Stepping up to the direct-injection 3.2-liter V6, which also serves as the base powerplant for the redesigned 2005 Audi A6, nets 255 horsepower and a thicker wad of torque available over a broader spread between 1,900 rpm and 5,900 rpm. However, acceleration isn't much more dramatic than with the A4 2.0, with an estimated 6.5-second time to 60 mph. Power is put to all four wheels through a Multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), a six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic with manual gear selection. The Multitronic CVT is available only on the A4 2.0 FrontTrak model, which has front-wheel drive. Quattro all-wheel drive is optional on the A4 2.0 and standard on the A4 3.2, matched to your choice of manual or Tiptronic transmissions. Sadly, Audi's excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), a clutchless manual transmission that is offered in tandem with the 2.0-liter turbo motor in the new A3, is not available on the revised A4. At least not right away. To improve the ride and handling, Audi has tossed the old A4's front suspension in favor of the new four-link design that debuted on the 2005 A6. The independent trapezoidal link rear suspension comes from the hot-rod Audi S4, softened for use on the A4. Stability control is standard on the new Audi A4, and includes two new features. First, it allows the driver to shut off the integrated traction control system while retaining the safety net of the stability control system. Second, it includes a new feature that periodically dries the brake discs in wet weather to improve stopping capability.
|
