The facelift version of the Audi A4 is on sale in Europe and will go on sale in the USA in the summer of 2012. In this short time, the model has already received a number of significant upgrades, but German tuner, ABT Sportsline, is adding another one to the faster version of the A4, the S4. Their package, called the AS4, includes a series of exterior upgrades and some serious engine boosts to allow the A4 to excel.
The exterior changes were made to improve the car’s aerodynamics and were kept to a minimum. These changes include a new air dam, new side sills and wing inserts, aerofoils, rear apron inserts, a two-pipe exhaust system, and, of course, a new set of alloy wheels.
Under the hoods of the different versions of the A4, the most impressive changes were made for the S4. The Audi S4’s 3.0 L TFSI V6 engine was pumped up to 435 HP from the standard 333 HP. The top speed limiter has also been removed, providing the luxury sedan with a top speed of 175 mph, while the 0 to 60 mph sprint is made in 4.8 seconds. The 3.0 TDI engine has also been increased from 245 HP to 282 HP, while the tiny four-cylinder version, the 2.0 TFSI, goes from 211 HP to 275 HP.
The history of the A4 started back in 1972 when the company penned it as the successor for the Audi 80. In October, the ten millionth midsize Audi rolled off the assembly line: a Misano Red Audi S4.
That being said, even the most successful models need to be updated from time to time to keep up with the ever changing market. That time will be the 2013 model year for the A4. The updated model will get a new front fascia with a revised grille, restyled headlights, a modified hood, a new diffuser, revised taillights, and a dual exhaust system. Minor changes will also be made to the interior, along with a revised suspension and a new power steering system.
As for the engine line-up, customers will have the option to choose between six TDI and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations.
UPDATE 11/28/2011: Audi has unveiled the first promotional video for the new A4 facelift. Enjoy!
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Next to the facelift versions of the A4 and the S4, Audi has also unveiled the A4 Allroad Quattro version. Just like with the two other models the Allroad version has been improved in all its aspects and we have to admit it looks better than ever!
Just like with the standard models the A4 Allroad Quattro will receive a revised grille, restyled headlights and a modified hood, but it will be distinguished by its grille’s horizontal chrome applications and by the round fog lights. The car is 15.49 ft long and has a luggage compartment capacity of 50.50 cubic ft. The car will come with standard 18" wheels with four independent designs.
The A4 Allroad will generally be offered with the same engines as the standard A4, except with the entry level four-cylinder diesel (the 120 HP version) and the the 3.0 TDI engine. The model comes with standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and with either a manual transmission or a S tronic with all engine versions.
And now the best part: the A4 Allroad Quattro will once again be offered on the US market. The model will go on sale in 2012 as a 2013 model.
UPDATE 10/27/2011: This review has been updated with official images and details.
After a 12 year hiatus from participating in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), Audi will be headed back to the racing series to try and regain the championship previously won in 1996. In 2011, the Audi name will once again be heard in the competition thanks to private race team, Rob Austin Racing, who will bring two Audi A4 models to compete with in the series.
The Audi A4 models participating in the series will need to be refined in order to meet up with the new Next Generation Touring Car technical regulations. These regulations include the vehicle being capable of front- and rear-wheel drive as well have a ’300bhp+’ turbo-charged engine, but the most important aspect of the new regulations is the lowering of running costs for the teams while still maintaining the performance from the previous years. Currently, GPR Motorsport is working on the future racers, but Rob Austin Racing has provided the rendering above as a preview to the vehicles.
The A4 BTCC will have strong competition next year as the Honda Racing Team (Honda Civic), Team Aon and Airwaves Racing (Ford Focus), Eurotech (Vauxhall Vectra, Special Tuning UK (SEAT Leon) and AmD Milltek Racing.com (VW Golf) have already announced they would be amping up their vehicles with the new regulations for the 2011 season.
Historically, with every new Audi vehicle that was born, a weight increase of about 10% always came along with it. That was, until the Audi A4 came into play in 2009. This Audi, AKA the B8, only carried a little less than 100lbs of a weight gain from the previous model and Audi seems to be the only brand that has managed to drop weight, but increase size. And Audi isn’t stopping the weight reduction with the 2009 A4. In an interview with Autoblog, Heinrich Timm, head of Audi’s Lightweight Design Center, said that the next generation A4 - set to be revealed in 2015 - will lose around 150 kg (330 pounds) from the current weight. In order to do that, Audi will use more aluminum, innovative structural techniques, and composites.
Of course, the first benefit of a lighter car is a lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but it can also improve every aspect of the vehicle’s dynamics – from handling to braking to acceleration. In fact, for every 220lbs lost from a vehicle, that vehicle can get to 60mph in 20 fewer feet. Pretty impressive.
According to Timm, the weight reduction is the only way automakers can simultaneously meet new emission standards while delivering the content and driving experience customers expect. Timm says, "We want to bring it to a higher volume."
