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The Spies Catch The New Audi A4 On The Road In North America For The First Time

Agent009 submitted on 02/27/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:47 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[86] user comments | category: New Cars

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The Spies Catch The New Audi A4 On The Road In North America For The First Time

As you all know 001 is braving the bitter northern elements testing the new Audi diesels in Canada.

But as he found the new diesels weren't the only thing new up there from Audi. How about the first shots of the new Audi A4 on North American soil?

Coming to the US in the next few months the all new A4 should be a hit in the all important midsize segment competing against the venerable BMW 3-Series.

So we have to ask is this an improvement from its predecessor?

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Teknik - 2/27/2008 5:01:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+12 Boost

I wish Audi the best of success with this car, but they need to step it up on their normally aspirated V6 variant if they want to compete with the G35, 335i, and IS350. The new S4 with a turbo V6 will help, but might price itself out of the competition just like the current S4.

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1uberaudi - 2/27/2008 7:02:35 PM

-11 Boost

Teknik-I see your point. But you need to remember the loss of power from the engine to the rear wheels on the G35/37, 335i, and IS350. You lose 17% of your power when you go from engine to axle, to rear wheels. When your putting 265HP to the ground via Quattro, you have no loss of power. You are actually more powerful as the cars you listed. Not to mention no engine braking if your rear wheel drive car gets in a little wet weather. This new A4 is going to revolutionize the way German mid-size cars are suppose to handle and perform. Not to mention the superior fit and finish of the new A4.

LexSucks - 2/27/2008 7:31:59 PM

+11 Boost

"When your putting 265HP to the ground via Quattro, you have no loss of power. You are actually more powerful as the cars you listed. "

- Not True. I'm not even going to waste my time explaining.

aarononymous - 2/27/2008 8:08:49 PM

+6 Boost

I had a new G35 sedan rental for a training seminar, the interior was kinda meh, and as soon as you touched the gas it was like you were drag racing every car at the lights. It was fun, but liked to break the rear wheels loose.

I've driven a few A5's with the new 3.2 & the power seemed more than adequate, alonge with the previous 3.2 after they're broken in, but I've yet to drive any of the top MB,BMW,Lexus V6 equipped motors...

Teknik - 2/27/2008 10:26:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

1uberaudi,

Come on now, I know you are smarter than those comments that you just made.

Do you honestly think that a 265HP Audi A4 quattro can hang with a G35S or 335i around a track or in the 1/4 mile?

The average drivetrain loss for an AWD car is 20-21%, where-as a RWD car is 17-18%. When the A4 gets torque vectoring, that may help around the track, but it still will not overcome the major power deficit.

As others have said, I am not really impressed with the interior. It is just a smaller copy of the A5 and A6. Fit and finish will be top-notch, but where is the originality?

Like I said before, I still wish Audi success, but this is a tough segment to compete in.

validus00 - 2/28/2008 3:32:06 AM

+2 Boost

i think he confused "traction" and "power".

ignore what he said or just replace "traction" where he used "power".

also engine braking doesn't just affect rear wheel drive cars. it unfortunately affects all cars with healthy engines. if your engine doesn't engine brake, go see your nearest mechanic/dealership :D

M35MT - 2/28/2008 8:06:16 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Not only that but you get understear with the A4, whereas with a G35x (I assume its the same for the 335i and Lexus is STUPID for not having an AWD IS350) when on dry pavement it's 100% to the rear wheels - your only difference between that and the RWD G35 is the 200lbs of extra weight.

Love the new look. Interior is much better with Aluminum trim.

Agent009 - 2/28/2008 9:35:23 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Teknik- your power loss figures between the RWD and AWD are pretty close.

But I think think they a bit lower now due to efficiency improvements. The last time I heard quote they were on the order of 14-17% for RWD and 18-21% for AWD.

Can anyone shed more light on this?

henbmw - 2/28/2008 12:11:06 PM

+1 Boost

"You lose 17% of your power when you go from engine to axle, to rear wheels. When your putting 265HP to the ground via Quattro, you have no loss of power. You are actually more powerful as the cars you listed."

Goodness. Someone needs to read up on automotive engineering.

4x4rules - 2/29/2008 12:57:38 PM

+1 Boost

MOre horsepower is always good!!

however I dont see a large segment of this markets buyers flocking to buy G37's. Boy racers may talk about this comparison, but I feel its probably a different market.

As for looks NICE, definitaly a nod to the A5 and more aggressive, and the interior is just the way I like it-although there is a lot of s.h.i.t popping up near the shifter..........could be a problem in S RS models.

