SUV-SAV-POS-whatever you want to call it. So, this new A4 number then, according to the press blurb, “it marries elegance with intelligent functionality”. Of course, I reckon Audi is bang on the money there.

At launch there will be two engine options on offer, the very sweet 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre TFSI and the familiar 2-litre oil burner with 105kW/320Nm. Axle positioning has been shifted around a bit from the sedan to ensure the Avant keeps weight distribution under control. All the expected improvements in cabin and cargo space, along with increases saftey features, have been introduced over the previous model. You’re looking at an entry price of $56,400 for the 1.8 TFSI multitronic with no manual transmissions available at this stage.

If you’re looking for a stylish and convenient saloon that’s a bit more practical, then change your thinking and get on down to your local Audi dealer to check out their new A4 Avant. All the cool kids want one.

More pics and Audi’s press release below.

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Audi

Next-gen Audi RS4 and RS5 expected to keep V8 engines

Audi RS5

A recent report published on the independent Audi website Fourtitude claims the next model RS4 and RS5 (B8-based) will use V8 engines. There has been a lot of speculation about the powerplants for the upcoming über-Audis, with some suggestion of a turbocharged 3.0 V6 being used. However, after speaking with an Audi executive the Fourtitude lads wrote “The RS4 and RS5 will get a high-revving engine like the outgoing RS4. The high-rev applications in the R8 and B7-generation RS4 have impressed Audi’s engine development teams and they wish to continue in that direction with the next-gen of Audi’s hottest models.”

Audi is expected to stick with 4.2 litre displacement used in the previous RS4 and power could be up by as much as 50hp on the 420hp available in the old model. Power will be put to ground through an optional 7-speed S tronic transmission and a revised quattro system. Follow the links below for more detail.

Source: Fourtitude, via autoblog

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: 2008 Audi A4 1.8 TFSI

2008 Audi A4 1.8 TFSI

Last month Audi Australia officially launched an all new A4 model. Audi claims to be the fastest growing prestige brand in the Australian market. If that growth is to continue the new A4 needs to deliver bums on seats. At launch there were four engine choices available. Two petrol powerplants—118kW 1.8 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder, 195kW 3.2 FSI narrow angle V6—and two turbocharged diesel engines—105kW 2.0 TDI four-cylinder, 140kW 2.7 TDI six-cylinder. In AUSmotive’s second Drive Thru instalment, we bring you a brief report on the entry level 1.8 TFSI model.

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