Friday , September 03, 1999

SURVIVAL OF THE FLEETEST-THE LATEST EVOLUTION OF THE BLAST TO DRIVE A4 FAMILY

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Darwin taught the world that species must evolve or perish. And so it is even with the A4. Audi took that lesson to heart and has introduced something new in the A4 range each and every year since bringing it to North America as a 1996 model. For 2000, Audi updates the entire A4 range.

Credited as being one of the locomotives behind Audi's resurgence in North America, over one million of these sport sedans and Avants have been produced worldwide since its introduction. That's why Audi avoided major "cosmetic surgery." Instead, the new A4 design elements and features, some introduced mid-year 1999 and the balance with the 2000 model year, merely accentuate what is still an extremely modern design. A series of detail refinements give the A4 an appearance that is more mature, significantly more powerful, and even more dynamic.

Typical quality features remain unchanged: top levels of fit-and-finish and long-term quality with a fully galvanized body and a 12-year corrosion perforation limited warranty. With the 2000 model year, the new A4 range offers a host of new, distinctive design elements, an extensive line of safety equipment, a chassis with many reworked) details for improved responsiveness and ride comfort, and an even more finely matched interior.

The family members enjoying these refinements include the A4 1.8 T sedan and Avant and the A4 2.8 sedan and Avant. Powered by Audi's 1.8 liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine featuring five-valve technology with dual overhead cams, all A4 1.8 T models deliver 150 horsepower at 5,700 revolutions per minute and 155 lbs. ft. of torque at a low 1,750 rpm. A4 2.8 models are powered by Audi's 2.8 liter six cylinder engine featuring race-bred, five-valve technology. This engine puts out 190 hp at 6,000 rpm and 207 lbs. ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm. So whether your passion runs to serious sports sedans or true German sport wagons, customers will be able to enjoy these latest updates. These design refinements will also be seen in the ultimate A4-the S4-which goes on sale this Fall as a full-fledged member of the A4 family (see separate press release for S4 information).

Sometimes elements of change are difficult to notice. Not so with the new A4. The first things that strike the observer are the single-piece ellipsoidal-principle headlights with a new clear-glass look. The new location of the fog lights in the lower front bumper not only adds to the sporty appearance but also improves after-dark vision, since the effective light surface has been enlarged.

As with the A8 and A6, high-powered xenon headlights are now available as an option. They offer the driver a greater visibility range and particularly uniform illumination of the road surface. Xenon light, which is similar to daylight, results in less eye fatigue-even when driving long distances after dark (automatic beam angle control is included with these headlights).

The Audi A4's new "face" has gained in clarity, identity, and dynamism. The radiator grille now has only four ribs, with the vertical webs given greater emphasis. The chrome trim that surrounds the radiator grille is also bolder in outline. The new proportions of the front bumper with a pronounced step accentuate the A4's wide track and underline its sporting character. The heated windshield washer jets are now concealed beneath the trailing edge of the hood.

Three new colors-Ebony pearl effect, Light Silver metallic and India Red-add freshness to the line-up of body colors.

The new shape of the exterior mirror housings is in keeping with the dynamic body line. From the side, the white side turn indicator repeaters (with a new, elongated shape) and the wider molding strips, painted in the same color as the body, accentuate the styling in a new way. The B-pillar and the triangular panel on the sedan's rear doors have a high-gloss finish. From the distance, they visually become one with the glass surfaces and stretch the car's appearance. Aluminum trim for the window frames is still standard equipment for the six-cylinder models with black trim for all four-cylinder models.

The new door handles feature improved ergonomics and now share the pronounced curved shape that appear on the Audi A6 and A8. They provide the person opening the door more with a better grip and blend neatly into the Audi A4's overall appearance.

The tail end has also gained significantly in sporty elegance with new-look taillights that dominate its appearance. On Avant models, the "soft-touch" electrical system helps when unlocking the trunk.

All A4 2.8 models equipped with automatic transmissions now have a new final drive ratio and a modified torque converter to give better off the line acceleration.

