Stud or Dud? Does the New A4 Have What It Takes To Make It?

ROFLMAO.... the ES is a beached whale! WHat a horrible looking car that ES is... The IS on the other hand is nice looking. However the tailored look of an Audi is always great!

— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:08:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

LexusKing, the Lexus ES is nothing more than a Toyota Camry.

You're comparing blimps and sport cars.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:55:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

These fake fanboys have stopped being funny and are now even more annoying than the real fanboys...

— Kinger (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 1:42:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The TL and the 3 series both give the ES a run for their money in the entry level field.

— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 8:12:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

why do they always show the cars in silver?

look at that red picture ? wow

black is going to be hot

— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 12:46:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I do catch a little bit of a BMW influence on the first picture.. but this car, imo, is a stud. I've never been a huge fan of the large front grill, but Audi is heading in the right direction.

— xzil3d (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 11:48:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Looks pretty nice. I sure wish they'd put in better looking steering wheels. The huge Schnauze is growing on me :)

Wonder what the interior looks like with wood?

— fiftyr (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:02:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Stud, especially with that interior.
Looks good from outside too.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:09:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Looks good, definitely getting one in 2009.

— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:10:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I think this car is a studud... yes I said Studud, both stud and dud. I am a little disappointed in such a "safe" redesign. At first glance the side looks just like the current one. One might think of this as a facelift and ass lift... I was suprised this is the final car. The car is still a looker, very tailored and using all of Audis old and current ques in its style... love the LED lights in front. Interior looks great, but just wish it would have been a little more sleek in the profile...

— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:11:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

lexusking

your ignorance leaves all of us speechless, I have the upmost respect for all car fans and enthusiasts, this is what makes this web site and so many others. To a certain extend I think this is why even car manufacturers push the envelop, for the cars nuts/gear heads. But you, alongside with Larry, Will and a couple of others "lexus fan" are just too much. Yes indeed you have the right to express your emotions, feelings and thoughts. But before you engage your fingers on the keyboard, please make sure your brain is in gear.

Or are you 15 years old and you like to start flame wars?
What is you point?
What do you know about Audi?
What do you know about Lexus?
Do you think Lexus is bettter because they sell more cars here in the US?
Or do you just consistently make things up?
Do you have any technician, engineering, even sales in the car industry, experience?
How many cars did you ever own?
What makes you and you other Lexus fan "compadres" such expert in bashing?

Have all of you a good day

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:12:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Looks good, but I wish it went a step further than the previous version. Looks so similar.

— supermoto (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:14:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

If the new A4 was a Lexus it wouldn't handle as well and let's not talk about braking.

Please!

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:57:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

The G37 does not compete with the A5.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 4:53:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

265hp vs. 330hp

As opposed to

350hp vs. 330hp

I'm not trying to give Audi the advantage, but the S5 is a much better competitor to the G37. The G37 is a much better value, but you lose some substance in that equation. It doesn't look as exclusive, it's not as luxurious and it's not as refined. I'd take either, but I'd spend my money on the S5.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 5:42:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Anyone who lieks Audi OR Lexus is stupid and uneducaatd.

— BenzW124 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:45:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -17   

It's a stud muffin.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 12:58:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

It's pretty nice!
The first thing that pop to my mind when I saw the rear was the similarity to 3-series. THe lights are little better done than on the BMW.

— SVXXX (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 1:01:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Its a DUD only german fanboy's can find something this ugly a STUD.

— STJ88 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 1:16:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

The lights are way cool. Much better look then those silly Gatling Gun lights on the Q45. I know these are LED and those weren't but the Q's lights were a first attempt at improving the flexibility of the way lights could be used on the front of a car.
(I know i will get flamed on this)

— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 1:18:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Exactly right, this is one wise character who understands Audi's image problem in the US. Now if we could just convince Audi executives and S4!

— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 5:45:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

You seem to misunderstand me.

I was disappointed when I first saw this car, too. I thought it was a photoshop of the current model.

But then I kept looking at it, especially the one with the S-Line kit in the other article. And I'm very, very impressed. It's quite obviously more modern, and WON'T get old, as you said it would. It's curvier, sexier, more aggressive. You'd have to be an Audi fan to notice, and you are the farthest from it.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 5:44:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Stud! It looks fantastic! Especially with the S-line package. I bet the Avant will even look better.

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 1:45:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

It's a stud. I love Audi's understated styling but yet pulls it off in a smooth aggressive way.

— YZFracer23 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 2:00:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

WHAT is this? Is this a 4-door version of Audi A5?

