CD Article: 2009 Audi A4

[CD_Editor]

Today's First Drive:
Though its larger and roomier than the current A4 and bigger than the 3 Series and C-Class, the new 2009 A4 retains its nimble handling characteristics and adds a "higher level of sophistication," reports contributor Tony Whitney.    
 

  More:
Read the article | View the photos | All The First Drives

[mmret]

Indications are that, initially, we'll only get the 3.2-litre V6 in Canada, but the 2.0-litre TDI may follow later.

This is 2x followed by a questionable

No 2.0T as the base motor?
No diesel option at launch?
Maybe diesel later?

Slightly disappointed by the size increase, but it looks like this sports Audi's new driveline layout with the engine not as far in front of the forward axle. Nice.

[articsteve]

I like the increase in size, but the premium gas V6 would be a non starter for me knowing a superior 3.0 diesel exists elsewhere.

The 3.0-litre TDI has a whopping 500 nm (369 ft-lb) of torque on tap and will tag the speedo at 100 km/h in just a shade over six seconds. Some of this diesel's prowess comes from a new turbocharger design with variable turbine geometry. According to Audi engineers, this makes for a turbocharger that builds up power freely and spontaneously.

[Altima1]

Gorgeous on the outside, but the instrument panel is something out of the 70's, yuk.

[daft]

I kinda like the dash layout. More BMW driver-oriented style. And the materials/fit/finish will surely be market leaders.

[TopGun]

No diesel option at launch?

Slightly disappointed by the size increase, but it looks like this sports Audi's new driveline layout with the engine not as far in front of the forward axle. Nice.

Agreed on all counts mmret.

Motor Trendy reported that the body is 10% lighter than the previous despite the larger dimensions...just think what they could have done if they kept the size the same!!

[mmret]

Motor Trendy reported that the body is 10% lighter than the previous despite the larger dimensions...just think what they could have done if they kept the size the same!!

I wonder if this is due to using Al in the front and Steel in the back? Any idea how much the whole car weight is affected? Between shaving weight (presumably, most of this occurred in the forward half) and redoing the drivetrain layout, one would have to have some elevated hopes for the handling.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Happy about the size increase... the car needed it. Hopefully it actually translates into usable increased room in the back.

Initially didn't like the downward sloping body, but works on the A5 and helps the A4 sedan compete with the flowing shape of the 3 Series Coupé which is gorgeous on the road.

There was talk the 1.8T would be coming here, but I can't believe they'd revert to offering such a small engine again?

Overall, well done. German one-upmanship continues. Looking forward to the Avant.

[SiRCivic]

I wonder if this is due to using Al in the front and Steel in the back? Any idea how much the whole car weight is affected? Between shaving weight (presumably, most of this occurred in the forward half) and redoing the drivetrain layout, one would have to have some elevated hopes for the handling.

They're kind of vague on the exact model, but in the latest Motor Trend they give the stats for the A5/S5 as 3,770 lbs with a 58/42% weight distribution.

So, not exactly light-weight, and still pretty nose heavy.

From what I've read, handling is better, but hardly a night-and-day transformation from the old car. Giving the AWD more of a rear bias probably has as much to do with the improvement as changing the weight distribution by a percent or two.

[Schmengie]

  The shape is nice and the shorter overhangs defintely give the car a sportier stance, but please, those LEDs under the headlights are just goofy-looking bling, and let's not even mention the ugly grill. It would look a whole lot nicer and more elegant if that massive black bar were body-color IMO, and the dash looks like it was copied from an old Subaru Legacy.

  Aw, never mind - I'll take mine in black.

[Demosthenes X]

I wonder if this is due to using Al in the front and Steel in the back? Any idea how much the whole car weight is affected? Between shaving weight (presumably, most of this occurred in the forward half) and redoing the drivetrain layout, one would have to have some elevated hopes for the handling.

They used the same AL front/steel rear in the newest iteration of the TT, too.  I can't say how it impacts performance, though, but it helps with weight distribution, which should be good.

I wonder how it would have come out of the whole body were aluminum?  Lighter, but poorer weight distribution...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Here's an introduction to the upcoming 'all new' 2.0T FSI in an A5...
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_2168.shtml

Timing chain instead of belt 

I am very interested to see widespread implementation of the relatively simple start-stop technology in vehicles.

[Benhaze]

No prices will be announced for quite a while, but think in the 30's somewhere and you'll be in the ballpark for an entry-level A4.

It certainly won't be the case when first introduced if the V6 is the only engine available considering the current starting price is $50K.

Love it! The 3-series influence is visible in its profile.

[MKII]

Nice evolution of this car. Rear pax doors still like rather short (SirA).

"necklace of LEDs arrayed across each headlight unit that serve as daytime running lights."  I really like this. The new Saab 9-3 have a similar execution on their headlights, looks very nice.