September 8, 2005 Audi has released images of the new A4 Cabriolet, a vehicle that offers an enjoyable and sporty driving experience, superior and complex technology, classic and exciting styling, and luxury that satisfies even the highest demands of the luxury class. The latest generation of a car that has already become a classic will be shown for the first time in the metal at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
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 A4 Cabriolet is being launched in Europe 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.
The design
Self-assured in appearance: the striking single-frame grille and newly styled clear-glass headlights with their curving, emotional line give the new Audi A4 Cabriolet a completely new face. The trapezoidal shape of the single-frame grille is continued in the more prominent contours of the engine hood.
This front-end styling, which consciously alludes to design elements of the Nuvolari quattro coupé study, is already to be found on all new Audi models and makes every Audi unmistakeable.
Taut lines and clear surfaces that hold no secrets, coupled with a tension-packed shoulder line extending along the entire length of the body, produce a look that is simultaneously powerful and elegant. The rear end is distinguished by newly designed lights of clear-glass appearance which also emphasise the Cabriolet’s premium quality from behind. The new rear diffuser underscores the car’s sports character.
The modern and innovatively designed interior fits in with the progressive look of the car’s exterior styling. The new-generation steering wheels provide an entirely new visual touch inside the A4 Cabriolet. Their characteristic element is the airbag cover with its single-frame design. Door sill trims with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays are a standard feature of all new A4 Cabriolet versions.
The excellent ergonomics of the previous generation is also to be found in the new Audi A4 Cabriolet. The cockpit and cabin are characterised by the generous use of surface areas and the flowing transition from the instrument cluster into the dashboard. At the same time, the new Audi A4 Cabriolet offers a high level of interior comfort.
The high standard of comfort and quality, which more than satisfies the demands made of the luxury car class, is once again particularly outstanding. This impression is immediately conveyed by the high-grade materials and excellent finish of the interior.
Almost all convertibles look good with the top down, but only a few are equally as attractive with the top up. The Audi A4 Cabriolet cuts an extremely fine figure both open and closed.
The fully automatic, electro-hydraulic hood can be operated when driving at a speed of up to 30 km/h.
Thanks to its good thermal insulation and glass rear window, the Audi A4 Cabriolet can also be used without restriction in the winter. But the A4 Cabriolet is not only a car for all seasons because of its outstanding insulation – quattro permanent four-wheel drive technology additionally improves the car’s safety and handling.
As an option Audi also offers an acoustic hood, which goes even further in the direction of insulation. By using new fabrics with a greater material density, the noise level inside the cabin is reduced further, virtually matching that of the A4 saloon, even at fast motorway speeds.
Engines and transmissions
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 chassis
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.
Equipment and trim
The Audi A4 Cabriolet offers a standard equipment specification which sets a benchmark in the midsize class. Every new A4 Cabriolet, for example, comes with an electric hood and deluxe automatic air conditioning with separate temperature controls for driver and front passenger.
All seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel belts (the front belts have belt-force limiters and belt tensioners, plus a seat belt reminder for the driver) and head restraints. The safety equipment specification also includes a driver’s airbag activated in two stages and side airbags.
Electric windows are also part of the standard equipment package, as are electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and a central locking system with remote control.
There are almost unlimited possibilities for combining optional extras. As well as optional xenon headlights, which are combined as standard with daytime running lights, the new Audi A4 Cabriolet can be ordered for the first time with dynamic cornering lights. An optional light/rain sensor activates the dipped headlights and windscreen wipers automatically if necessary. The glass rear window is heated and has a time switch.
In the field of infotainment, the DVD navigation system plus with MMI operating logic sets new standards in terms of user guidance and ergonomics: key geometry and menu architecture are based on the MMI standard familiar from the Audi A8 and A6. The system’s range of functions and quality are without equal.
Pricing, engine range and equipment are not yet available.