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John Mellor's GoAuto news Eco A4 threat A4 platform to spawn new models, but Aussie fuel issue could rule out TDIe By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS AUDI will explore a number of A4 derivatives as it seeks to shrink the sales gap between its compact luxury range and the Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 3 Series – but has signalled that fuel quality issues could limit the prospects of new-generation green diesel engines being launched in Australia. At one end of the scale will be the expected S and RS performance models, while more fuel-effi cient cars with an environmental slant dominate the other side. The all-new B8-series A4 to be released next month will offer two bodystyles, three diesel and three petrol engines in both four-cylinder and V6 confi gurations, and the choice of frontwheel drive and quattro 4WD by the end of this year. A V8-powered S4 version is expected in 2009, with the BMW M3-rivalling RS4 fl agship to follow. A 2010 international launch is likely, with Australian customers in line by about 2011. But achieving low emissions is of higher importance to both consumers and car companies facing increasingly punitive taxation and legislation, so a 2.0 TDIe powerplant is also under consideration for Australia. Distinctively different www.bdo.com.au Over the new 2.0 TDI sedan and Avant, the TDIe version has a number of engineering modifi cations, such as stop/start technology, to achieve 4.9L/100km (down from 5.8L/100km) and 129g/km of CO2 (down 154g/km). Aiding these fi gures are aerodynamic modifi cations to the ride height, alloy wheels and bootlid. However, the TDIe’s case in Australia will ultimately depend on the availability of highquality diesel fuel, according to Audi Australia managing director Joerg Hofmann. “We are investigating at the moment whether we can bring it to Australia … but we have not decided yet,” Mr Hofmann told GoAuto last Motor Dealer Services Revs up its team! SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.mellor.net A PRIL 16, 2008 Page 16 The BDO Kendalls Motor Dealer Services team has been further strengthened with the appointment of Marc Bowyer as a Director within the Sydney Office. Marc has over 18 years of specialist taxation and business services experience and is highly sought after for his specific motor industry knowledge. Marc will work closely with John Gavljak, Director, who has considerable expertise in the automotive industry providing timely and valued advice to our motor services clients. BDO Kendalls Motor Dealer Services offer a specialist accounting and business advisory team, focused on driving your business to the next level. For further information, please contact one of our Directors today. John Gavljak 02 9286 5530 Marc Bowyer 02 9286 5730 A4 2.0 TDIe week. “The fuel quality is an issue, and we may not be able to bring the latest technology clean diesel here in Australia. “Which is a shame, as I believe every market should have the best technology available.” Nevertheless, Audi will release the “cleanest diesel in the world” in October, with the $89,500 A4 3.0 TDI quattro. Besides offering 176kW of power and 500Nm of torque, it also returns 6.9L/100km and 183g/km, with a fraction of the nitric oxide pollution normally associated with V6 diesel powerplants helping the 3.0 TDI meet 2014 European emissions requirements. Continued next page
John Mellor's GoAuto news Eco A4 threat Continued from previous page Further down the track from now, the new A4 is likely to receive a hybrid powertrain as it has been engineered from the beginning to accept one. Audi revealed its parallel hybrid system at the Frankfurt motor show last September. It uses an adaptation of the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine to deliver 155kW and 300Nm, while an electric powerplant – described as “a permanently excited synchronous motor” – kicks in another 32kW, with peak torque of 230Nm available “virtually from standstill” according to Audi. This is possible in the A4 because Audi’s hybrid system is built on its latest Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP). First unveiled in the A5 coupe last year, it features, among other things, a front axle that is pushed signifi cantly further forward than in previous Audi types, making room for the drivetrain to be mounted slightly more rearwards in the name of greater space utilisation and adaptation, as well as weight distribution. MLP will also be employed under a number of different sized Audis as well. This reveals the fl exible nature of the MLP hardware, as the company strives to create synergies that it can WHAT’S COMING: B8-series A4 range May 2008 Q5 SUV 2009 B8-series A4 TDI e 2009 B8-series S4 2009 C7-series A7 4-dr coupe 2010 B8-series RS4 2011 B8-series A4 Hybrid 2011 C7-series A6 2011 Accelerate your career! SALES CONSULTANTS To be successful in this role you must be a recognised high performing salesperson and demonstrate both excellent communication skills and a strong customer service focus. Ideally you will have experience in selling new or used vehicles in the automotive industry. spread throughout its varied model range. In Beijing this weekend, Audi will fi nally unveil its long-awaited answer to the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander II. Known as the Q5 crossover, the compact SUV will feature a completely new body and interior, and the pick of the new A4’s engine and gearbox options – most likely the TFSI and TDI fourcylinder units. Speculation is rife that MLP can be stretched to include the next-generation A6 due in 2010, as well as its Mercedes-Benz CLS-style four- SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.mellor.net A PRIL 16, 2008 Page 17 At Subaru Melbourne, we value our team members and encourage growth and progression to ensure we retain our Customer First philosophy. Benefits of working for us include paid parental leave, additional superannuation payments and extra family leave days. We also offer a comprehensive training and development plan for staff members. We are experiencing outstanding growth and are on the lookout for passionate and dedicated staff to join the team. SERVICE ADVISORS You should be experienced in large workshop/service centre operations, and be able to handle multiple challenges in a fast paced environment. Naturally you will be customer focused and able to establish and develop ongoing customer relationships. We offer a 5-day working week, salary packages commensurate with experience including a retainer, choice of vehicle allowance or company vehicle and commission package. Please forward your application to Ashleigh Brownfield, our HR Co-Ordinator at: careers@melbourne.subaru.com.au or call (03) 8698 3685. A4 door coupe derivative known as the A7, due around the same time, along with the D4 A8 luxury fl agship sedan expected not long after that. With 8.5 million cars and counting since the A4’s direct predecessor – the B1-series 80 range – was released in 1972, the model is Audi’s biggest seller both here and globally, making up 41 per cent of the company’s worldwide volume. Last year, 63,469 were produced. Audi’s stated volume goal for the A4 is 3500 units this year and 4000 in 2009. These are up from the 2007 results, when 2242 A4s were sold, compared to 5795 BMW 3 Series and 4232 C-class models. “This is close to competitor levels,” Mr Hofmann said. “It is the basis for our growth.”
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