Image and vehicle data supplied by JATO Dynamics Ltd.
2008 Audi A4 Sedan
Media Center
What Changed for 2008:
Much like the larger A6, the compact Audi A4 traces its lineage back several decades. The earliest models, popular in Europe, were the Audi 80/90 from the 1970s. The 2005 model year marked the first of the current-generation A4, on a versatile platform shared with the Volkswagen Passat. Now in its third generation, the B7 chassis is offered in sedan, wagon and convertible models. The 2008 model year will be the last of this design, as the B8 chassis—set to sell as the 2009 A4 model—debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. The 2008 model year sees Audi further refining the platform by adding more options and standardizing a popular appearance package.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Audi A4 lineup offers sedan, Avant (wagon) or Cabriolet (convertible) models with a choice of four different engines. When combined with the three different transmission choices, and two driveline options, consumers are offered 22 different A4 models. The standard A4 models feature 4- or 6-cylinder power, and a choice of sedan, Avant or Cabriolet chassis. The S4 models are designed for higher performance levels. All feature 8-cylinder power, and upgraded hardware and interior appointments to accommodate more enthusiastic driving, according to Audi. The exterior and interior of the RS4 models feature upgraded upholstery, aerodynamics and mechanical hardware.
Standard equipment for all A4 models includes 12-way power front seats, power windows and locks, and dual-zone air conditioning with fully automatic climate control. The standard audio system is an AM/FM/MP3 unit with an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer. Satellite radio with iPod integration is available. All Cabriolet models feature a thermal-insulated power retractable roof with a heated glass window. Major options include the Premium package, Convenience package, Cold Weather package and Audio package.
New for 2008, all A4 and A4 Avant models receive the S line exterior package as standard. The A4 3.2 and S4 Cabriolet models receive standard heated front seats, and all S4 models receive standard Bluetooth. The S4 and RS4 get standard Sirius satellite radio while the RS4 is now offered with the Titanium and the Exclusive package.
All 2008 Audi A4/S4/RS4 models come with a 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty that includes a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation. Road America provides 24-hour roadside assistance for the first four years of ownership.
Powertrain
The Audi A4 family offers four different powerplants for the 2008 model year. The base engine, found in all 2.0T models, is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway. All 3.2 models receive a 6-cylinder, 3.2-liter engine rated at 255 hp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The S4 models are powered by an 8-cylinder engine rated at 340 hp and 302 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg city/21 mpg highway. The high-performance RS4 models feature a high-output version of the same 4.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 420 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
Most A4 models are available with a choice of transmission. FrontTrak (front-wheel-drive) vehicles are available with Audi’s Multitronic Auto CVT or a traditional 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicles featuring Audi’s quattro IV permanent all-wheel-drive system with torque-sensing center differential are available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. All A4 models ride on a 4-link front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes, with anti-lock control (ABS) are standard on all A4 models. The S4 and RS4 models offer significantly more performance-oriented suspension and braking systems, says Audi.
Safety
Driver and front passengers in all 2008 Audi A4 models are protected by two-stage, next-generation front air bags, side air bags, and front knee air bags. Front and rear seats are equipped with 3-point seat belts with the front seat belts featuring pre-tensioners. Closed cabin vehicles feature side curtain air bag protection, while open-top Cabriolet models feature seat-mounted thorax/head air bags. The A-pillars on the Cabriolet are specially reinforced, and an automatic rollover protection system consists of two protective bars that deploy from the space behind the rear passengers within milliseconds if the car should roll over. The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system is standard in the rear outboard seating positions. All 2008 A4 models have a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
The 2002-2008 Audi A4 has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The A4 earned a “Good” rating for the frontal offset test, and a “Good” rating for the side-impact test—the highest ratings issued by the institute. By also offering electronic stability control as standard equipment, the 2008 Audi A4 was chosen by the IIHS as a “Top Safety Pick” for 2008. The 2007-2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet was also crash tested by the IIHS, earning a “Good” rating for the frontal offset test, and a “Marginal” rating for the side-impact test.
Technology
The 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder and 3.2 FSI 6-cylinder powerplants in the 2008 Audi A4 both feature innovative direct-injection technology. Unlike traditional fuel injection that sprays fuel into the intake tract of the engine, direct injection employs special piezo injectors. These are designed to release a precise amount of fuel into the combustion chamber for more efficient combustion. The fuel is only supplied to the engine when needed, and the flow is stopped when it is not beneficial to engine power or economy, according to Audi. The 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder powerplant is also equipped with a single turbocharger to force intake air into the engine under pressure to further increase power output. With direct-injection technology, Audi claims, the 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder and 3.2 FSI 6-cylinder powerplants offer increased performance, better fuel economy and lowered emissions.
