German Car Zone

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.

Source: Audi

Will a FWD Audi in US market even be considered a "real" Audi at all?

Hasn't AudiUSA policy always been Audi = quattro (AWD)?

A4 FrontTrak ... Lexus ES fighter?


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I'm a bit confused with this Audi move.

They could possibly want an ently level Audi! A 2WD Audi will cost less than a Quattro one, and now with this financial crisis, they should try to sell something, even if that means entry level models..

Why not A3 FrontTrak then?

Also: the difference between FrontTrak & Quattro A4 2.0T model is only $850. Not a biggie.

Hmm, here the difference is a few thousand euros

But as you said in the US, Audi=Quattro, which is hard to make, but easy to destroy! Seems that it's a bit weird move... With 850$ difference it doesn't make sense..

Τhe one is automatic (CVT) and the other one manual that's why there is so little difference.

Seriously i don't see anything wrong with Audi offering a FWD A4 , most of the drivers don't even know or care what are the wheels that drag their vehicle.

I remember a BMW 3 series owner once telling me that he liked FWD cars better cause he thought than his car was FWD.

A FWD Audi is no big deal here, they've been selling various FWD Audis off and on for years in the U.S. There was even a FWD A8 sold here during the previous generation.


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