IamEvilHomer - 2/29/2008 1:02:58 PM

+2 Boost

the 335 will compair with the 3.0T A4

stop talking about understear/ go drive an A5 and you will understand the A4/ Very nice car

xj13 - 2/27/2008 5:01:54 PM

+8 Boost

Another great looking machine from the boys at Audi.

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1uberaudi - 2/27/2008 7:12:55 PM

+6 Boost

AMEN!!

Porschinator - 2/27/2008 5:09:57 PM

+5 Boost

Def a great car. Interesting how German cars are moving button form the center stack to the shifter area. At this rate they will have more buttons surrounding the stick than on the dash! =) Interior is OK and exterior retains the classic look.

My only issue with Audi is that its entire A series line up exterior is too similar to eachother. Unlike BMW and MB.

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w209w114 - 2/27/2008 5:25:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

I agree with you completely. The new front is beautiful just like the A5's

1uberaudi - 2/27/2008 7:07:52 PM

-1 Boost

Porschinator-A couple of things. The interior compared to what is just OK. The A4's interior, like the performance of a Porsche, has no equal. Also, I can't tell a 3 series from a 5 series, a 5 series from a 7 series. I also can't tell a C-class from an E class and an E class from a S class. So I don't understand were your coming from on your comment.

henbmw - 2/28/2008 12:15:35 PM

+1 Boost

"Also, I can't tell a 3 series from a 5 series, a 5 series from a 7 series. I also can't tell a C-class from an E class and an E class from a S class."

HOW????? Do you have eyes? The 3 and 5 and 7 series look NOTHING like each other. The new C-Class, E and S look NOTHING like each other.

RSharma - 3/1/2008 1:45:23 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that Audi interiors are some of the most beautiful and well finished interiors on the market, but what I can't understand is why in the A4 and A5 (and maybe others, I haven't checked), the CD module is above the climate control module. CC is a much more frequently utilized control system than a 6 CD changer. It seems terribly unintuitive to have the climate control lower, behind the shift lever where it is hard to reach and see. Additionally, the CD changer is a boring and bland design compared to the buttons/colors/lights of a climate system. It seems as if even for aesthetics, the CC system should be above the CD system. Then again, I've never sat in either of these cars, so maybe pictures are misleading.

EvoAudi - 2/27/2008 5:31:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

I love it. It pisses me off that a lot of people say this looks exactly like a B7.

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1uberaudi - 2/27/2008 7:09:10 PM

+5 Boost

EvoAudi-Good point.Unless your high on Oxycotin do you think this car looks like the B7.

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jeffgall - 2/27/2008 7:28:25 PM

+3 Boost

Next few months? Has Audi moved up the launch date from September/October time frame?

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1uberaudi - 2/27/2008 7:30:30 PM

+4 Boost

No, however Audi will have teaser A4's on there lot in June/July.

IamEvilHomer - 2/29/2008 1:00:59 PM

+2 Boost

they might have a demo by july but i hope they don't

we only want the car when we can sell them

LexSucks - 2/27/2008 7:32:49 PM

-4 Boost

The car need a more powerful engine period.

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VISO - 2/27/2008 10:19:28 PM

+1 Boost

That is why they have an S4.

LexSucks - 2/27/2008 11:56:24 PM

+5 Boost

The S4 will do it but it comes at a price.

Audi seems to have a problem offering a 300hp vehicle for under $50K. Lexus, infiniti, BMW all offer 300hp cars for under $50K. Why can't Audi?

IamEvilHomer - 2/29/2008 1:05:01 PM

+3 Boost

lex- will if you can't afford an Audi there will always be BMW

S4cabriofoxone - 2/27/2008 7:40:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

It looks fantastic. I LOVE the front end.

I think they should just dump the V6 altogether. It should be A4 (only available with 200-230hp 2.0T), S4 (300-350hp twin-turbo V6) and RS4 (420-500hp V8).

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/27/2008 7:41:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

And BTW--prices:

A4 - $30-35K (depending on AWD and transmission)

S4 - $40-45K (ditto)

RS4 - $55K (in line with new M3 and C63, which have identical $54K pricetags, and the $56K IS-F)

EvoAudi - 2/27/2008 8:33:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

More like-

A4-28k-42k
S4-45k-52k
RS4-55-60k

That's including the fully loaded avant models.

ATrain - 2/27/2008 8:36:07 PM

+2 Boost

S4,

When was the last time you checked pricing? S4 starts at $48k and RS4 at $67k. I was just in the market for one and there is no discounting on top of that.

