Audi A4: Understand elegance backed by race winning lineage
Something was different. It was visibly apparent to veteran sports car racer and ESPN color commentator Bill Adam as he was describing the action unfolding during the 1989 IMSA Miami Grand Prix.
“This car is doing things I have never, ever see a vehicle do,” said Adam, as Audi factory drivers Hurley Haywood and Hans Stuck carved up a slick, bumpy street course.
It was Adam’s first taste of Audi’s revolutionary all-wheel-drive International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) racecars, dominating a series that had the era’s most advanced two-wheel race technology. Ultimately, despite winning seven of the 13 races that season, the team came up short of winning the championship as they missed the season-opening Florida endurance races at Daytona International Speedway and Sebring International Raceway. Accomplishments had not been lost, however.
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Audi had a technology advantage that made driving its cars an absolute pleasure, especially at the race track. Today, the flagship Audi A4 has the DNA from those race-winning entries of the past, offering customers with a driving experience that many consider unrivaled by its peers.
“If you haven’t driven an A4 or Audi in general, get out there and drive one,” said Rhyle Scott, brand specialist at Audi Northlake, a HendrickCars.com dealership located just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. “These cars set themselves apart because of how they feel on the road. When people get in it, feel it -- they have that moment. This is what Audi is about, when customers turn into true fans of the car. That’s why they keep coming back because people love that feeling.”
Attention to Detail
Understated, elegant and among the market’s best, the Audi A4 has long been a flagship sedan for the German brand. Powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and married to a 12-volt hybrid system, which offers two different power modes, the two A4 engine options are potent. The 40 configuration has 201 horsepower while the 45 increases it to 261 horsepower, gaining an EPA rating of 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway for the base model.
“Every Audi is built for the Autobahn, they are built to go fast (and) cruise at high speeds,” Rhyle said. “They are well-built engines as they are used in our Q5 SUVs as well. They are also in the Q7, which is our largest SUV. If we’re putting our 2.0-liter turbo in our biggest SUV, it says a lot about what this car can do.”
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Technology and comfort is also a priority with every Audi. Upscale interior appointment options including real Alcantara leather, aluminum inlays, genuine wood inserts and accents are all available to customers. Its owner-focused amenities.
“I love when clients get in, touch it and says, ‘that’s real wood,’ Rhyle said. “The car is special because of the trim and attention to detail. It is such a modern look. Audi does a really good job of keeping things clean, sleek and sporty.”
The available customizable virtual cockpit is a big selling point. An eye-catching 12.3-inch HD display and personalized digital instrument cluster highlight a technologically centric display, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features also include voice command activation and two USB charging ports. Buyers can also choose SiriusXM, in-car Wi-Fi and an upgraded, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
“The intuitiveness of the technology is what I like the most,” Rhyle continued. “Our clients appreciate how easy the Audi is to operate. There is not a lot of randomness or items you do not need. Audi does a great job of thinking about (drivers and passengers), thinking about who is driving and where their hands are positioned. The screen itself has a simple layout. If you are familiar with a smartphone, you will comfortable in an Audi. Everyone is comfortable with the smartphone-like interface setup, so when (people) see it, they immediately feel at home. Audi did that to make it easy for the driver.
Presentation is Key
“It was designed similar to an airplane cockpit,” Rhyle continued. “Customers love it, and it’s the first thing I show them. They can put their maps right in front and they get really excited about that. It’s a really cool design and technology that captures everyone’s attention.”
Audi has also added new safety features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure and keep assist. Additionally, the Audi A4 includes numerous front, side, overhead, knee and anti-whiplash airbags, along with traditional items like anti-lock brakes, stability control and ignition disable in case of theft.
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The exterior is also a treat, with flowing lines and distinct markings that highlight a very attractive package.
“Audi does a great job overall with the aesthetics of their vehicles,” Rhyle added. “The lines are terrific; it’s a sleek car that also looks really sporty (with the right packages.) No matter what package you get, these cars have a classic look that is really timeless. That is how we get a lot our clientele. They saw (one) on the road, or they have a friend that drives one and they say, “I can see myself in that car.
“My favorite A4 has that black optics package,” Rhyle said. “(The white with the back optics package) is exactly how I would do it, or the gray or black on black. You cannot really beat those combinations. I think it’s the most, well-rounded car in its class and a really great combination of performance, luxury and practicality.”
Rhyle’s family is full of car enthusiasts, including his parents. That passion is what initially drew him to the brand and Hendrick Automotive Group, a place he came to work after graduating from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
“Audi has always done a great job of keeping with its soul,” Rhyle remarked. “For example, you will always see the logo rings in the grill. It’s been tweaked throughout the years, but never really lost what the car is all about. That classic look is timeless.
“Representing Audi is absolutely the best. I’m extremely lucky. Its great to work with clients who truly love the vehicle you are representing.”
If you are in the market for a new, certified or pre-owned vehicle, the Audi A4 are among the many, cars, trucks and SUVs eligible for HendrickCars.com’s “No Payment for 90 Days” sales event.
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