The interior of the Audi A4 has always conveyed an impression of high value and functionality. Numerous improvements have now given it an even greater air of quality. Here, as always, we followed the principle "every detail is crucial." One's first impression of the new interior starts by simply opening the door and noticing the aluminum doorsill trim with Audi script.

The instrument cluster has been revised with improved white lighting with red pointers and a digital clock with date (that is fully Y2K compliant). The center console has also been completely redesigned. The controls for the rear-window wiper on the Avant models and heated seats have been integrated into the fully automatic climate control system. The system retains its ability to respond to the angle of the sun. The output curve varies according to the sun's position. The cooling output in winter differs from that in summer, even when set to the same temperature.

In the upper part of the center console, the previous switches have been replaced by a new type, as already introduced with the A6. All buttons are illuminated; the user clearly feels a pressure point, and thus always receives positive feedback without having to check an indicator light. The air vents on the dash panel have illuminated markings to simplify operation at night.

Quality is the impression conveyed by each detail: the trim panels have an even more pleasant surface and higher-grade appearance, and the gleaming polished aluminum frame of the gearshift lever provides a distinctive accent.

The new "soft-touch" ashtray cover opens with hydraulic damping when tapped gently. The cigarette lighter is now at an easy-to-reach location on the center console.

Silicone-damped grab handles in the roof, which return slowly and quietly to their out-of-use position after being released, are now also part of the Audi A4's standard equipment. On A4 1.8 T models, the loop handle (which is now even easier to operate than the previous handle) for manual forward-back adjustment of the seat is also a detail improvement in comfort and convenience.

New roof light units are part of the Audi A4's comprehensive interior lighting concept. The reading lamps at the front and rear, which are combined with an interior lamp in each case, and two diode lights for the indirect illumination of the center console, ensure that the interior can be illuminated as flexibly as needed. The footwell lighting at the front makes it easier to get in and out, and active reflectors on all doors warn traffic coming up from behind.

Back-seat passengers benefit from a change in rear seat design: the outer rear seats have more pronounced contours and consequently offer more side support. It is, of course, still possible for three people to sit in the rear. Thanks to the new location of the two cup holders on the center console, the back-seat passengers can also reach them.

Even in the trunk/payload area, attention to detail can be seen in an abundance of new features. For the sedan and the Avant, the latch for the luggage compartment lock is automatically covered when the rear hatch is opened-a well thought-through detail that is a good example of the philosophy of systematic further development and the A4's enhanced premium character.

Among other things, the Audi A4 sedan's luggage compartment is now lined with a high-quality decor material in Flannel Gray and includes a standard luggage net. For the A4 Avant, the luggage area now includes a 12-volt electric power socket.

Other interior changes include a larger sunroof opening for cars so equipped; the addition of a standard Driver Information Display with a six-function trip computer including Audi's Auto Check system to monitor vital functions, ambient temperature, radio frequency reminder and a pictogram which shows the status of doors (and the rear deck lid on Avants); a new Audi "Symphony" AM/FM stereo cassette radio with in-dash CD player; and a power passenger seat, plus power lumbar for both front seats (A4 2.8 models only).

Automotive evolution does not begin and end simply on the features of a car. It should also address how you feel when you open the door and consider the space where you will spend each and every driving day. That's why Audi has given customers the opportunity to select an entire interior environment for their car to match their own personal style, not simply an interior color, at no extra cost. Called "Atmospheres," Audi's three distinct environments are named Ambition, Ambiente, and Advance. Each atmosphere surrounds its occupants with a distinctly different character-distinguished by the texture and appearance of the seat upholstery and the color and type of genuine wood (for the A4 2.8 sedan and Avant) or aluminum trim (for the A4 1.8 T sedan and Avant).

Ambition evokes memories of classic touring sedans with its rich, muted colors and materials. Ambiente is more Mediterranean in feel with its fine supple materials and lighter, bolder colors. Advance brings out the natural side with polished burled walnut wood or highly textured aluminum trim and soft upholstery in warm, earth tones.

