Changing Lanes: The 2009 Audi A4

While most auto writers have filed their long lead reviews of the 2009 Audi A4, the story is changing ever so slightly for Audi. With anxious Americans, increasingly making purchase decisions based on gas cash, the German brand has joined the banter, emphasizing 15% fuel economy improvement in the re-hauled product that hits show rooms in September.

It's crunch time in the car world, with falling sales and ominous fuel reports dampening the mood as the high fall season approaches, when most new cars hit the market. This week, Audi execs sculpted a fuel economy story in a media presentation from a product planner  perspective at their Manhattan showroom on Park Avenue...

Lighter weight steel and weight distribution account for a sedan that's bigger in proportion, but better on gas than the previous A4. While the beefier 3.2 liter V6 would have been the star last fall, the 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder  version increase savings at the pump in a package that's just over 4-inches longer and 2-inches wider. The current generation Audi A4 starts at 30k (notably less than the BMW 3-series and others in the segment),  and Audi says the new A4 will be an increasing value story.  However, no pricing is available at this time. With more standard equipment, like LED lights, and a roomier backseat, Audi hopes to capture the entry level luxury buyer that needs a little bit more of everything. Of course, premium gas doesn't paint a pretty picture, but for the consumer still going luxury, this excess should be in the ballpark range of livable compromises. These shifts in messaging indicate that this summer, luxury and fuel economy are no longer at odds.

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June 19, 2008, 2:44 PM

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Hybrid Cars and Better Gas Mileage