Audi engineers borrowed a number of technological advancements from the A6 and A8 to create the next-generation A4. The latter's architecture starts with a new extended chassis and a repositioned engine/transmission combo. The ultimate result is a much roomier interior.
Many other refinements are included as part of Audi's commitment to constantly improve the quality of its vehicles. Electronic breakthroughs and new mechanical engineering techniques allowed the automaker to design an exceptionally advanced car compared to the competition. The list is seemingly endless; I chose to write about those that impressed me the most during the 2009 A4's media launch.
Chassis
It all starts with the chassis. The new A4 is 177-mm longer and 53-mm wider, while the wheelbase is 167-mm longer. As for the interior, it gains 20 mm. The design team allocated most of this extra length to the rear passenger compartment. The trunk has the same capacity but offers a lower threshold courtesy of the new platform. Interestingly, the battery is mounted inside the trunk. The rear seatbacks fold completely flat to increase cargo room. A load-through provision with ski sack is optionally available.
One of the highlights of the new chassis lies in the fact that engineers were able to move the front axle forward and the clutch, backward. The front overhang is therefore shorter. Weight distribution is nearly perfect with the battery in the back and the rear axle of the quattro AWD models. The engine, meanwhile, sits above the front axle. Overall, the benefit is improved handling and power delivery.
I should also point out that the front suspension relies on five articulated arms, while the steering has been repositioned.
Aerodynamic floor
The floor has been carefully revised to better control the air flow underneath it. By covering most of the underbody components, adding air deflectors to the wheels and streamlining the bodywork, the new A4 offers enhanced stability and efficiency. The interior is also quieter.
Many other refinements are included as part of Audi's commitment to constantly improve the quality of its vehicles. Electronic breakthroughs and new mechanical engineering techniques allowed the automaker to design an exceptionally advanced car compared to the competition. The list is seemingly endless; I chose to write about those that impressed me the most during the 2009 A4's media launch.
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Chassis
It all starts with the chassis. The new A4 is 177-mm longer and 53-mm wider, while the wheelbase is 167-mm longer. As for the interior, it gains 20 mm. The design team allocated most of this extra length to the rear passenger compartment. The trunk has the same capacity but offers a lower threshold courtesy of the new platform. Interestingly, the battery is mounted inside the trunk. The rear seatbacks fold completely flat to increase cargo room. A load-through provision with ski sack is optionally available.
One of the highlights of the new chassis lies in the fact that engineers were able to move the front axle forward and the clutch, backward. The front overhang is therefore shorter. Weight distribution is nearly perfect with the battery in the back and the rear axle of the quattro AWD models. The engine, meanwhile, sits above the front axle. Overall, the benefit is improved handling and power delivery.
I should also point out that the front suspension relies on five articulated arms, while the steering has been repositioned.
Aerodynamic floor
The floor has been carefully revised to better control the air flow underneath it. By covering most of the underbody components, adding air deflectors to the wheels and streamlining the bodywork, the new A4 offers enhanced stability and efficiency. The interior is also quieter.
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