AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — When a new European car is introduced — especially if it happens to be German — there is always some question about which of the many European powertrain combos will actually be made available to the U.S. Such is the case with the all-new 2009 Audi A4 and its wagon counterpart, the just-released A4 Avant.
Following the worldwide media launch of the 2009 A4 Avant, Audi has announced that only the top two gasoline engines will be offered in the U.S. lineup when the new model becomes available this fall: a 3.2-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, and Audi's all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 211 hp and an impressive 258 lb-ft of torque, 15 lb-ft more than the V6.
As expected, the A4 sedan will be available with both engines. The 3.2-liter V6 will come standard with Audi's new six-speed "fast-shifting" automatic transmission only, complete with steering-wheel paddle shifters. A six-speed manual will also be available on the 2.0T sedan, when equipped with the rear-biased Quattro all-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive A4 2.0T will also be offered, and will come only with the "Multitronic" CVT, sans paddle shifters. Audi claims that the A4 3.2 will hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, but didn't provide a figure for any of the 2.0T variations. We expect that they could do the same trick in around 7 flat.
The Avant wagon will only be offered one way: Quattro with the 2.0-liter four and six-speed auto with paddles, making it one of the only wagons with paddle shifters on the market. Of note: Audi's highly praised "S-Tronic" DSG will not be offered in the 2009 A4, although it might make an appearance in the upcoming 2010 S4.
Both engines feature FSI direct injection technology as well as variable valve timing and lift to help flatten the torque curves.
Audi did not reveal exact pricing, but provided a vague estimation: $28K-$38K, or roughly the same as the current A4.
What this means to you: Audi is once again denying wagon lovers its strongest engine, but considering how powerful both motors are, no American buyer will need to make apologies for their A4's lack of grunt. — Greg Ary, Correspondent
Following the worldwide media launch of the 2009 A4 Avant, Audi has announced that only the top two gasoline engines will be offered in the U.S. lineup when the new model becomes available this fall: a 3.2-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, and Audi's all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 211 hp and an impressive 258 lb-ft of torque, 15 lb-ft more than the V6.
As expected, the A4 sedan will be available with both engines. The 3.2-liter V6 will come standard with Audi's new six-speed "fast-shifting" automatic transmission only, complete with steering-wheel paddle shifters. A six-speed manual will also be available on the 2.0T sedan, when equipped with the rear-biased Quattro all-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive A4 2.0T will also be offered, and will come only with the "Multitronic" CVT, sans paddle shifters. Audi claims that the A4 3.2 will hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, but didn't provide a figure for any of the 2.0T variations. We expect that they could do the same trick in around 7 flat.
The Avant wagon will only be offered one way: Quattro with the 2.0-liter four and six-speed auto with paddles, making it one of the only wagons with paddle shifters on the market. Of note: Audi's highly praised "S-Tronic" DSG will not be offered in the 2009 A4, although it might make an appearance in the upcoming 2010 S4.
Both engines feature FSI direct injection technology as well as variable valve timing and lift to help flatten the torque curves.
Audi did not reveal exact pricing, but provided a vague estimation: $28K-$38K, or roughly the same as the current A4.
What this means to you: Audi is once again denying wagon lovers its strongest engine, but considering how powerful both motors are, no American buyer will need to make apologies for their A4's lack of grunt. — Greg Ary, Correspondent
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