DUD!

— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 2:14:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

looks like every other audi. zzzzzzzzz.

— cs4444 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 2:38:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

This car is a motherF'ing STUD. The headlights look so simple, yet when you look into the inside the headlights, it looks so complex. Truly amazing if you ask me. Audi is the only one who has such elegant and complex styling INSIDE their headlights. (The LED's are a plus too)

— Treeman888 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 3:23:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

If you're a mindless Audi-hater, such as BenzW124 or MercBasher.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 5:00:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Look everyone S4 can't justify the new A4 for the US market so he has to undermine the doubters. Pathetic if you ask me.

S4 as noted above let's wait for the sales figures over the next year or two. I say A4 sales will be flat or up or down only slightly. You seem to think sales will be way up.

So I say bring on the sales data, bring it, bring it. Every month I will harrass you with facts about Audi sales. In the meantime get a clue about the US market, which is one thing you're missing along with an ability to debate!

Oh and the new A4 is a DUD DUD DUD!

— MercBasher (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 5:42:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I'm getting a new winter car first. Possibly an S5/RS5, 335xi coupe. I'd get rid of the S4 a year later. I don't think of cars as disposable. Anyway, I thought you were only like 17? So you haven't had that many cars yet?

MercBasher, not once did I mention sales. Although this car will probably go up in sales, I don't expect anything drastic. It's not a breakthrough, and I know that.

But you seem to think this is a step backwards. It's not- it's a massive improvement. They took the old one and polished it, everywhere. It has a sense of aggression that no "A" Audi has possessed before. The interior will look amazing in any color but black with aluminum (which I'm sure looks better in person than in these shots).

There was something about the silver one, especially its front end, that really struck me. This car is a winner.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 6:46:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

WOW. Five cars, already? Impressive!

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 9:19:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

STUD, I am digging the LED front side markers.

By the way the new ES350 is not that bad looking. Handling is not good, but the exterior does look good, better than previous model.

I see the Audi A4 has either dual exhaust with single tips or dual exhaust on the side.

— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 4:19:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Styling looks good.
Despite their emphasis on the rear wheel archs and BMW derivative styling (character line among others).
However, Audi A4 is a FWD car with 4 pot FI engine, which despite being an amazingly good engine ( probably Audi's most reliable) is not looked upon in the US as a a luxury engine.
If one is to shop German, BMW and MB take precedence. Its a shame really, Audi is a fantastic brand with some really good engineering that unfortunately isnt able to break out in the US market.

— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 6:07:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Looks great in these new shots.

— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 6:31:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

"Audi tells us this new A4 is dramatically more engaging to drive, and indeed is the sportiest car in its class. In other words, Audi expects it to usurp the 3 Series as the driver's choice."

I just read this on Edmunds. Yes, I know- AUDI said it. It may be propaganda. But they're modest. They have never said something like this before.

BMW fans will fight vehemently... but with the superb dynamics of the R8, RS4, S5 and S6, it could happen.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 6:42:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

mercbasher
should I put you on the list next time?

I thought we could not say bad words here, is A#* a bad word???
Anyway, gentlemen; meaning educated, meaningful, polite don't use such foul language.

Maybe you do talk out of yours because that's where your tongue is...

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 6:55:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Lexus,Audi,BMW,Mercedes,Infiniti. Doesn't it really get down to personal preference. They all make a good luxury or near luxury car.Lexus usually gets the best JD Power ratings but tends to be less engaging to drive. BMW is usually the most engaging to drive but does not have the same luxury interiors of the others,Audi big thing in the US is its AWD traction etc etc etc. You can argue this point as to who is the best until your blue in the face but it won't sway a fan away from the car maker they like. As for the new A4 it's predictable Audi. Thats neither good nor bad. It's a typical evolution of the Audi corporate style. They could make the car handle better but the higher ups insist on a certain percentage of understeer so not to depart from Audi's safe handling philosophy.If you want to play you will need to go to the R8,RS4,RS5,S6 or S8 etc. or go after market for suspension pieces.But the new A4 looks fine while breaking no new ground.

— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 7:45:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

First and foremost please "Do Not" use the word "Finesse with Audi, that word is invented by and for Lexus ;)

Secondly, the new Audi A4 is definitely a Dud......when compare other cars in it segment. And I thought the new design of the MB C-class was boring, this new Audi A4 opt it by a huge margin. It look like an A5, just get this and put a A5 emblem on it. No one will know the different unless you tell them ;) and the back look like a Honda Civic???

