The new-generation Audi A4 and A4 Avant are a fascinating synthesis of technology and esthetics. All the technology in the brand’s bestselling family has been redeveloped so that it yet again defines the benchmark in the segment. During the development work, high priority was placed on the reduction of CO2 emissions. All technologies were focused on reducing drive resistance.
The A4 Sedan has the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23. The new models also have impressively low CO2 emissions of 95 grams per kilometer (152.9 grams per mile) for the A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra with 110 kW (150 hp); the A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra emits 99 grams CO2 per km (159.3 g/mi). The 2.0 TFSI with 140 kW (190 hp) emits 109 g/km (175.4 g/mi) in the A4 Sedan ultra and 114 g/km (183.5 g/mi) in the A 4 Avant ultra. The most powerful engines are two TDI six-cylinder units with up to 200 kW (272 hp). Driver assistance systems and infotainment are of luxury quality. A new generation of four-cylinder TFSI engines with newly developed combustion methods sets benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption, emissions and performance for four-cylinder gasoline engines. The A4 Sedan and the A4 Avant will be launched this fall.
At 4.73 meters (15.5 ft) long and with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters (9.3 ft) – the new Audi A4 and A4 Avant have a confident stance on the road. A prominent horizontal line on the front and rear emphasizes the car’s width. The flowing design with concise lines communicates the sporty elegance of the brand. The Singleframe grille is wide and low; the optionally available headlights in LED and Matrix LED technology (including dynamic turn indicators) make technology a visual trademark.
At market launch in Europe, the new Audi A4 and A4 Avant will be available with a choice of three TFSI and four TDI engines delivering maximum power of between 110 kW (150 hp) and 200 kW (272 hp). Compared with the previous model, their fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 21 percent, while their power output has increased by up to 25 percent. All engines comply with the Euro 6 emission limits, so that the TDI has been labeled a clean diesel. There is a standard 12-liter tank or an optional 24-liter tank for the required AdBlue additive.
The standard, start-stop system has also been further improved and comes with new features to reduce fuel consumption further: When the driver stops at a red light, the engine can already be deactivated below 7 kilometers an hour (4 mph); 3 km/h for the A4 3.0 TDI with tiptronic (1.9 mph).
The entry-level gasoline engine is the 1.4 TFSI. The compact four-cylinder with displacement of 1,395 cc, has a maximum output of 110 kW (150 hp) and torque of 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic transmission, it accelerates the A4 Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph). The corresponding figures for the Avant are 8.9 seconds and 210 km/h (130.5 mph).
In the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the 1.4 TFSI with S tronic consumes only 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (48.0 US mpg) in the A4 Sedan, resulting in CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometer (183.5 grams per mile). Compared with the 1.8 TFSI of the previous model, fuel consumption has been reduced by 21 percent.
With its aluminum crankcase, the new four-cylinder engine weighs just over 100 kilograms, despite its highly complex technology package. The valve-drive module in the cylinder head is designed to be light and rigid. Below it, the exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head – a key element of efficient thermal management. Like the crankcase, the cylinder head has its own cooling circuit. The entire crankshaft drive has a very low mass and frictional losses.
The turbocharger and its peripherals are optimized in all details to build up boost pressure rapidly. With the mixed-flow turbine wheel, the moment of inertia is low, the electrically operated wastegate works extremely precisely and intercooler integrated into the intake manifold results in short distances for the gas mixture to travel. The common rail system develops an injection pressure of up to 200 bar; the toothed belt for valve timing and auxiliary drive is designed to last for the engine’s lifetime.