Within each atmosphere, the colors of the dash panel, roof lining, seat belts, carpets, door trim, and floor mats have been carefully matched to the seat fabric or leather. This harmony in color is now being refined to include additional interior elements: the air outlet vents, loudspeaker trims, and even the gear-shift lever knob and parking brake lever are now matched to the color used for the interior. The steering wheel is also included and harmonized with the upper surface of the dash panel.

Each atmosphere is available in cloth or leatherette (with leather as an extra cost option in all A4 2.8 models). There are three new interior color combinations: Ecru/Onyx, Clay, and Ecru/Clay all as part of the Advance atmosphere.

Additional choice should not mean additional complexity. With Audi's innovative interior concept, when you select an interior color you are also selecting a complete interior atmosphere that has been created to coordinate with that color. All of this gives the buyer an ability to personalize their car to a degree not possible from any other luxury manufacturer, and at no extra cost.

In total, there are fourteen exterior colors to choose from. New for 2000 are Ebony pearl effect and Light Silver metallic. Other standard colors include: Jaspis Green metallic, Melange metallic, Sable Brown pearl effect, Casablanca White, Santorin Blue pearl effect, Laser Red, Hibiscus Red pearl effect, Cactus Green pearl effect and Brilliant Black with clearcoat. There are also three extra cost, optional Cool Shadesâ colors: Pelican Blue metallic, Brilliant Yellow and India Red, also new for 2000

Living up to the sport character of the A4 range, every A4 comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission to give the driver maximum control. An optional five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronicâ * is available as well, giving the driver a choice of using it as a normal automatic transmission or upshifting and downshifting manually using a special shift gate.

Available as an option on A4 sedans, all Avants come equipped standard with Audi's legendary quattro all wheel drive for the ultimate in handling and control.

Some drivers demand even greater handling prowess. For those who want to push the performance envelope further, any A4 can be ordered with an enhanced performance package that is more than skin deep. This sport package includes a 20 millimeter lower sport suspension with firmer shock and spring settings, a thicker rear stabilizer bar, ten-spoke 16-inch (7J x 16) cast light alloy wheels, 205/55 16-inch high performance tires and a three-spoke leather covered sport steering wheel. On Tiptronicâ equipped models, the steering wheel in cars with this package will include Audi's steering wheel mounted Tiptronicâ controls to make shifting even easier.

The A4 has always been a true European luxury car offering its owners a level of refinement and sophistication unsurpassed by any car in its class. Start with the wide array of standard features customers have come to appreciate from the A4 1.8 T including, to name a few, a fully automatic climate control system with sun intensity control and pollen filter; power central locking system with, standard remote keyless entry; 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks with individual locks; leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel; power windows and heated outside mirrors; full size spare tire with matching alloy wheels (sedan only); and front and rear fog lights. The A4 2.8 offers even more standard equipment. Now add standard front side airbags, in addition to next generation driver and passenger front airbags, and you get class-leading safety features.

New for 2000 is the optional Sideguard head airbag system. When triggered, the new Sideguard safety system covers virtually the entire side window area and in an accident protects the heads of all occupants of the front or outside rear seats. The crucial advantage of the large-area head airbag as used by Audi over comparable systems is that it helps prevent the occupants from colliding with the A pillar thanks to the special configuration of the air pockets.

In contrast to the front airbags, the head-level airbags, which are about 15 centimeters thick, remain inflated for about five seconds in order to provide protection if the vehicle subsequently rolls over.

The A4 Avant utilizes ABS 5.3 for optimized braking performance as well. Since we don't live in a perfect world, a standard emergency warning triangle is located in the rear luggage area.

