The New Audi A4 Cabriolet
March 29th, 2008
The advent of a new model generation is evident at first glance: the open-top four-seater now has the single-frame grille that typifies the brand. The newly styled rear lights add a further visual touch. The car’s taut styling, clear surfaces and tension-packed shoulder line extending along the entire body are characteristic features of the A4 Cabriolet.
The car’s technology lives up to the promise made by its new styling: the A4 Cabriolet is being launched with four engines, three of which are being offered for the Audi A4 Cabriolet for the very first time. FSI and turbo FSI technology represent the most advanced state of the art for petrol engines, as do the ultramodern piezo injectors in the three-litre TDI, which is already familiar from the A4, A6 and A8. The sporty yet comfortable dynamic suspension converts the power delivered by these units into sheer driving pleasure – on every bend, on every mile of the journey.
Innovative and highly sophisticated technologies are an integral part of practically all vehicle areas and components: the optional xenon plus headlights, with dynamic cornering lights as an option, are proof of this, as indeed is quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
Comprehensive occupant protection systems – including a two-stage driver’s airbag and side airbags – together with the highly complex, latest-generation electronic stabilisation program ESP provide high reserves of safety. Features specific to the Cabriolet include improved side impact protection and the active roll-over protection system with two roll-over bars which are projected behind the rear seats.
The quality of materials and workmanship in the interior are of a standard that need not fear comparison with the luxury class. The architecture of the driver’s area, especially the cockpit – a perfect synthesis of ergonomics, function and design – is pioneering.
Powerful yet economical petrol and TDI engines provide the basis for the new Audi A4 Cabriolet’s excellent performance. Audi is now also offering two highly modern petrol engines with FSI petrol direct injection for the new A4 Cabriolet: the 188 kW (255 bhp) 3.2 FSI V6 and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI, which delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). These combine high performance with a spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal and a peak-torque range at a high level. The 163 bhp (120 kW) 1.8T already familiar from the previous model is also available.
The TDI range at launch will comprise the six-cylinder 3.0 TDI with common rail injection and piezo injectors. Equipped with ultramodern technology, the TDI engine delivers 171 kW (233 bhp) in the A4 Cabriolet. This immensely powerful V6 makes a torque of 450 Nm available between 1,400 and 3,150 rpm. The four engines deliver their power to the road either via the front wheels or by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Customers can choose from 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes, the continuously variable multitronic, which has seven speeds in the tiptronic mode, and the 6-speed tiptronic transmission.
The set-up of the dynamic suspension system, with four-link front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension, has been completely modified and numerous new components added. Audi’s chassis engineers have made extensive changes in the area of elastokinematics, and to the spring and shock absorber settings.
The steering has been completely modified to give the driver greater precision, but also better feedback from the road when cruising. In connection with this, the engineers adopted several mountings and the dimensions of the front and rear shock absorbers from the new Audi A6; the rear trapezoidal links and the front track rods originate from the S4.
These modifications add up to a significantly higher level of agility and precise handling, combined with first-class ride comfort – all qualities which benefit drivers of the Audi A4 Cabriolet. This also applies to the brakes, the dimension and consequently performance of which have been adapted to suit the potential of the new engines.
At a glance:
- Newly designed body with emphatically sporty styling
- Dimensions: length 4,573 mm, height 1,391 mm, wheelbase 2,650 mm. Luggage compartment: 315 litres (246 litres with the hood open)
- Engines (longitudinally installed): 1.8 T developing 120 kW (163 bhp), 225 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 9.4 s, top speed: 226km/h
2.0 TFSI developing 147 kW (200 bhp), 280 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 7.9 s, top speed: 238 km/h
3.0 TDI V6 developing 171 kW (233 bhp), 450 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 7.3 s, top speed: 242 km/h
3.2 FSI V6 developing 188 kW (255 bhp), 330 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 6.8 s, top speed: 250 km/h (governed)
- 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, alternatively 6-speed tiptronic (for quattro models) or continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (in combination with front-wheel drive)
- Front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive
- Dynamic suspension: optimised four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension for precise, agile handling, brake system with improved performance, latest-generation ESP New: adaptive light (dynamic cornering lights)
