Frontraks are coming! (to the US)

[Pete4 1.8t]

This weekend I stopped by to look at the new A6's and I noticed that they had just gotten in their very first A4 with Multitronic. It was still under wraps but I could see the sticker, it was almost completely base other then heated seats and bluetooth. I was surprised to see the MSRP at $33k, if I'm not mistaken that's quite a price hike over the B7 Multitronic. Anyways always nice to see more variants coming here.

[AUDITOPGUN]

how do you figure the b7 retailed for 32500 with the same options. plus you are getting the best car in its class now bigger more power and top safety pick., with the economy the way it is. you are getting a great deal.

[Hockenheim]

What is frontrak?

[BMWBig6]

What is frontrak?

Audi-speak for Front-wheel drive (FWD). Comes with CVT (Multitronic) transmission.

[quattro.it]

Audi-speak for Front-wheel drive (FWD). Comes with CVT (Multitronic) transmission.

Audi's s/b quattro.

[Pete4 1.8t]

Frontraks have their own appeal. They are rated for good mileage. But yes they are FWD with Audi's multitronic (CVT) gearbox. I'd be interested to drive one, I drove a B7 with multitronic and quite liked it.

[Blake P]

Audi's s/b quattro.

+1

Quattro is the whole reason for buying an Audi, IMO.

[Hockenheim]

Audi-speak for Front-wheel drive (FWD). Comes with CVT (Multitronic) transmission.

is CVT the same as DSG?

[Charlescrs6]

is CVT the same as DSG?

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! DSG is in the R32 and A3, CVT is the cheap FWD tranny...

[iceboynyc]

+1

Quattro is the whole reason for buying an Audi, IMO.

+2

why would you want to buy a fwd Audi ...why dont they just change the symbol on those to 2 rings instead of 4 lol

[B8_Jim]

<snip> CVT is the cheap FWD tranny...

CVT is the continuously variable transmission and is currently the only transmission choice for FWD (for the B8 A4). As for expense -- the 6MT/quattro combination is only $850 more than the FWD/CVT combo. If I recall correctly, quattro was more than $850 difference even back when I bought my B5 -- so you could likely make a good case that the 6MT is the "cheap" transmission.

I prefer the 6MT/quattro combination.

[Hockenheim]

CVT is the continuously variable transmission and is currently the only transmission choice for FWD (for the B8 A4). As for expense -- the 6MT/quattro combination is only $850 more than the FWD/CVT combo. If I recall correctly, quattro was more than $850 difference even back when I bought my B5 -- so you could likely make a good case that the 6MT is the "cheap" transmission.

I prefer the 6MT/quattro combination.

me too,

[BMWBig6]

+2

why would you want to buy a fwd Audi ...why dont they just change the symbol on those to 2 rings instead of 4 lol

Actually, quite a few people (admittedly not the majority) have different priorities and aren't interested in Quattro, preferring the extra MPG offered by the FWD models. Some dealerships in Southern California and other temperate locations that don't see much snow/ice can't keep FWD/CVT models in stock. Not everyone who buys an Audi is an "enthusiast." But that doesn't mean a FWD Audi has to be completely lifeless and dull either. I know, because I own one (in addition to a Quattro-equipped Audi). The FWD Mk2 TT 2.0T has posted a respectable lap time of 8:40 around the Nürburgring (Nordschleife), beating plenty of other dedicated sports cars with arguably better RWD or AWD configurations (Lotus, Corvettes, Aston Martins, Audi B5 S4, etc.). Even those wackos at Top Gear prefer the FWD 2.0T TT over the Quattro 3.2 TT (though that comparison is not all about FWD vs. Quattro).

Here is a good argument for the merits of FWD in certain applications as well (a good read): Avoidable Contact #18: It’s actually rather easy being green; the case for front-wheel-drive.

Just playing devil's advocate here. Quattro, RWD, FWD, all just different strokes for different folks.

[Charlescrs6]

CVT is the continuously variable transmission and is currently the only transmission choice for FWD (for the B8 A4). As for expense -- the 6MT/quattro combination is only $850 more than the FWD/CVT combo. If I recall correctly, quattro was more than $850 difference even back when I bought my B5 -- so you could likely make a good case that the 6MT is the "cheap" transmission.

I prefer the 6MT/quattro combination.

I would agree with that but for an automatic tranny, CVT is the "cheap" one compared to a TIP; which still isn't impressive compared to DSG.5

[KiloByte]

+2

why would you want to buy a fwd Audi ...why dont they just change the symbol on those to 2 rings instead of 4 lol

At that point its all about the badge, sadly.

[quattro.it]

"Just playing devil's advocate here. Quattro, RWD, FWD, all just different strokes for different folks."

Blasphemy! You're just an apologist for FWD Audi because you have one. You need to be drinking more kool-aid!




I'm just having fun with you. I agree with you that quattro isn't as necessary in warmer climates as it is in colder climates. Check our respective locations to see what I mean.

[BMWBig6]

Hehe *tips his hat @ quattro.it*

Washington is a beautiful state. I was there (and in Oregon and Colorado) last year and never saw so many nice AWD cars (especially Avants and Subie wagons).

[{PMS}fishy]

CVT is the cheap FWD tranny...

Until it breaks, and then its becomes the expensive tranny.

[haqh0re]

What is frontrak?

haha noob