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Eco A4 threat
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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-
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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.”