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Audi at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show: high-tech and top athletes


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The potent and stunningly attractive Audi S4 Cabriolet is destined to be one of the stars of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its output of 334 bhp and 410 Newton-metres of torque, in conjunction with quattro permanent four-wheel drive and sports suspension, add a new dimension to driving in the open four-seater category. The subtle, dynamic differentiation of the classically elegant Cabriolet body lends it an unmistakable flair.

There are two new V6 engines available for the Audi A8 luxury saloon: the 3.0 V6 petrol engine with an output of 220 bhp and multitronic continuously variable transmission, and a V6 TDI developing 233 bhp, again with a displacement of three litres. This power unit musters up an impressive 450 Newton-metres of torque, and its common rail fuel injection system and piezo injectors moreover represent a technological quantum leap in the domain of diesel saloon cars. Their ultra-quiet operation, low fuel consumption and ability to satisfy the EU 4 limits, also in conjunction with quattro drive and 6-speed tiptronic, represent a clear competitive advantage.

There are likewise two new versions of the A3 that are making their first public appearance at Frankfurt: the sporty 3.2 quattro (250 bhp) top-end model with the innovative Direct Shift Gearbox DSG, and the A3 1.6 FSI. The latter is equipped with a 115 bhp four-cylinder engine with petrol direct injection. The strengths of the FSI direct injection concept include agility as well as fuel consumption.

The range of engines for the A2 is now rounded off by a new top-end TDI: the 1.4-litre three-cylinder version will also be available with an output of 90 bhp and 230 Newton-metres of torque in the future. The front end of the new model, along with the other versions of the A2, has been visually modified: the central service flap between the headlights now has a lattice structure, giving the A2's face a visually distinctive new look.

2003-08-29 Please quote Autoindex.org if You use this news article!