- Optional factory iPod integration
- Available S line interior package
- A4 and A4 Avant receive the S line exterior package standard
- A4 3.2 and S4 Cabriolet models receive standard heated front seats
- S4 models receive standard Bluetooth
- S4 offered with new RS 4-style 18-inch alloy wheels
- S4 and RS4 get standard Sirius satellite radio
- RS4 offered with new Titanium and Exclusive package
Much like the larger A6, the compact Audi A4 traces its lineage back several decades. The earliest models, popular in Europe, were the Audi 80/90 from the 1970s. The 2005 model year marked the first of the current-generation A4, on a versatile platform shared with the Volkswagen Passat. Now in its third generation, the B7 chassis is offered in sedan, wagon and convertible models. The 2008 model year will be the last of this design, as the B8 chassis—set to sell as the 2009 A4 model—debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. The 2008 model year sees Audi further refining the platform by adding more options and standardizing a popular appearance package.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Audi A4 lineup offers sedan, Avant (wagon) or Cabriolet (convertible) models with a choice of four different engines. When combined with the three different transmission choices, and two driveline options, consumers are offered 22 different A4 models. The standard A4 models feature 4- or 6-cylinder power, and a choice of sedan, Avant or Cabriolet chassis. The S4 models are designed for higher performance levels. All feature 8-cylinder power, and upgraded hardware and interior appointments to accommodate more enthusiastic driving, according to Audi. The exterior and interior of the RS4 models feature upgraded upholstery, aerodynamics and mechanical hardware.
Standard equipment for all A4 models includes 12-way power front seats, power windows and locks, and dual-zone air conditioning with fully automatic climate control. The standard audio system is an AM/FM/MP3 unit with an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer. Satellite radio with iPod integration is available. All Cabriolet models feature a thermal-insulated power retractable roof with a heated glass window. Major options include the Premium package, Convenience package, Cold Weather package and Audio package.
New for 2008, all A4 and A4 Avant models receive the S line exterior package as standard. The A4 3.2 and S4 Cabriolet models receive standard heated front seats, and all S4 models receive standard Bluetooth. The S4 and RS4 get standard Sirius satellite radio while the RS4 is now offered with the Titanium and the Exclusive package.
All 2008 Audi A4/S4/RS4 models come with a 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty that includes a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation. Road America provides 24-hour roadside assistance for the first four years of ownership.
Powertrain
The Audi A4 family offers four different powerplants for the 2008 model year. The base engine, found in all 2.0T models, is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway. All 3.2 models receive a 6-cylinder, 3.2-liter engine rated at 255 hp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The S4 models are powered by an 8-cylinder engine rated at 340 hp and 302 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg city/21 mpg highway. The high-performance RS4 models feature a high-output version of the same 4.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 420 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
Most A4 models are available with a choice of transmission. FrontTrak (front-wheel-drive) vehicles are available with Audi’s Multitronic Auto CVT or a traditional 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicles featuring Audi’s quattro IV permanent all-wheel-drive system with torque-sensing center differential are available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. All A4 models ride on a 4-link front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes, with anti-lock control (ABS) are standard on all A4 models. The S4 and RS4 models offer significantly more performance-oriented suspension and braking systems, says Audi.
Safety
Driver and front passengers in all 2008 Audi A4 models are protected by two-stage, next-generation front air bags, side air bags, and front knee air bags. Front and rear seats are equipped with 3-point seat belts with the front seat belts featuring pre-tensioners. Closed cabin vehicles feature side curtain air bag protection, while open-top Cabriolet models feature seat-mounted thorax/head air bags. The A-pillars on the Cabriolet are specially reinforced, and an automatic rollover protection system consists of two protective bars that deploy from the space behind the rear passengers within milliseconds if the car should roll over. The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system is standard in the rear outboard seating positions. All 2008 A4 models have a tire-pressure-monitoring system.
The 2002-2008 Audi A4 has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The A4 earned a “Good” rating for the frontal offset test, and a “Good” rating for the side-impact test—the highest ratings issued by the institute. By also offering electronic stability control as standard equipment, the 2008 Audi A4 was chosen by the IIHS as a “Top Safety Pick” for 2008. The 2007-2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet was also crash tested by the IIHS, earning a “Good” rating for the frontal offset test, and a “Marginal” rating for the side-impact test.
Technology
The 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder and 3.2 FSI 6-cylinder powerplants in the 2008 Audi A4 both feature innovative direct-injection technology. Unlike traditional fuel injection that sprays fuel into the intake tract of the engine, direct injection employs special piezo injectors. These are designed to release a precise amount of fuel into the combustion chamber for more efficient combustion. The fuel is only supplied to the engine when needed, and the flow is stopped when it is not beneficial to engine power or economy, according to Audi. The 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder powerplant is also equipped with a single turbocharger to force intake air into the engine under pressure to further increase power output. With direct-injection technology, Audi claims, the 2.0 TFSI 4-cylinder and 3.2 FSI 6-cylinder powerplants offer increased performance, better fuel economy and lowered emissions.