The new Audi A4

This is a new model generation that is obvious at first glance. The front-end styling of both saloon and Avant models is new, with the addition of the characteristic Audi single-frame grille. The rear end, with its emphatically horizontal lines, and the sides, where the shoulder line moulds the panels distinctly into shape, are also new.

The models' technology lives up to the promise made by their new exterior styling: A4 customers can choose from no fewer than ten powerful engines, including four completely new units developing an output of up to 255 bhp. The V8 in the S4 delivers 344 bhp.

FSI and turbo technology represent the most advanced state of the art for petrol engines, as do the revolutionary piezo injectors in the three-litre TDI. The sporty yet comfortable dynamic chassis converts the power delivered by these units into sheer driving pleasure - on every bend, on every mile of the journey.

Innovative and high sophisticated technologies are an integral part of practically all vehicle areas and components: the optional xenon plus headlights with dynamic adaptive light technology are proof of this, as are the continuously variable multitronic transmission, which is still unique, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Comprehensive occupant protection systems - including two-stage front airbags and active head restraints - together with the highly complex, latest-generation electronic stabilisation system ESP provide high reserves of safety.

Self-assured in appearance: the striking single-frame grille and the newly styled clear-glass headlights with their sweeping bottom edge and inward taper give the new Audi A4 a completely new face. The trapezoidal shape of the single-frame grille is continued in the more prominent contours of the engine hood.

The front-end styling deliberately echoes design elements of the Nuvolari quattro coupé study, signalling that this model also belongs to the same family as the other new Audi models - the A8 6.0 quattro, A6 and A3 Sportback: a new Audi generation.

The new-generation steering wheels provide an entirely new visual touch in the interior. Their characteristic element is the airbag cover with its single-frame design. Door sill trims with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays are a standard feature of all new A4 versions.

The excellent ergonomics of the previous generation is also to be found in the new Audi A4.

There is also more room than average for luggage: with a capacity of 460 litres, the smooth-floored luggage compartment of even the saloon is well-equipped for tackling challenging transport tasks. Depending on version, the Avant offers up to 1,184 litres of space (with the rear seat folded down).

The new Audi A4: powerful yet economical petrol and TDI engines provide the basis for excellent performance. All engines comply with the strict limits of the EU4 standard.

Audi is now also offering two newly designed petrol engines with FSI petrol direct injection for the new A4 for the first time: the 188 kW (255 bhp) 3.2 FSI V6 and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 T FSI, which delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). These combine high performance with a spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal and a peak-torque range at a high level.

The range also includes three engines which have been tried and tested several thousand times over: the two-litre inline four-cylinder unit, which develops 96 kW (130 bhp), and the 120 kW (163 bhp) 1.8 T four-cylinder version. The 75 kW (102 bhp) 1.6 completes the choice of petrol engines.

The TDI range at launch will include the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with pump-injector fuel injection and a power output of 103 kW (140 bhp), and the newly developed six-cylinder 3.0 TDI with common rail injection and piezo injectors.

What is currently the most modern TDI engine around made its debut a few months ago in the large A8 and A6 saloons. This immensely powerful V6 delivers 150 kW (204 bhp) in the A4 and makes 450 Nm of torque available between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm.

Probably from the beginning of 2005, a coated diesel particulate filter, or catalysed soot filter as it is known, will be offered for the 2.0 TDI. This additive-free diesel particulate filter will also be available for the 3.0 TDI from the beginning of 2005. All 3.0 TDI versions will already be fitted with a filter provision from launch.

All engines, petrol and TDI versions alike, deliver their power to the road either via the front wheels or by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearboxes are available for the various A4 models, as is the continuously variable automatic transmission, the multitronic. The now 6-speed tiptronic with sport program is offered for quattro models.

The set-up of the dynamic chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension has been completely modified and numerous new components added.

Audi's chassis engineers have made extensive changes in the area of elastokinematics and to the spring and shock absorber settings: several mountings and the dimensions of the front and rear shock absorbers have been adopted from the A6, for example. The rear trapezoidal links and wheel carriers as well as the front track rods originate from the S4.