AnimaTTor

Popular European car magazines such as AutoCar to AutoBild are ablaze speculating on what Audi's much-anticipated next-generation A4 and A5 models would look and feel like. Dozens of CGI's have already graced the front covers of these car tabloids depicting a sleeker and more aggressive A4 sedan.

The recent unveiling of the RoadJet concept, strongly rumored to be based on the actual platform of the next A4/A5, provided more inspiration for second wave of A4 CGI's.

The following is a summery of the forthcoming A4's speculative CGI's along with the most reliable rumors concerning the new model's platform architecture, drive train, and on-board technology:

<img src="http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/9064/213306046is.jpg">

According to Autobild, the A5 Coupe will be launched first in early 2007, followed by the A4 sedan later that year, and the Avant variant by mid 2008. A roadjet version will make its debut in late 2008 as well. The Q5 SUV and A5 Cabriolet complete the basic lineup in early 2009.

<img src="http://media.autobild.de/bild/6/6b6be16e51e149c0a600733fd0e0fcb6_1.jpg">

Autobild also states that a new flexible platform architecture called MLB ('Modularer Langsbaukasten' or Modular-length components) will debut on the new A4/A5. It will also be used for the next A6 and A8 models. The platform will allow for a vastly improved front/rear weight distribution by pushing the engine rearwards and exchanging the gearbox and differential positions. Front overhangs will also be reduced, just like in the RoadJet concept.

Much of this information is consistent with what Audi representatives have said in the last two major auto shows.

<img src="http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/1156/1106tn8ce.jpg">

Automobile magazine has even more specific platform and engine speculation that also corroborates, at least partially, with what we've been hearing from official Audi sources.

The magazine claims that the engine lineup will stay the same in terms of displacement, but will increase in power. The base 2.0TFSI will be uprated to 210hp while the 3.2 FSI V6 will increase to 265hp. The S4's 4.2 liter V8 will also get a boost to 350hp.

<img src="http://www.autospies.com/images/uploads/large/SP32-20060127-185829_0.jpg">

Almost all magazines have predicted that a newly developed 7 speed DSG (now called `S-Tronic') will finally be fitted as an option to the A4's entire longitudinal engine lineup. The slow and dated Tiptronic will be completely phased out.

All quattro equipped A4's and A5's are predicted to have the rear-biased torque distribution first seen on the B7 S4 and RS4's.

MMI will continue to be the core onboard technology center with unique new features such as seats that adjust the occupant's weight and height and even an MP3 player that is incorporated into the ignition key.

<img src="http://media.autobild.de/bild/E/5406c353fa9b8c3d7e003c1af599385e_1.jpg">

Automobile magazine also echoes recent Audi executive comments that the next A4 will be a major step for the company, making as much of a positive impact on the company as the original A4 did back in 1996.

From all accounts, both official and rumored, the next A4/A5 will take Audi to the next level of premium automobile status. The notion of Audi unseating BMW's 3 Series to become the maker of the world's best sports sedan appears to be a very real possibility.

April

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