But the A4 Avant is more than a luxury, sport automobile. It is a luxury, sport wagon with 31.3 cu. ft. of cargo room with the rear seat up and 63.7 cu. ft. of cargo room with the seats folded down. Audi has incorporated all the features that owners expect from a wagon, as well as some they might not, including a retractable rear luggage cover, a heavy duty luggage net for the rear cargo area, a standard ski sack and a center rear headrest, as well as a 3-point rear center seat belt and standard rear child seat tether anchors. Roof rails with a black finish in the 1.8 T Avant and a bright finish in the 2.8 Avant, a rear wiper and washer, a 120 watt sound system with subwoofer, and a roof mounted three-way antenna complete the package.

In terms of convenience, an integrated folding ignition key with remote locking feature is standard on every A4. There is even a standard first aid kit in the center rear armrest.

To meet the demands of all driving conditions, every A4 sedan comes standard with Audi's FrontTrak^™ front wheel drive with EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) on 1.8 T models and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) on 2.8 models giving the driver full-time, all-speed traction control, and a four-link front suspension for precise steering behavior. For the ultimate in handling and control, Audi's legendary quattro all wheel drive is also available as a stand-alone option (on sedans only, as it is standard on the Avants).

Now entering its 19^th year, quattro continues to set new standards-in active safety and all-weather performance. Quattro is a full-time all-wheel drive system that is constantly at work putting power to the pavement through all four wheels. Available from Audi's all-aluminum luxury flagship, the A8 4.2, to the affordable A4 1.8 T sports sedan, quattro is a proven concept, not a rarity. It is accessible, not exotic. And most of all, it brings a sense of control and security to the driver like nothing else.

Audi's experience with all-wheel drive results in the fourth generation of the quattro system at a time when other companies are still on square one. The key to quattro has always been the use of three differentials that vary power distribution to all four wheels, all of the time, at any speed.

The latest addition is Electronic Differential Locking (EDL) which operates on both the front and rear differentials. This feature detects and limits wheel spin and redistributes the drive torque from side-to-side to take advantage of available traction. This traction enhancing overlay to quattro's basic strength operates automatically and unobtrusively at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Combined with the front-to-rear power distribution capability of the TORSENâ ** (TORque SENsing) center differential that distributes up to 66 percent of the traction to whichever axle has the most traction, the fourth generation of quattro is so capable that a single wheel with reasonable traction is sufficient to get the car underway.

Because discerning drivers also like to personalize their cars with the equipment they select, Audi offers A4 buyers a wide range of choice. Audi's optional Cold Weather package remains a favorite with its heated front seats, heated driver's door lock and expandable ski storage sack (ski sack standard in all Avants). A new option group is the Convenience package which includes a glass sunroof with sunshade and pinch protection, a HomeLinkÒ *** transmitter and auto dimming exterior and interior mirrors. A BoseÒ **** 8-speaker, 150 watt premium sound system is also available to enhance the driving experience. This system incorporates a 5-channel amplifier and larger rear speakers. In the A4 Avants, it offers even more power at 150 watts with a subwoofer located in the rear luggage area.

Stand-alone options include a 6-disc CD changer, the new Audi Navigation System which utilizes the Driver's Information Display in the center of the instrument panel; xenon high intensity discharge headlights; Sideguard head airbag system; a 3-spoke sport steering wheel (Tiptronic controls included on models equipped with automatic transmission); sport front seats (not available with leatherette); "Buffalino" leather upholstery (on A4 2.8 models), Pearl White pearlescent paint, and a hands-free cellular telephone.

Something else you don't have to pay extra for on any Audi A4 is the remarkable Audi Advantage. It is standard equipment, as it is with all Audi's sold in the U.S. This top-rated-and sometimes imitated-combination of warranties and protection includes:

• Three-year/50,000 mile no charge scheduled maintenance.
• Three-year/50,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty.
• Twelve-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation.
• 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years.

*TIPTRONIC is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG.

***HOMELINK is a registered trademark of Prince Corporation, Holland, Michigan.

****BOSE is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation. Covered by patent rights issued and/or pending.

** TORSEN is a registered trademark of ZEXEL-GLEASON USA, INC.