As for the questions, the exterior is very nice - nicer than MB, BMW and Lexus IMO. However, the interior took a step back w/ this generation. It borrows too heavily from the A6, which I don't like.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/27/2008 9:44:34 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

"When was the last time you checked pricing? S4 starts at $48k and RS4 at $67k. I was just in the market for one and there is no discounting on top of that."

I don't think you understand.

That's what I THINK should happen.

I think the S4 should be positioned as the mid-level model (335xi class), the A4 should compete with the 328xi, and the RS4, the M3. The A4 3.2 should be eliminated. The current S4 and RS4 have effectively priced themselves out of both of their classes. The RS4 being $12K more than the M3 sedan is not justifiable. I hope Audi realizes that.

ATrain - 2/28/2008 4:50:09 AM

+3 Boost

Go it. In that case, I would agree w/ you.

4x4rules - 2/29/2008 1:02:02 PM

+3 Boost

Evoaudi

unfortunately the current RS4 is pretty much $66,000 base price. Ive not seen it lower.

to those who are saying all audis look the same..........you need thicker glasses!

I cant wait to drive the RS5!!!!

MunichRob - 2/27/2008 7:43:51 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

It looks big for an A4 in pictures, more like the size of an A6. In a couple years the design will probably look dated like the A6 is now, so honestly I'm a little disappointed with the new A4, especially since the A5 is so beautiful.

Though it does have the best in class interior hands down.

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no1listensanyway - 2/27/2008 8:28:35 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

I agree with you as far as the design goes. Its not really that evolutionary - its more refreshed then anything else. As far as the interior, I think the center consule has way too many buttons for the size of it. Looks kind of cluttered.

ATrain - 2/27/2008 8:38:41 PM

+4 Boost

Taste is a personal thing but the A4 is much nicer, IMO, than the A5. I find the latter boring and inferior to the 3-series (coupe of course).

S4cabriofoxone - 2/27/2008 9:46:56 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

I actually think it looks fantastic. I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you see it in person. I saw it @ the auto show, and it was just as good as I could possibly hope. There was also a silver S5 with its LEDs on... WOW. Absolutely beautiful.

I honestly don't believe this car will look the least bit dated until the year it's redesigned. They changed it in all the right places. It makes the B7 look dowdy.

VISO - 2/27/2008 10:21:29 PM

0 Boost

The A6 looks much more current then a 5-Series, especially in S-line form.

Chip - 2/28/2008 2:27:25 AM

+4 Boost

S4, I agree that its a major improvement over the B7. To me the design is very modern and classy.

I do they think they should throw in a more powerful engine to have a true competitor to the 335i though. That shouldnt be the S4's job, they need to really bump that cars power up as well.

But the new A4 looks as a 2009 Audi should.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 7:55:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

I agree--like I said, bump the power, lower the price, dump the 3.2!

jeffgall - 2/27/2008 8:26:00 PM

+6 Boost

I'm working with Audi to extend my current A4 lease so I can get a new one when it comes out. As long as I place an order, they'll extend it for me until the new one comes in. Hope they package features like the A5.

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djrickp - 2/27/2008 8:28:01 PM

+1 Boost

Looks pretty sharp although the Nav area looks kind of cheesy in those photos.

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huu76 - 2/27/2008 9:40:52 PM

-2 Boost

Is this an actual new design, or another update? On the interior shot, the hardware looks the same except everything is in different positions on the dash.

The centre console does have touches of the A6 though.

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bmwfan1513 - 2/27/2008 9:53:11 PM

+4 Boost

It is a nice car.

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utahnkid - 2/27/2008 10:00:05 PM

+3 Boost

Didn't VW develop a really cool 4 cylinder turbo/super charged engine? I'd love to see that in the base A4 and just totally discontinue the V6.. Make the A4 have one really good engine instead of an underpowered one and a V6 that can't even keep up with a Camry... The exterior is absolutely beautiful, the interior is perfect.. but if it came down to actually buying one I don't think I'd be able to live with one of those engine choices.

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ILikeLambo - 2/28/2008 12:50:54 AM

+2 Boost

the super and turbocharged 4 was supposed to go into one of their concepts cant remember which one though

S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 1:15:44 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

That's what I said--dump the V6. A4 should have a 2.0T with ~230hp and DSG, S4 should have 3.0TT V6 with ~350hp and DSG, RS4 should have ~450hp and a manual with DSG available. NO MORE A4 3.2.

1995e34 - 2/27/2008 10:12:09 PM

+1 Boost

looks great. i don't think the interior looks any better than the current 3-series though (which i think is second only to the new cts).

