The Audi A4 has been a huge seller for the company not only in India but worldwide and it has come a long way. Now come 2014, the German auto manufacturer will be bringing out a completely new A4 to replace the existing model. Codenamed B9, it is expected to arrive in early 2014 with the Avante version arriving an year later. Going by the photos, the exterior of the new Audi A4 looks the same; very “Audi-ish” reflecting design cues of the A6 and the A8, the underpinnings are the areas where the major changes take place.
The new Audi A4 has been designed to lighter by about 100 Kg and more flexible. The expected kerb weight of the new A4 is about 1330kgs. The drastic reduction in weight will result in significant improvements in terms of fuel economy, emissions and performance and handling. The chassis is not only lighter but has been made stiffer and stronger. Under the hood, things look equally interesting.
The gasoline/petrol version is going to be propelled by a more powerful 2.0 litre engine producing 225 BHP of power while the 2.0 litre TDI diesel mill will churn out 197 BHP. It is mated to a Multi-tronic transmission. Audi will also debut its first plug-in hybrid system and the e-quattro system in which the mechanical differentials and propeller shafts are replaced with electrically driven rear axle. This gadgetry will help to remove the hint of under-steer that plague today’s Audi 4WD cars.
The two electric motors add a combined power output of about 136 BHP. The plug-in hybrid system in Audi will allow 20 miles of electric range. Apart from this, there will be conventional front wheel drive plug-in hybrid options made available too. The underpinnings of the new Audi A4 are rumoured to be used for the next Audi A5 coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet too all set to be launched between 2014 and 2016. Audi is also working on a MPV class vehicle but no official details are available about it as of yet. We will keep you posted on the latest updates, stay tuned.
Report By: Joy Chatterjee
source & image credits – Car Magazine
