What’s New for 2009: Audi
Critical Knowledge:
2009 Audi A3:
The entry-level model in the Audi lineup receives a minor refreshing for the new model year. Most visibly, the exterior has been restyled with a decidedly more sporty appearance in the fenders, grille and hood. The headlights have also been visibly altered. The changes carry into the cabin where passengers will find new aluminum accents, and updated instrumentation. While the engines are unchanged, the “S tronic” dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive quattro driveline are now available on the 2.0T model. In addition, Audi is now making its magnetic ride suspension available on both A3 models for 2009.
2009 Audi A4:
All new for 2009, the Audi A4 is up nearly 5 inches in length compared to its predecessor. Headroom and shoulder room have increased, offering additional comfort to occupants. Trunk capacity is a generous 17 cubic feet. According to Audi, this is a volume greater than any competitor offers. In a trend that will eventually cover the entire model range, Audi has moved the engine/transmission back several inches for improved handling and ride dynamics, the company says. Like the Audi A3 and Audi A6, the new A4 will be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive (FWD and AWD—Audi’s quattro system) versions. Two engines—a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.2-liter 6-cylinder—will be available.
2009 Audi Q5:
All new for 2009, the Q5 is smaller than its sibling, the 7-passenger Audi Q7. However, the 5-passenger Audi Q5 is decidedly sportier in overall appearance, execution, and performance. Standard interior appointments include leather seating surfaces and real wood trim, accented by thin aluminum surrounds. The Q5 will come standard with an automatic 3-zone climate control system and the third generation of Audi’s MMI system. A HDD-based navigation system, with real-time traffic information, and Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface are both optional. Like the Audi A4 and Audi A6, the engine and driveline offerings will include Audi’s quattro AWD, and the 3.2-liter 6-cylinder powerplant.
2009 Audi Q7:
Audi’s 7-passenger SUV gets a diesel option for 2009. Known as the Q7 V12 TDI, the 12-cylinder powerplant will produce 500 hp and 758 lb.-ft. of torque. While it is still unknown whether the model will be sold in all 50 states, most are estimating the new engine will deliver fuel economy of about 20 mpg on the highway. Wheels and headlamps differentiate the V12 TDI from its gasoline-burning siblings.
2009 Audi TT:
The Audi TT coupé gets a performance upgrade for 2009: It’s called the Audi TT-S. While it shares the 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the standard Audi TT, the powerplant in the Audi TT-S has been tweaked from the standard 200 hp to 272 hp. Audi’s dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission will send power through a standard quattro permanent AWD system. The suspension has been upgraded with magnetic ride adaptive dampening, and a sporty appearance package sets the high-performance model apart from its lesser siblings.—Michael Harley
