Second generation of the adventure-seeking Avant takes to the stage at the NAIAS 2016
Ingolstadt/Detroit, January 11, 2016 – The Audi A4 will take the smooth with a little more of the rough at this month‘s Detroit Motor Show as it adopts the tougher stance of the A4 allroad quattro. The all-new Avant version already famed for its limousine-like bearing and boundary-stretching technology is repurposed as an exceptional all-terrain machine with the help of allroad hallmarks such as flared arches, an increased ride height and of course quattro all-wheel-drive in its latest and most sophisticated ever form.
The highly successful “allroad” variant first appeared in the A4 model range in 2009, and this latest evolution further refines the concept courtesy of the all-new A4’s advanced TDI and TFSI engines, intelligent multi-material construction bringing weight savings of up to 90kg, more intelligent and reactive quattro drive and a portfolio of assistance systems that are some of the most advanced in the current Audi range.
Defining its individual look, the powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper attract attention. They are finished in matt structure grey or painted in the body colour. The robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. The distinctive front end with jagged headlights, unique bumper and model-specific air intakes underscores its extroverted character. Vertical chrome slats adorn the sculpted Singleframe grille, while allroad badges decorate the front wings and the tailgate. The higher roof rails round out the typical allroad look.
Standard xenon, optional Matrix LED
The headlights create unmistakable lighting graphics. A light guide forming two acute angles provides for the daytime running lights and – at the upper edge of the housing – the turn signals. Xenon units are standard. Audi also offers LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals front and rear. The top version features traffic sign glare reduction, giving the driver an optimal view of road signs at all times.
At 4,750 mm long and 1,842 mm wide, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro resembles its technical foundation, the A4 Avant. It measures 1,493 mm in height, while the wheelbase measures 2,818 mm.
Despite the larger dimensions, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro has a kerb weight that is up to 90 kilograms less than that of the previous model. With the 2.0 TFSI engine, it tips the scales (without driver) at just 1,580 kilograms. Geometric lightweight construction and an intelligent mix of materials have trimmed 15 kilograms from the body.
Thanks to a sophisticated insulation concept and a wide variety of aerodynamic solutions, the A4 allroad quattro features luxury-class acoustic comfort. At its aerodynamic rear end it sports a low-drawn roof edge spoiler with side fins. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system is either a single- or dual-branch system and terminates either in a twin exhaust tailpipe (TDI) or two separate tailpipes (TFSI).
The luggage compartment of the new A4 allroad quattro offers 505 litres of storage space in the standard configuration. Total capacity with the rear seats folded down and loaded to the roof is 1,510 litres. An optional rail and load-securing kit makes it easier to transport individual objects. The power luggage compartment cover and the electric drive for the tailgate are standard. With the optional sensor control, the driver can open and close the lid via a foot gesture.
The optional trailer hitch unlocks electronically at the push of a button. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is certified for towed loads of up to 2,100 kilograms (with an eight percent gradient).
Engines
The strong-pulling TFSI and TDI engines in the new Audi A4 allroad quattro offer improved performance with better efficiency. The TFSI and TDI units produce between 150 PS and 272 PS, which is up to 27 PS more than in the previous model. At the same time, the engineers have reduced CO2 emissions by up to 21 grams per kilometre (2.0 TDI 190 PS). All engines satisfy the limits of the Euro 6 emissions standard.
The standard, updated start-stop system 2.0 offers changes that further reduce fuel consumption. When the driver approaches a red light, it can already deactivate the engine at speeds below 4 mph (3.0 TDI with tiptronic: 2 mph).
The newly developed 2.0 TFSI produces 252 PS and delivers 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 mph. NEDC fuel consumption is 44.1 mpg combined, corresponding to 147 grams CO2 per km.
Audi is offering the 1,968 cc 2.0 TDI with 190 PS and 400 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. With the seven-speed S tronic, the new A4 allroad quattro returns up to 57.7 mpg combined, corresponding to 128 grams CO2 per km. From a standing start, 62 mph takes just 7.8 seconds. Top speed is 136 mph.
The A4 allroad family will grow further following the market launch. One addition will be the 2.0 TDI with an output of 150 PS and maximum torque of 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft).
Audi also offers the 3.0 TDI in two variants with different outputs, either 218 PS or 272 PS. The two six-cylinder TDI units with a displacement of 2,967 cc are special engines combining supreme power with refined smoothness and efficiency. The first variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 218 PS. Its 400 Nm (295.0 lb ft) of torque is available between 1,250 and 3,750 rpm.
The top version of the 3.0 TDI delivers 272 PS and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft), the latter between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It accelerates the new A4 allroad quattro to the standard sprint speed in just 5.5 seconds, with a governed top figure of 155 mph. NEDC fuel consumption is just 53.3 mpg combined, corresponding to 139 grams CO2 per km.