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audihater - 3/1/2008 3:18:21 PM

+1 Boost

thats wrong... have you ever sat in the new CTS? the "aluminium" is all plastic and it feels more like a chevy malibu than a $40K sport-luxury car.

rdce34 - 2/27/2008 10:23:21 PM

+2 Boost

Hey, the older Audi A4s were pretty good cars. My daughter has a 2004 A4 1.8l turbo Quattro. Very nice interior and sure does well in Wisconsin snow. Not so sure I like some details on the new A4.

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amazinBimmer - 2/27/2008 10:31:29 PM

-7 Boost

look slike the sudi moron convention got a new member.. 1uberaudi... I just read you first "loss at the rear wheels" blog.. and just couldnt help laughing.. I think technik got you slapped down, but it just shows the intellect of the average audi owner i assume you are at least as wealthy to buy a a4 2.0 whatever). hahah. or are you germanut.?

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Agent63 - 2/27/2008 11:02:18 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It will be another nicely built Audi with premium materials with superb fine and finishing. However it doesn't look exciting. I actually like the current(outgoing) A4's tail lights better than this A5 inspired one.

The interior may look better with either tan or black leather. I won't be too quick to judge as I want to see the aluminum trim with the black weather.

I'm just surprised A4 doesn't have the hype like it's competitors have. The C-Class even had more anticipation than the A4. After all they did refresh the front and rear ends leaving the interior unchanged just to buy some time(example: 02-08).

I don't know. A person driving an A4 is respectable but no wow factor to the price you pay. You could buy a 335i which packs a lot of punch for that money or buy a well equipped G37 coupe that is faster than the A4, C-Class and the IS-F.. orrrr even the Acura TL for bang for buck value and the build quality isn't bad everything feels solid and it feels luxurious when you sit inside.

Anyways, boring interior, boring exterior as it stands now. I'm sure with an S-line package or S4/RS4 it'll be completely different.

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Teknik - 2/27/2008 11:31:27 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

We saw this interior design 3 years ago in the Audi A6. Why would there be hype about it? I wish Audi would have done something different, it just seems like they are getting lazy. The window-line is the same since the original A4, but the front and back have evolved over the years. It is going to be a good car for sure, but will it stand out from the tough crowd? That is the big question.

ThierryHenry14 - 2/27/2008 11:57:45 PM

+2 Boost

great review...

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bmwdrvr - 2/27/2008 11:59:29 PM

+1 Boost

this car looks like the old a4 and a6 combined......at least its interior appears to be more upscale than whats in the A5. Maybe those just arent good pics but its look pretty boring, and derivative. Its hard to tell it from the old a4, or current a6 from those pics, all those is obviously new is the front end which looks like the A5. The best pic ive seen was a white s line version which still looked like an old a4 and current a6 but at least looked nice this one looks kinda low rent on the outside.

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MunichRob - 2/28/2008 12:50:46 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I don't know I guess from what people are saying you have to see it in person to really appreciate it. Don't get me wrong I love the front end & I don’t think the car looks bad at all, I just feel it could’ve used a little more style basically, there’s no denying it is sporting some conservative design language.

After seeing the A5 I was expecting the A4 to have a similar character line, which I absolutely love on the A5. I probably would have had a more positive reaction towards the new A4 had it come out before the A5.

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LexSucks - 2/28/2008 1:14:48 AM

+1 Boost

I saw one drive by a couple weeks ago BTW. The car looked really nice (and big'ish) but the tail-lights aren't up to the standards of the headlights IMO. He had the headlights on when he approached and while he was pulling away I was expecting a visual treat from the tail-lights as well. What I was greeted with were ordinary regular looking tail-lights. They really should have gave the thing LEDs! Audi always manages to mess up a thing or two IMO.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 1:19:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yeah, I'm starting to really like my plan (LOL).

I am getting very sick of the 3.2 and can't wait for them to get rid of it. It's just boring. It's smooth and sounds nice, but it's soulless. I was flabbergasted when they dropped the 2.7T--with a little up in displacement, it could've been so much better. Alas, I was right, because from that time on Audi's V6s have been underwhelming, especially in light of their fantastic turbo four, V8 and V10 variants. Maybe we should start a petition for them to "Kill the 3.2." And bring back the turbos!!!

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Teknik - 2/28/2008 2:34:21 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

S4,

You of all people should know that the 2.7T was a reliability and servicing nightmare. Audi already has suspect reliability in the minds of consumers, it is a good thing that they dropped that engine. Yes, it was very mod'able, but 95% of consumers don't care. Plus, it was a heavy iron-block engine that hurt f/r weight distribution.

