We've known that Audi's all-new A4 sedan would go into production some time in 2015 because the Germans said so and even announced the retooling of one of their factories. But now its debut has been set in stone for the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The A4's international debut was confirmed today during the annual press conference, where Audi said revenue has risen to to more than €53 billion in 2014. Operating profit was amounted at €5.15 billion, as demand in China continued to increase.
The A4 is a crucial new car for Audi, as the company has not only been losing sales, but also credibility in the face of ever more competent rivals from BMW or Mercedes. The B9 generation is going to help them fight back by using all the technologies that were developed for the Q7 SUV. We're expecting an abundance of aluminum and intelligently used steel, advanced internet connectivity and safety features.
A previous report which we haven't been able to verify suggests the engine range will be mostly made up of new units, some of which we've never seen before. Apparently, a 1.4 TFSI turbo will be available with as much as 180 hp, delivered through a 9-speed S tronic auto. No less than 5 different versions of the familiar 2.0 TDI will be offered with 125 PS, 150 PS, 177 PS, 190 PS and even as much as 220 PS.
Just like every new Audi to come out over the past year, there will be an electric-powered version. The A4 e-tron is said to pack a 190 PS 2.0 TDI with two electric motors making another 136 PS for a total output somewhere around 300 PS.
“When the A4 superseded the successful Audi 80 series 20 years ago, it became a best-seller soon after its launch. It was the fastest production rampup in the company’s history”,said Dr. Huber Waltl, a Board of Management member for Production at Audi AG. “The foundations were laid by our employees’ commitment and the excellent preparations made for the new model series."
The offensive of the new Q models
Like Mercedes, Audi will aggressively target the SUV market. At the conference in Germany today (video below), the company detailed plans for a new new production plant in Mexico. That's where the all-new Q5 will start being made in 2016, presumably with engines and a platform shared by the A4.
Audi also directly confirmed the arrival of the Q1, a fun small crossover to rival Nissan's Juke and the MINI Countryman. "The Audi Q1 will be the new entry-level model among our SUVs and will round out the portfolio at the bottom end as of 2016," said Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.
Demand is expected to be huge, as it's expected the Q1 will help "Q" models account for 50% of all Audi sales. Tech will be shared with the A1 supermini and even SQ1 or Q1 RS models are possible. No other details are available right now and we expect this small model NOT to be available in America.
This ties in with sister company Volkswagen's announcement of a Polo-based crossover for 2016. But Audi plans to go a step further with a new flagship Q8 model. This will come with more evocative styling and a higher price tag than the Q7.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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