The Audi A4 is a compact executive car available since 1995 model year, and is now in its fifth generation. The predecessor was the Audi 80.
Audi A4 Introduction and Design
The first generation Audi A4, internally known as the Typ 8D, was build on the Volkswagen B5 (PL45) platform shared by the Volkswagen Passat. The exterior was designed by Imre Hasanic. Production began in late 1994, with European sales starting in early 1995 and North American sales starting later in the year with the 1996 model. As with many Audi models, there were a variety of engine choice available to the consumer. The initial offerings included a range of gasoline engines from 1.6L to 2.8L, as well as a 1.9L diesel. A special 2.4L was designed to meet increased Thai import duties on cars with engines over 2.4L. The A4 was the first to receive the turbocharged 1.8L 20v engine capable of producing 148 horsepower (150 PS) and 155 lb ft of torque. It was originally developed for Audi’s Supertouring race car. North American models seeking a V-6 had only the 2.8L version to select from until 1997.
Additional First Generation Updates
That same year, 1997, the V-6 family of engines received the 5-valve per cylinder design from the 1.8L 20v. The 2.8L engine increased performance numbers to 190 horsepower. That was also when Audi launched the first mass production hybrid vehicle, the Audi Duo, which was based on the A4 Avant. While minor changes were made year after year, 1999 brought a fairly significant exterior restyling, with changes to both bumpers, headlights and taillights, and center console. 1999 was also when the Audi released a performance package called the RS4 Avant (RennSport or racing sport).
Second Generation Modifications: S4 Power
The second generation Audi A4, internally known as the Typ 8E, lasted from 2001 to 2005 model years. It was built on the B6 (PL 46) platform. Peter Schreyer was behind the revised design, taking many hints from the 1997 Audi A6. Looking under the hood, the base model received an unchanged 1.6L gasoline engine. Most other offerings received increased performance and power, including the 1.8L 20v with a 178 horsepower option and 6-speed manual transmission. In 2002, this engine jumped to 187 horsepower. If you wanted some serious power, then 2002 was an exciting year. Audi released the first Audi S4. It came with a massive 4.2L V-8 engine capable of producing 339 horsepower (344 PS). It simply blew the doors off this otherwise practical car. Some models of this A4 saw the introduction of a continuously variable transmission. Like many manufacturers, Audi saw a widespread amount of issues related to these CVT units.
Third Generation Modernization
Third generation Audi A4s, still known as the Typ 8E built on a PL46 platform, were available from 2004 to 2008 for the sedan. As expected, the changes were vast and included new engines, navigation systems, suspension/steering, and electronic stability control. One of the biggest changes was to the engine fuel management system, now using Fuel Stratified Injection, allowing for substantial performance gains. The 3.2L V-6 engine now produced a very respectable 252 horsepower. The previous 5-speed manual transmissions were replaced with a Getrag 6-speed, while Quattro four-wheel drive was still an option available across the lineup. Those Quattro models could opt for a ZF 6HP 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission for a manual-like feel with ultra-fast shifting capabilities.
Fourth and Fifth Generation: New Platform
The fourth generation Audi A4 lated from 2008 to 2016 model years. It shifted over to the Audi Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP), which allowed improved steering and handling as a result of an increase wheelbase while keeping overall length the same. As expected, a range of gasoline and diesel engine choices were available from a 1.8L with 118 horsepower up to a supercharged S4 Quattro with 328 horsepower and 325 lb ft of torque. The RS4 took the top place with a still massive 4.2L V-8 rated at 444 horsepower and 317 lb ft of torque.
The fifth generation Audi A4 started with the 2016 model year and is still in production. It is known as the B9, even though it is no longer built on the B platform. This time a 1.4L engine with 148 horsepower sits in the base model, while the RS4 has received a smaller 2.9L V-6 that still matches the 444 horsepower of the fourth generation RS4.