Audi Expands A4 Lineup With New FrontTrak and Manual Models

2009 Audi A4

FWD and quattro versions improve fuel economy

By Christopher Jackson
December 22, 2008 6:26 PM
Filed Under: Audi, German

One thing you can never have too many of is Audi A4 variants. The manufacturers' midrange offers a nearly-perfect combination of performance, luxury and capability. Audi's excellent sedan/wagon family is expanded by two for 2009, with the addition of two all-new drivetrain options.

The 2.0T FrontTrak pairs the 2.0 liter TFSI engine with the latest version of its high-efficiency multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The combination of the lighter front-wheel drive system and CVT results in impressive fuel economy gains; the A4 2.0T FrontTrak is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway by the EPA. This is a four percent gain over previous, similarly-equipped A4s.

For more efficient motoring with Audi's traditional quattro all-wheel drive system in place, the A4 2.0T is now also available with a six-speed manual transmission. The system is geared toward enthusiast buyers of course, and the all-wheel drive is biased toward the rear for more entertaining driving. Fuel economy comes in close to the CVT's with EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 30 highway.

U.S. pricing for the 2.0T Front Trak starts at $31,000, and the 2.0T quattro manual comes in at $31,850.

Source: Audi

Press Release (Click to expand)

Audi A4 Lineup Expands With New FrontTrak and Manual Models

  • The Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak sedan pairs the multitronic transmission with the award-winning Audi 2.0 TFSI engine
  • The Audi A4 quattro sedan is now available with a six-speed manual transmission
  • MSRP for the base front-drive model is $31,000 and $31,850 for the base manual quattro model.

Audi announced an expansion of its 2009 A4 lineup with two new models, one featuring front-wheel drive and one featuring a six-speed manual transmission.  The newest 2009 Audi A4 models offer exceptional value and the best fuel economy ratings in their individual segments.

The 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak combines the advantages of the Audi 2.0 TFSI engine, which recently earned a spot on the 2009 Ward’s 10 Best Engines list, and the efficient multitronic continuously variable transmission, or CVT.

The A4 sedan now available with a six-speed manual transmission, offers a sporty driving experience for those who prefer to shift for themselves.  The manual transmission is also paired with Audi's efficient 2.0 TFSI engine along with Audi's latest generation of quattro all-wheel drive featuring a rear torque bias for sporty handling.

The result of the new front-wheel drive A4 powertrain combination is the best fuel efficiency in its class with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in city driving conditions and 30 mpg in highway driving.  Those fuel economy figures represent a 4 percent fuel-efficiency gain over the previous-generation A4 powered with earlier versions of the 2.0 TFSI engine and the multitronic transmission.  The 2009 A4 2.0T quattro manual sedan achieves the best efficiency 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 highways.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price on the front-wheel drive 2009 Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak sedan with multitronic CVT transmission starts at $31,000.  The MSRP on the 2009 Audi A4 2.0T quattro manual is $31,850. Both models come with a rich list of standard equipment such as sunroof, leather seating, SIRIUS satellite radio, and quattro all-wheel drive.

“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.”

Audi is a pioneer in continuously variable transmission technology.  The multitronic transmission was significantly revamped and first appears in the 2009 Audi A4.  With the redesign, the multitronic transmission offers greater sportiness and agility along with reduced fuel consumption.  The first Audi A4 2.0T FrontTrak multitronic model will begin arriving at dealers this month, with Audi A4 2.0T quattro manual models expected to arrive in dealerships by early 2009.

Comments

RussianMafia
December 22, 2008 8:05 PM
FrontTrak! LOL! I bet Acura really envies Audi for coming up with such a name for FWD xD Makes FWD sound cool :P

Wickedated
December 22, 2008 11:24 PM
I'll take this over any Acura. any day.

9TNine
December 23, 2008 12:21 AM
You know what they say about Lexus...? ...A Toyota with a $7000 badge!

Well, the Acura brand only exists in the USA. Honda was planning on bringing it to Europe, but probably not right now due to the recession... So..?? Well Honda stick Acura badges on the Euro Accord and call it a ACURA TSX...! It's a fine car but not a great car.

You know what I say about Acura...? ...A Honda with a...

Slick these car makers!

ericthedog
December 23, 2008 2:13 AM
wow good ol marketing and pr for a cheapo german car living on hype, its nowhere near as well made as the old A4 you can take most of the dash apart with a plastic spatula !

so save a few quid and get a Seat exeo

Joe_Limon
December 23, 2008 6:48 AM
Hahaha, Audi still doesn't know how to tune it's small engines to get decent fuel economy ratings. For the size of the engine that is...

fusion01
December 23, 2008 8:00 AM
Agreed. Nothing to shout about, those.

alessandro
December 26, 2008 6:36 PM
What is ACURA? Please, not to Europe.

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