Manual Transmission Press Release A4

[strife1013]

https://www.audiusa.com/newsroom/new...l-transmission


The A4’s redesigned six-speed manual transmission features an extensive use of magnesium and a smaller clutch, giving the A4 an improved power-to-weight ratio
•The Sport plus package includes S line interior, dynamic steering, sport adaptive suspension, and 18” wheels with summer tires for maximum performance from an A4
•The 2017 A4 with manual transmission sprints from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, a 0.7 second improvement over the previous generation



The 2017 Audi A4 with available six-speed manual transmission and quattro® with ultra® technology, and exclusive Sport plus package offers the design and performance of an S model in an entry level variant. No other luxury manufacturer in the A4’s competitive segment offers a manual transmission sedan with all-wheel drive capability.

The greater performance enabled by the newly-redesigned, six-speed manual transmission is due primarily to its spur-gear stage which replaces the shaft to the front-axle differential used on the previous models. The 2017 A4 with six-speed manual sprints from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.7 seconds over the previous generation.

Extensive use of magnesium, combined with open gearwheels, hollow shafts and a smaller clutch, reduce the weight of the transmission by 35.3 pounds compared to its predecessor, and further serve to enhance performance by giving the A4 an improved power-to-weight ratio.

Exclusively available on the A4 quattro manual is a Sport plus package featuring flow formed cast aluminum 18” 5-double-spoke-star design wheels, available Daytona Gray exterior paint, S line leather/Alcantara® interior with sport seats, stainless steel pedal caps, flat-bottom steering wheel and brushed aluminum decorative inlays. Also included is Audi dynamic steering and sport adaptive suspension (-23mm ride height), both of which were previously reserved only for S4 models.

The new six-speed manual transmission complements the performance produced by the A4’s 2.0 TFSI® engine which generates 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A significant weight savings was achieved across the A4 model-line through the lightweight construction. The front five-link suspension continues to allow for greater steering precision and excellent handling through optimized steering-rack placement direct at wheel centers.

The A4 with manual transmission also features a new quattro all-wheel drive system with ultra technology that is optimized for fully-variable torque distribution and efficiency. The new drivetrain utilizes an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch at the rear end of the transmission along with an integrated decoupler in the rear axle differential and weighs 8.8 pounds less than the previous quattro system. This quattro system with ultra technology allows for intelligent, proactive control of the all-wheel drive system to predictively modify the torque application as the driving situation or road conditions require.

For customers who do not prefer the traditional manual-shifting driving experience, the 2017 A4 is also available with a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission with front-wheel drive or available quattro® all-wheel drive.

Pricing Detail:
Model year 2017 A4 Manual starting manufacturer suggested retail prices; on sale fall 2017.



MODEL PREMIUM PREMIUM PLUS PRESTIGE
A4 quattro manual $39,400 $43,200 48,000

[bakedziti]

Oh thank god! Looks like I'll have an upgrade option when I'm ready.

[JohnEnglish]

Interesting, so the manual transmission will have the new ultra quattro where it's FWD only only the wheels start to slip and then it shifts power to the rear wheels.

[RudyH]

Interesting, so the manual transmission will have the new ultra quattro where it's FWD only only the wheels start to slip and then it shifts power to the rear wheels.

man I never thought I would have bought a BMW, but damn a 3-series looks so good now

The people working at Audi USA are a bunch of morons. They create packages that purposely make any enthusiast hate something they want to get rid of, so that stat wise they have a reason to kill it off.

For customers who do not prefer the traditional manual-shifting driving experience, the 2017 A4 is also available with a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission with front-wheel drive or available quattro® all-wheel drive.

What about for customers who prefer the traditional manual-shifting driving experience along with the traditional quattro all-wheel drive system?

[JohnEnglish]

All the reviews of the new quattro ultra system are really good and all they've all said that it's imperceptible when it's engaging the rear wheels.

[LINDW4LL]

Agreed; I'm pretty sure most will never notice that it's FWD based with all of the predictive components the system has.

[simbat]

Avant option ?