VAG already has a 300HP 3.6-Liter FSI VR6 in their parts bin for the R36 Passat. So, we all know they are capable of making a high power normally aspirated V6. If they keep using S-Line, S4, and RS4, they will never be able to align properly with their competitors, especially on price which is their biggest mistake.

My 2 cents...

Heyhuub - 2/28/2008 11:08:39 AM

+2 Boost

Why can't you just think te euro way, an engine for everyone's taste.
The 3.2 is excellent competition for the 330i and C350.

According to the German magazine Sport Auto, it is nothing short on power. When they last tested it on the track, it's time actually matched the 335i, while crushing the C350 by 2 seconds.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 7:57:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

"You of all people should know that the 2.7T was a reliability and servicing nightmare."

My A6 2.7T was flawless. My brother's B5 S4 was also mechanically perfect. I understand that not everyone had such a great experience, but is it not hard to imagine Audi making a more reliable twin-turbo engine today?

chewy - 2/29/2008 12:53:38 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

those that own/have driven the A5 say that the new 3.2 B8 vehicles are far apart from the 3.2 A6 or current A4

GermanNut - 2/28/2008 1:27:34 AM

+1 Boost

what a useless post amazinMoron. Audi is growing stronger by the second. Look at Audi's innovation with their TDI models, R8 supercar, aluminum frame, R8 with V10.

Audi is stretching the boundaries of performance, fuel efficiency and innovation.

The true hallmark of a great brand that will sell over 1 million cars in 2008.

Looks like the 1 million annual sales club (BMW and Mercedes-Benz) has some company......

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audispy - 2/28/2008 7:05:49 AM

+5 Boost

Are you high on dilussional drugs! Cheap wood and dull interiors? Surely you weren't looking at the same car as everyone else.

I think it looks great and with the new chassis it should perform great as well. Audi is on the rise and there is no denying that.

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VISO - 2/28/2008 3:23:56 PM

+2 Boost

I suggest you look inside a 3-Series for zzzzzz.

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jeffgall - 2/28/2008 7:29:45 PM

+2 Boost

I agree. The 3 series interior has about the same interior quality as Nissan. Cheap plastics!!

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david999 - 2/28/2008 8:28:37 AM

-1 Boost

I still don't get what the hype is about with this vehicle. The interior does not carry any wow factor anymore in 2008, and the overall exterior look is quite boring
compared to what they have done with the A5.

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henbmw - 2/28/2008 12:08:31 PM

+4 Boost

That little chunk of wood on the passenger side dashboard looks kinds silly. Otherwise the interior is superb as usual.

The exterior looks brilliant with the S-Line package, they just need to update the less than spectacular engine lineup.

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sizquik - 2/28/2008 2:52:22 PM

-1 Boost

I agree. The wood looks completely out of place.

jeffgall - 2/28/2008 7:32:03 PM

+1 Boost

Wood will probably be optional. Standard (and better) should be aluminum, for those who want a more sporty look. I can't stand those who want wood in a sport sedan. Save it for Jaguar, Lexus, and Buick.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 7:59:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I don't think this is an S-Line model, which is great, because the S-Line will look even better.

JUGNU - 2/28/2008 2:18:12 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

all audis look same. I like this new A4 but it's extremely close the to last car both inside and out. And also the engines are the same.

Overall i like some styling touches but overall it's an OK looking car. Something like C Class. Rest in it's class look more attractive, sporty and Fresh.

JUGNU

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mikeydred20 - 2/28/2008 7:27:46 PM

+1 Boost

The front end does look very attractive but everything else is bland. The body style actually looks alot like the old A6. S4 you are one of the biggest haters on the Acura's new front end direction but this is no better. The interior is excellent though and it should do better in sales because yes the previous generation was a waist of money and was bland other than the S series.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 7:58:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"S4 you are one of the biggest haters on the Acura's new front end direction"

I love the MDX, hate the RL.

You can't just say "this is no better." That's simply an opinion. The appeal of the front end of a car can't be quantified.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/28/2008 8:00:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Personally, I think the standout in the A4 lineup will be the 3.0TDI. I can't wait for it to be released.

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commander104 - 2/29/2008 11:47:53 AM

+1 Boost

If D-TEC disappoints then I will choose this one

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Htay7500 - 2/29/2008 5:56:07 PM

+1 Boost

yay!! 3.2 quattro with stick ftw!

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