Photo: SB-Medien
The Audi A4 prototypes testing up and down Germany's highway network have dropped most of their camouflage to reveal nearly everything about the production model's design. We're now glancing over the lines of a mid-spec test prototype with full-LED headlights.
This latest set of spy shots comes just a day after Audi unveiled a brand new 2.0 TFSI turbo engine, which it says consumes less than 5 l/100 (47 mpg US). However, the full engine range will be a complex one, complete with plug-in hybrids and cylinder deactivation tech. The basic setup will use a 125 PS 1.4 TFSI while the most powerful will have a 3-liter turbo good for 272 PS.
A few weeks ago, the first S4 prototypes were spotted, both sedan and wagon models. It's yet unknown what type of engine will power them, but Audi could decide to give Europeans a diesel alternative, based on the twin-turbo 3.0 TDI making 320 PS or a new engine with electric turbochargers.
Audi engineers are busy in their test labs developing a new engine for the RS4 performance model. They will forgo the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 and instated use a V6 twin-turbo with around 500 horsepower and either 3.0 or 3.6 liters of displacement.
A public debut is set for September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Audi will unveil its new compact premium sedan and wagon before that, possibly in July, judging by the state of this test prototype.
Sure, it's not as sexy-looking as the Mercedes C-Class, but bigger changes occur underneath the skin as the model is expected to ride on the MLB Evo platform that uses a combination of aluminum and high-strength steel. This change could enable the model to weigh about 100 kg (220 lbs) less than its predecessor and consume 15% less fuel on average.
Rumor has it that the upcoming models in the A4 range will adopt the new 9-speed ZF gearbox. However, for economy models with a FWD setup, the twin-clutch setup may be better. A6 and A7 models have the same split arrangement for their cog-swappers.
A few weeks ago, the first S4 prototypes were spotted, both sedan and wagon models. It's yet unknown what type of engine will power them, but Audi could decide to give Europeans a diesel alternative, based on the twin-turbo 3.0 TDI making 320 PS or a new engine with electric turbochargers.
Audi engineers are busy in their test labs developing a new engine for the RS4 performance model. They will forgo the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 and instated use a V6 twin-turbo with around 500 horsepower and either 3.0 or 3.6 liters of displacement.
A public debut is set for September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Audi will unveil its new compact premium sedan and wagon before that, possibly in July, judging by the state of this test prototype.
Sure, it's not as sexy-looking as the Mercedes C-Class, but bigger changes occur underneath the skin as the model is expected to ride on the MLB Evo platform that uses a combination of aluminum and high-strength steel. This change could enable the model to weigh about 100 kg (220 lbs) less than its predecessor and consume 15% less fuel on average.
Rumor has it that the upcoming models in the A4 range will adopt the new 9-speed ZF gearbox. However, for economy models with a FWD setup, the twin-clutch setup may be better. A6 and A7 models have the same split arrangement for their cog-swappers.
Google News