The advent of a new model generation is evident at first glance: the open-top four-seater now has the single-frame grille that typifies the brand. The newly styled rear lights add a further visual touch. The car’s taut styling, clear surfaces and tension-packed shoulder line extending along the entire body are characteristic features of the A4/S4 Cabriolet.The car’s technology lives up to the promise made by its new styling: the A4 Cabriolet is being launched with two engines which are being offered for the Audi A4 Cabriolet for the very first time. FSI and turbo FSI technology represent the most advanced state of the art for gasoline engines. The sporty yet comfortable dynamic suspension converts the power delivered by these units into sheer driving pleasure – on every bend, on every mile of the journey.
Innovative and highly sophisticated technologies are an integral part of practically all vehicle areas and components: the adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights are proof of this, as indeed is quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
The quality of materials and workmanship in the interior are of a standard that need not fear comparison with the luxury class. The architecture of the driver’s area, especially the cockpit – a perfect synthesis of ergonomics, function and design – is pioneering.
The design
Self-assured in appearance: the striking single-frame grille and newly styled clear-glass headlights with their curving, emotional line give the new Audi A4 Cabriolet a completely new face. The trapezoidal shape of the single-frame grille is continued in the more prominent contours of the engine hood.
The front end shows visible evidence of the new generation of the S4 Cabriolet. Like the S4 sedan, the Cabriolet features the S-specific grid pattern in the singleframe grille. The bumpers with large air inlets, the aluminium-look casings for the exterior mirrors, the redesigned rear lights and the four oval tailpipes are the distinguishing visual features of the S4 Cabriolet.
Taut lines and clear surfaces that hold no secrets, coupled with a tension-packed shoulder line extending along the entire length of the body, produce a look that is simultaneously powerful and elegant. The rear end is distinguished by newly designed lights of clear-glass appearance which also emphasize the Cabriolet’s premium quality from behind. The new rear diffuser underscores the car’s sports character.
The modern and innovatively designed interior fits in with the progressive look of the car’s exterior styling. The new-generation steering wheels provide an entirely new visual touch inside the A4/S4 Cabriolet. Their characteristic element is the airbag cover with its single-frame design. Door sill trims with aluminum inserts and numerous aluminum inlays are a standard feature of all new A4 and S4 Cabriolet versions.
Inside, the S4 Cabriolet differs in appearance from its A4 brothers. The instrument cluster has the grey dials that are characteristic of S models and special needles. Power adjustable sports seats with leather upholstery further differentiate the S4 Cabriolet.
Inlays in Walnut or Fine grain birch wood grey can be ordered. These are attributes that also emphasize the special exclusiveness and elegance of the interior of current A4 models.
Almost all convertibles look good with the top down, but only a few are equally as attractive with the top up. The Audi A4 Cabriolet cuts an extremely fine figure both open and closed. The fully automatic, electro-hydraulic roof can be operated when driving at a speed of up to 19 mph – an advantageous feature that is not to be underestimated in the city, for example, where it is not always possible to stop suddenly. Thanks to its good thermal insulation and glass rear window, the Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet can also be used without restriction in the winter.
As an option Audi also offers an acoustic roof, which goes even further in the direction of insulation. By using new fabrics with a greater material density, the noise level inside the cabin is reduced further, virtually matching that of the A4 sedan, even at highway speeds.
Engines and transmissions
Audi is now also offering two highly modern engines with FSI gasoline direct injection for the new A4 Cabriolet: the 3.2 FSI V6 and the turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI. These combine high performance with a spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal and a peak-torque range at a high level.
The 3.2 FSI V6 produces 255 hp at 6500 rpm, and 243 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3250 rpm. About 90 percent of the engines peak torque is available from 1900-5900 rpm, allowing for strong acceleration in any gear, at any speed.
The 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder was the first engine to combine turbocharging and direct gasoline injection when it was initially launched. Producing 200 hp from 5100-6000 rpm, and 207 ft.-lbs. of torque between 1800-5000 rpm, the 2.0 TFSI is a marvel of power and efficiency.
The Audi S4 Cabriolet is propelled by a 340 hp eight-cylinder engine. Its maximum power output is reached at 7,000 rpm. The 4.2-litre engine delivers a hefty 302 ft. lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Thanks to such a superior power flow from the substantial displacement, this naturally aspirated engine acquires an air of supreme confidence.
All three engines have been named to the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list in the last two years, a further testament to their advanced design and abilities.
These three engines deliver their power to the road either via the front wheels or by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Customers can choose from a continuously variable Multitronic transmission (2.0 TFSI FrontTrak), a six-speed manual with a 40:60 front to rear torque split (S4), and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (standard 2.0TFSI quattro and 3.2, option on S4).
The chassis
The set-up of the dynamic suspension system, with four-link front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension, has been completely modified and numerous new components added. Audi’s chassis engineers have made extensive changes in the area of elastokinematics, and to the spring and shock absorber settings.
The steering has been completely modified to give the driver greater precision, but also better feedback from the road when cruising. In connection with this, the engineers adopted several mountings and the dimensions of the front and rear shock absorbers from the Audi A6; the rear trapezoidal links and the front track rods originate from the S4 sedan.
These modifications add up to a significantly higher level of agility and precise handling, combined with first-class ride comfort – all qualities which benefit drivers of the Audi A4 Cabriolet. This also applies to the brakes, the dimension and consequently performance of which have been adapted to suit the potential of the new engines.
Equipment and trim
The Audi A4/S4 Cabriolets offers a standard equipment list that sets a benchmark in the midsize class. Every new A4 Cabriolet, for example, comes with an electric roof and dual-zone automatic climate control, nine-speaker audio system, power one-touch windows, driver information display, cruise control, large ski sack, and numerous other features you’d expect to find in a luxury convertible.
Safety is standard, not optional
The Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet’s A-posts are reinforced very effectively by means of high-strength tubes and their optimised structure – an indispensable source of extra safety if the car should roll over.
Sills with an optimised thickness and cross-section boost the occupant cell's strength and optimise occupant protection. High-strength tubes are also used in the seat structure, as a means of protecting the occupants in the event of a lateral collision.
The doors in particular have to be designed with safety in mind. In conjunction with structural reinforcements in the sills and a strengthening cross-member below the rear seat, special impact absorbing beams in the doors help ensure a high standard of safety. At the car's rear end, the double rear panel improves the rigidity of the body.
The comprehensive safety package contains seat belts with belt-force limiter and belt tensioner for all passengers, together with full-size front and side airbags. The side airbags integrated into the front seats are designed to protect the head and thorax.
If the car should roll over, a roll-over protection system in the double rear bulkhead adds to the occupants' safety. In this case, two protective bars, controlled by sensors, are triggered behind the rear passengers within milliseconds. Together with the extremely rigid windscreen frame, they help to preserve survival space for all occupants if the car turns over.
The standard electronic stabilization program ESP 8.0 with hydraulic brake assist provides for maximum active safety.
All seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel belts (the front belts have belt-force limiters and belt tensioners, plus a seat belt reminder for the driver) and head restraints. The safety equipment specification also includes a driver’s airbag activated in two stages and side airbags.
Warranty
The 2007 Audi A4 and S4 Cabriolets come with an outstanding combination of warranties and protection. This top-rated package includes:
• Four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
• 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation
• 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years provided by Road America
© Source: original article on fourtitude.com