I'm disappointed with Audi USA and their dealership network . Can't even get a trailer hitch on my S4, no Avant option ...I was told It's a sports car that's why trailer hitch was not available. I event don't want to discuss the answer they gave me. Shame....

I heard before about the "special" AWD system being implemented in the new B9 Allroad .... At least one positive thing is our older Audis would probably hold value well with their traditional Quattro setup .

[Fantasiamon]

Avant option ?

Only confirmed B9 Avant currently being offered stateside is the A4 Allroad and based on what Audi has said about the direction of their US offerings I'm not holding my breath for any other options.

[JD23]

I am very wary of the reliability of the first-year quattro Ultra system.

[Scirocco53]

What about for customers who prefer the traditional manual-shifting driving experience along with the traditional quattro all-wheel drive system?

Fcuk those customers!!!

I've heard from a dealer that they could not give away the manual wagons in the past. Okay, how about they allow us to custom order it. How is it that you could custom order a car in the 60's, and with all the technology out there today, with a global marketplace, where anything can get to you within a week's time at most, I can't special order the engine / gearbox combo that I want. I'd like an Allroad Quattro TDI, and manual. I'll even settle for the 2T.

I had to replace our written off A3 manual, and the best I could come up with is a B7 Avant with a stick. I refuse to drive the automatics, regarless of how much faster they are. Maybe Audi hasn't heard, most of their drivers are not taking the A4 to the drag strip, and racing with it. Give me the option of manual and Avant, and I'd buy one today.

[superswiss]

man I never thought I would have bought a BMW, but damn a 3-series looks so good now

The people working at Audi USA are a bunch of morons. They create packages that purposely make any enthusiast hate something they want to get rid of, so that stat wise they have a reason to kill it off.

What about for customers who prefer the traditional manual-shifting driving experience along with the traditional quattro all-wheel drive system?

Has nothing to do with Audi USA. I predicted all along that the 6MT will come with quattro ultra only. Audi hasn't re-engineered their 6MT transmission to work with the self-locking center differential and I bet you they won't. The 6MT will only be available with the Haldex system and the quattro ultra system moving forward in combination with lower HP/Torque engines. If you want the rear-biased quattro, it'll only be available with triptronic or s-tronic transmissions anywhere in the world.

Maybe Audi hasn't heard, most of their drivers are not taking the A4 to the drag strip, and racing with it.

No, but they are driving it in daily traffic and don't care to operate a clutch pedal in those situations. It's not about how fast the automatic transmissions shifts. It's about the fact that in the daily grunt they shift for you, but when you want to have some fun on a back road, you can snap the gears on command. Modern automatics, especially the dual-clutch combine the best of both worlds.

[AUDIMAN33]

So now all new A4's have this shitty new Quattro?

[smonska]

Quattro-Ultra isn't actually AWD, it's part time 4WD. There's no center differential. It means in a corner, where the front need to spin faster than the rears, it has no means of powering the fronts and allowing that to happen. If the clutch were to be engaged in a corner, the front wheels will be "braked" to the speed of the rears. You could call this "drivetrain bind". This is the same way X-Drive works, and why X-drive sucks on the roadcourse track or in an autocross. Can't pull with the front wheels in a corner. Great in a straight line though!

[dbuxton13]

So now all new A4's have this shitty new Quattro?

So far just the Allroad, the A4 Ultra (not available in U.S.), and now the fanboy manual A4 club. In Europe people only get manuals when they can't afford a nice auto transmission. In the US there is this 5% segment of drivers that just can't live without keeping both hands occupied *and* that actually buy new manual cars. The other 5% only buy used manuals or complain about cars not having them on niche forums.

[AUDIMAN33]

Quattro-Ultra isn't actually AWD, it's part time 4WD. There's no center differential. It means in a corner, where the front need to spin faster than the rears, it has no means of allowing that to happen. If the clutch is engaged, the front wheels will be braked and the rears accelerated. This is the same way X-Drive works, and why it X-drive on the track or in an autocross. Can't pull with the front wheels in a corner.

