Audi has acknowledged that it’s going to turn out to be an all-electric producer by the tip of this decade – however within the meantime the corporate is planning a final hurrah for combustion engines on a brand new, doubtlessly last model of its A4 compact government.
Anticipated to reach in 2023, the subsequent Audi A4 will keep on the identical MLB platform as the present era. However whereas it is going to function elevated electrification, together with delicate and plug-in hybrids, it is going to nonetheless be based mostly on a brand new era of petrol and diesel engines, described by Audi’s head of technical growth, Oliver Hoffman, as “the perfect we have now ever launched”.
Talking completely to Auto Specific, Hoffman mentioned the A4, which makes up round a fifth of Audi’s international gross sales, is a “super-important” mannequin for the agency.
“The event of the subsequent era of A4 is beneath method,” he advised us. “We’ll supply that automotive, and the A6, for lots of years. Manufacturing of the final new combustion-engined mannequin will start in 2025 and finish with a standard lifecycle in 2033. However we are going to launch some fashions quite a bit earlier.”
The A4 is anticipated to suit that timeline by arriving in 2023, and whereas a diesel model can be accessible, the majority of the line-up will use an extra growth of the VW Group’s ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
VW is alleged to have been engaged on variable-section generators throughout the turbocharger, designed to enhance throttle response at low speeds whereas delivering increased total energy outputs. We should always count on a better strain of gasoline injection, too, not least as a result of proper now the two.0-litre motor is crushed on that rating by the extra modest 1.5-litre TSI unit that options in lots of SEATs, Skodas and VWs.
Hoffman mentioned that the brand new petrol engines will function “extra electrification, for certain, to satisfy the regs”, and that is prone to embrace beefed-up 48-volt tech for the mild-hybrid variations and a bigger battery, mounted on the rear axle, for plug-in hybrid variations.
We will count on the A4 PHEVs to match different MLB fashions, notably the Q5, with a usable capability of 14.4kWh; this could permit Audi’s engineers to take intention on the 62 miles of electrical vary provided by the most recent Mercedes C 300 e.
The A4’s chassis set-up will stay largely unchanged, though the 48-volt electrics will supply higher scope for expertise reminiscent of energetic anti-roll bars to be provided as choices, or commonplace on higher-performance variants.
Our unique picture exhibits how the A4 will evolve, taking cues from Audi’s electrical manufacturing automobiles and ideas, whereas staying true to its current proportions. It’s anticipated to be only some millimetres longer, whereas the wheelbase can be largely the identical.
Inside, the step as much as 48v will convey higher connectivity, as a part of a pared-back dashboard that may function even fewer bodily controls. Audi’s engineers will be capable to shrink the centre console round toggle gear selectors, as a result of the automotive is prone to be provided with solely dual-clutch and torque-converter computerized gearboxes.
Regardless of the choice to retain petrol and diesel engines, Audi may additionally supply a pure-electric model, to offer it a rival for the likes of BMW’s much-vaunted all-electric i4, in addition to the Tesla Model 3. It will look much like the traditional fashions however not an identical.
When requested immediately if an all-electric A4 (prone to be badged A4 e-tron) could possibly be bought alongside the common variations, Hoffman mentioned: “We’re actually comfortable to have a powerful partnership throughout the Group – with Porsche for PPE [platform], with VW for MEB [platform], and our personal platform, the MLB. We’ve the ability to develop and produce devoted platforms for many applied sciences.
“We’ve checked out a platform the place we will have each powertrains, however it’s a compromise. So I’m actually comfortable that we’re ready and we have now the ability to do each.”
It appears doubtless that such a automotive would arrive later within the A4’s life, utilizing both a modified model of the PPE platform that may sit beneath the forthcoming Q6 e-tron, or the VW Group’s unified SSP structure, which is anticipated by 2025.
How the Audi A4 has advanced
B5 (1994-01)
The B5 designation issued for the first-generation A4 noticed the automotive proceed the lineage began by the Audi 80, making it the fifth era of Audi compact government
B6 (2001-06)
Good-looking B6 was penned by designers Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke. It launched V8 energy within the range-topping S4, whereas the sooner RS4 was but to return.
B7 (2004-07)
There was a brief life span for the B7, which was primarily a closely facelifted B6. Maybe that is the A4 greatest remembered by lovers because of the storming 414bhp RS4.
B8 (2008-2016)
Audi moved to the MLB platform for the B8-generation A4. A major improve in wheelbase was joined by the introduction of the primary A4 Allroad off-road property.
B9 (2016-present)
Present B9 launched vital connectivity and infotainment advances over the B8. Property-only RS 4 Avant goes with no V8 however turbo six-cylinder has
a wholesome 444bhp.
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