In other word this new Audi A4 is super fugly compare to it current Audi A4.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 9:18:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

What I would have expected from AUDI. An evolution of their current design. It's how the company works. Steady, forward. The design is fresh enough to set it apart from the current A4 while being instantly reckognizable as an A4. Smart. I like how the shoulder line tappers slightly at the rear. The front of the car looks nice as well and the headlights are incredible. I think they were wise not to copy the curved shoulder line of the A5. It gives them each their own identity. I'm sure it will be a sucsess.

— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 9:21:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

When I first saw the photos of the new A4 I was a little dissapointed that there was'nt more of a design change. But, After looking at the old A4 and the new A4
it is easy to see the differences. The new A4's porportions are much more balanced and not as awkward as the old A4. What impresses me is the new technology
that has been incorporated in this car.

— carguy1963 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 10:34:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I think it looks nice. It isn't nearly and different enough from the current A4 to have me trade in my 06 though.

— johnct (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 10:34:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Boring still looks like the B6 and B7. New C-Class takes this segment.

— Sedecrem (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2007 10:44:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

After seeing the new Caddy CTS, this new A4 does nothing for me. Easily, a DUD!

— keyzi747 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 12:19:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I think it's important to remember that the A4 and the upcoming Q5 are the last cars to be designed by Walter Di Silva and they all have the Di Silva look. Not neccessarily a bad thing. What I'm looking forward to is the upcoming A8 and A6. Which will be designed by Josef Wolfgang Egger. Remember, He's the guy that designed the incredible Alfa Competizione 8C. His design language is completely different.

— carguy1963 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 1:51:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

nice car but does resemble the 3 series alittle. new cars such as this are starting to copy the bmw shadow line through the side of the car. nevertheless its still a stud

— bmwpowerf1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 4:10:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I think its a stud, the exterior may not be a huge dpearture from the old one but the 2005 facelift was fairly significant as far as facelifts go.

The interior is excelent and will no doubt lead the class for quality. Handling should be improved two with the new chassis moving the engine further back.

— Kinger (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 8:20:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

A4 is hot.

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 8:55:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Dud

Can't match the Lexus IS in any field.

— david989 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 9:21:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

david666

you will see in the first link that the "old" A4 is the car with the least HP and almost the heaviest of the group
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/download/0603_awd_data_panel.pdf

you will see in the second link that the A4 destroys your cherished Toyota, so imagine what the new one is going to do to it...
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=3280&page_number=9

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 10:24:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Everybody can see the car looks nice. The question here was, "does it have what it takes to make it?"

Obviously, this redesign won't hurt sales. It looks 20-30% better than the B7 A4. It looks good and should drive even better.

The issue I see people like MercBasher raising is, does this car "change the game" for Audi in the US?

I would agree with him and say, no, it will not raise Audi's profile -- because, as MercBasher has pointed out, Audi's US problems are more institutional than product-based, i.e. low brand awareness, fewer dealers, VW-style reliability reputation (I said reputation, not fact), and the strength of Lexus in the US which takes away customers in that luxury-sport category (IS & GS).

I'm not saying these reasons are gloom and doom for Audi. But they're there.

The problem with this subtle exterior redesign is, there isn't any "news" for the casual observer to get excited about. BMW changed the game with their exterior styling--for better or worse, you can decide--but it made news for 5 years.

The Audi-die-hards will love it. I like it. The badge-conscious US luxury driver--the mass of sales--will still wonder about Audi while choosing BMW, Merc or Lexus.

Until Audi really changes the game.

— crackityjones (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 3:26:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

good points
the american consumers buy easily into the smoke and mirrors, and heavy marketing campaigns.
In another blog about the Q7 Hybrid, I was pointing out that TOY/LEX came out, mass production wise, first with hybrid because of the amount of $$$ they can spend, not because they invented the technology.
Same for brand awarness and their direct corolation with sales.
I think Audi advertising budget in the US is in the order of $70-80 million/year, when, if, my memory serves me well, Lexus spends about $300 million; Audi sells about 90K unit a year in the US, Lexus about 300K+ units. In the US money=sales.
In Europe, different story...

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2007 8:40:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

STUD. I always liked the A4, and this one rocks!!

— delan (View Profile)

Posted on 8/31/2007 11:50:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

What an amazing car. A 60% rear biased quattro layout with increased interior space, a more sporting drive and a class leading interior

Audi's sales growth will continue stronger than ever.

Look for Audi to outsell Mercedes either this year or next.

— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 9/1/2007 6:02:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1