X-Drive sucks ass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hbh-XGuYvQ

[AUDIMAN33]

So far just the Allroad, the A4 Ultra (not available in U.S.), and now the fanboy manual A4 club. In Europe people only get manuals when they can't afford a nice auto transmission. In the US there is this 5% segment of drivers that just can't live without keeping both hands occupied *and* that actually buy new manual cars. The other 5% only buy used manuals or complain about cars not having them on niche forums.

I think the A4 Ultra is available in the U.S because if you to their website, they don't adversities it as AWD they say Front wheel drive Ultra. Go build one. and There's like 15 different options on witch one you want now.

[venezian]

Why is the "Ultra with Front-Wheel Drive" a cheaper option than "front-wheel drive"?

[LINDW4LL]

Why is the "Ultra with Front-Wheel Drive" a cheaper option than "front-wheel drive"?

Probably because of the lower output. 190hp vs 250

[venezian]

Probably because of the lower output. 190hp vs 250

I didn't think of that. I went back and checked and that's what it was. I thought it was referring to the AWD system. I'm not sure if they're keeping the quattro name or calling with something else.

[superswiss]

I didn't think of that. I went back and checked and that's what it was. I thought it was referring to the AWD system. I'm not sure if they're keeping the quattro name or calling with something else.

The Ultra moniker is used for any model that has additional fuel saving measures over the standard model. The Ultra models used to be FWD only, but now they have Quattro Ultra as well. The Ultra models used to be not sold outside of Europe, but they are clearly making a push now into the US market as well as a way to meet the CAFE standards.

[AUDIMAN33]

I don't think manny people will buy the Ultra. Pointless to have an Audi...

[Wilbur]

man I never thought I would have bought a BMW, but damn a 3-series looks so good now

The people working at Audi USA are a bunch of morons. They create packages that purposely make any enthusiast hate something they want to get rid of, so that stat wise they have a reason to kill it off.



What about for customers who prefer the traditional manual-shifting driving experience along with the traditional quattro all-wheel drive system?

Morons? Really? 3% of their customers like MT. See post #5. You won't be able to tell the difference between new quattro and old. Are you going to track it?

[LINDW4LL]

I don't think manny people will buy the Ultra. Pointless to have an Audi...

I agree completely, but about 10% of Audis US sales are FWD models. Mostly in the south.

Then consider that FWD buyers probably aren't very concerned with performance in the first place, so going with the lower output ultra in return for improved fuel economy probably makes sense for many.


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[jcun]

omg!!!!!! how rude!!!! I went for a b8.5 a4 because the 2017 only came in automatic!!! GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

I just got my car a few weeks ago. What a bummer oh well. Maybe i'll upgrade later down the road! Still loving the b8.5 manual.

[kevinz]

omg!!!!!! how rude!!!! I went for a b8.5 a4 because the 2017 only came in automatic!!! GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

I almost did the same - but I'm having second thoughts because the B9 A4 6MT only comes with the 'new' quattro ultra. I think I don't want to be the first one to try a brand new quattro. I'm thinking of actually getting a gently used B8.5 S4 instead. I'm just trying to talk myself out of the fancy technology gizmos that the B9 has....

[venezian]

omg!!!!!! how rude!!!! I went for a b8.5 a4 because the 2017 only came in automatic!!! GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

I just got my car a few weeks ago. What a bummer oh well. Maybe i'll upgrade later down the road! Still loving the b8.5 manual.

Audi did say the manual would be made available later when the b9 was first announced..

[jcun]

Audi did say the manual would be made available later when the b9 was first announced..

Oh darn I guess I missed that. All I read and heard from the dealer was that they weren't doing manual for the new A4. It's ok I'm very happy with the b8.5!! Still an awesome car.


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[RudyH]

Morons? Really? 3% of their customers like MT. See post #5. You won't be able to tell the difference between new quattro and old. Are you going to track it?

It will be pretty easy.

Drive my S4, drive a S3 and then a A4 6-MT back to back. There is a ramp close to the Audi dealership, by where I work, where I compared the (2015 at the time) S3 and S4 and noticed immediate difference, so will see once the 6MT touches down how it feels. If the RWD bias feeling is gone, well...

