German sport luxury automaker Audi has announced some important changes for its compact executive car, the Audi A4. Two new models will be added to the line including one featuring front-wheel drive and another one featuring a six-speed manual transmission.
The 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak combines the benefit of the Audi 2.0 TFSI engine, which recently earned a place on the 2009 Ward's 10 Best Engines list, and the economical multitronic continuously variable transmission, or CVT.
Also being changed is the A4 sedan, which is now available with a six-speed manual transmission, just the sort of addition that promises to offer a sporty driving experience for those who prefer to shift for themselves. The manual transmission is also mated with Audi's competent 2.0 TFSI engine along with Audi's latest generation of quattro all-wheel drive featuring a rear torque bias for active handling.
Improved fuel economy is the result of the new front-wheel drive A4 powertrain configuration as the car delivers an EPA rating of 23 mpg in city driving conditions and 30 mpg on the highway, translating into a 4% fuel-efficiency improvement over the last generation A4. Those models were powered with earlier versions of the 2.0 TFSI engine and the multi-tronic transmission. The 2009 A4 2.0T quattro manual sedan returns the best economy of any all-wheel drive car in its luxury segment with EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway.
"Offering exceptional efficiency without sacrificing the comforts that luxury car buyers expect is Audi's hallmark," said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. "These two new A4 models are no exception. Their addition to the Audi lineup allows us to meet a broader array of consumer tastes with our highly acclaimed, best-selling car."
Prices for the FrontTrak and quattro manual have been set at $31,000 and $31,850 respectively. Both models come with a lengthy list of standard equipment such as sunroof, leather seating, SIRIUS satellite radio, and quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi has been making inroads in the American luxury car market, taking away market share from its two German competitors, Mercedes and BMW. Audi is owned by Volkswagen AG, the fifth largest producers of passenger cars in the world.
About the Author
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in Cary, North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including rods and arms and tie bars.
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