Drivetrain
Naturally, quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all models. Depending on the engine, there is a choice of the manual six-speed transmission, the seven-speed S tronic and the eight-speed tiptronic.
Audi offers the manual transmission and the new S tronic for the 2.0 TDI. The dual-clutch transmission is standard with the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI with 218 PS. The most important improvements are further reductions in friction, the low weight, a highly efficient oil supply and dual-mass flywheel with a centrifugal force pendulum, which allows for very low idle speeds. Gear changes are performed within a few hundredths of a second and with virtually no interruption in the power flow by changing the clutches. Power flows from the drive shaft to the front-axle differential via a spur gear stage.
This also marks the first time that the eight-speed tiptronic is available in the A4 allroad quattro. It is reserved for the 3.0 TDI with 272 PS. The soft, quick and spontaneously shifting torque-converter transmission has been completely redeveloped. Its high number of gears enables the engine to operate close to the ideal load point very often.
Both automatic transmissions are state-of-the-art and feature a wide gear spread. Their lower gears feature short, dynamic ratios, while the upper gears are long to reduce revs and fuel consumption. Drivers can choose between the modes D, S and E, and change gears manually at any time using either the selector lever or the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.
quattro all-wheel drive from Audi represents the ultimate advantage in dynamics, traction, driving safety and straight-line stability. It is purely mechanical and thus operates with zero delay. quattro drive is partnered with the updated wheel-selective torque control system, which is active on any surface.
Chassis
Ride height, which has been increased by 23 mm, and larger wheels compared with the Audi A4 Avant provide an additional 34 mm of ground clearance. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is thus equally at home on the road or in light terrain.
Ride height, which has been increased by 23 mm, and larger wheels compared with the Audi A4 Avant provide an additional As an alternative to the standard suspension, the A4 allroad quattro is available for the first time with optional suspension with damper control. Sensors measure the movements of all four wheels plus lateral and longitudinal acceleration. The damper characteristic adapts accordingly to the surface conditions and the driving situation. The results are enhanced handling with even greater comfort and impressive off-road capability. Furthermore, the driver can push a button to choose the default setting of the suspension in Audi drive select and call up the desired handling characteristics at any time.
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro features a new version of Audi drive select with an expanded range of functions. In addition to the familiar comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes, offroad mode is available for when the driver leaves paved roads behind. It optimally adjusts the engine and transmission control, the steering, the optional adaptive suspension and all relevant driver and assistance systems to operation in light terrain.
An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. It offers optimal comfort combined with a high degree of agility. The developers reduced its weight by five kilograms compared with the previous version.
Audi has also turned to a new, compact design for the electromechanical power steering that shaves 3.5 kilograms from the weight of the previous model. It provides the driver with more direct feedback about the road conditions and offers improved steering precision. Dynamic steering with a variable steering ratio is available as an option.
In the back, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used previously. Audi used an intelligent mix of materials to reduce the weight of the axle components by an additional seven kilograms.
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. Audi and quattro GmbH offer optional variants in sizes from 17 to 19 inches. A space-saving spare wheel and tyre pressure indicator are standard.
The internally ventilated brake discs on the front axle measure up to 338 mm in diameter. The electromechanical parking brake is integrated into the rear axle. The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) follows specific characteristics in the Audi drive select modes dynamic and offroad.
Interior and equipment
The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is generously spacious. The interior design features a clear architecture with a consistent focus on horizontal lines. This principle is best illustrated by the low instrument panel and continuous air vent strip. Deluxe automatic air conditioning featuring capacitive controls and high-resolution displays are fitted as standard and underscore the interior’s overall premium impression. Audi offers an optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in 30 different shades. The comprehensive range of colours and high-grade materials for the seats and inlays corresponds to that of the A4 model range.
The focal points of the innovative cockpit are the new MMI operating concept with rotary pushbutton including MMI touch, the large MMI display of up to 8.3 inches and the optional all-digital, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The new voice control system can recognize input made using everyday language, such as: “I want to call Peter Miller.” A head-up display adds to the list of options.
Audi connect brings tailored online services to the car via the fast LTE standard. Services include online roadside assistance, smartphone calendar integration, remote control functions and status reports via smartphone, plus apps for streaming media. The Audi phone box connects cell phones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively according to the Qi standard. The new Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android devices. For discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System is available, tapping into the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet also functions as flexible Rear Seat Entertainment.
All driver assistance and safety systems for the A4 model series are available for the new A4 allroad quattro. One of the highlights is adaptive cruise control Stop&Go including traffic jam assist. At speeds of up to 40 mph, it takes over acceleration and braking and helps with steering. The driver receives additional support from the trailer maneuver assist, which is available on the A4 allroad for the first time. This makes it easier to maneuver a trailer. The driver steers via the MMI controller. Other new features include the predictive efficiency assistant, park assist, cross-traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre sense systems.
Article source: www.audi.co.uk