Also I plan on modding it, so likely the 370 lbs-ft won't last long neither

[Scirocco53]

Has nothing to do with Audi USA. I predicted all along that the 6MT will come with quattro ultra only. Audi hasn't re-engineered their 6MT transmission to work with the self-locking center differential and I bet you they won't. The 6MT will only be available with the Haldex system and the quattro ultra system moving forward in combination with lower HP/Torque engines. If you want the rear-biased quattro, it'll only be available with triptronic or s-tronic transmissions anywhere in the world.



No, but they are driving it in daily traffic and don't care to operate a clutch pedal in those situations. It's not about how fast the automatic transmissions shifts. It's about the fact that in the daily grunt they shift for you, but when you want to have some fun on a back road, you can snap the gears on command. Modern automatics, especially the dual-clutch combine the best of both worlds.

An automatic transmission shifts for you always. I have fun driving manual in the daily grunt. Every autotragic VW or Audi I've owned needed replacement. Yes, I keep my cars for a long time, and have never had any issues with manual. Had an A3 stick, and there were never issues with it. No fun with automatic in the snow either. Manual is way better... for me, and I want the choice to buy one.

[venezian]

Oh darn I guess I missed that. All I read and heard from the dealer was that they weren't doing manual for the new A4. It's ok I'm very happy with the b8.5!! Still an awesome car.


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Don't rely on the dealer. They don't know shit until they're told and most of the sales guys don't know shit other than what they study on the brochure. There might be a few out there who know their shit, but remember, if they can get a sale today.....

[jcun]

Don't rely on the dealer. They don't know shit until they're told and most of the sales guys don't know shit other than what they study on the brochure. There might be a few out there who know their shit, but remember, if they can get a sale today.....

Yup I learn so much thanks to this forum!

[b4a41point8t]

Ultra...haha, no thanks. Scooped up REAL Quattro S-tronic.

[venezian]

anyone know when you can actually order one? it says Fall and it's Fall...

I got a loaner 2017 A4 today that I drove around for a few hours and liked it a lot. It's gotten more premium with some of the features if you look at the premium plus trim. I'm waiting for another forum member to send me pics of his interior. I built my interior with the gray oak inlays and the nougat leather, but i'm looking for non-studio pictures to get a better look.

[nebatuga]

The original release at the top of this thread reads...

Pricing Detail:
Model year 2017 A4 Manual starting manufacturer suggested retail prices; on sale fall 2017.

Can this be right? Won't 2018s be out by next fall?

[LINDW4LL]

The original release at the top of this thread reads... Can this be right? Won't 2018s be out by next fall?

Correct- it's a typo. If you follow the link to Audi's site, it's since been corrected to "fall 2016"

[PDong]

My wife was told two weeks ago they could be ordered now. Order guide is out.

[kern417]

i still can't seem to configure a manual a4 on the audiusa website.

[jedge04]

@pdong - same.

I asked Audi of Arlington when they expect B9 A4 MT and they said Spring of 2018. I asked if they had a MT order guide since the website doesn't give the option to build and will report back what I hear...


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[Wilbur]

It will be pretty easy.

Drive my S4, drive a S3 and then a A4 6-MT back to back. There is a ramp close to the Audi dealership, by where I work, where I compared the (2015 at the time) S3 and S4 and noticed immediate difference, so will see once the 6MT touches down how it feels. If the RWD bias feeling is gone, well...

Also I plan on modding it, so likely the 370 lbs-ft won't last long neither

Interesting. New q5 has same set up.

- - - Updated - - -

Don't rely on the dealer. They don't know shit until they're told and most of the sales guys don't know shit other than what they study on the brochure. There might be a few out there who know their shit, but remember, if they can get a sale today.....

Agreed. Google is your friend.

[kern417]

maybe i'm being impatient but still can't configure one. do you have to go to the dealer? i want to see what the interior looks like with the shift knob and rest of the mmi integration.