2017 Audi A4 will be the only six-speed manual transmission with standard all-wheel drive in the luxury sedan segment
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 2016.
| MODEL | PREMIUM | PREMIUM PLUS | PRESTIGE |
| A4 quattro manual | $39,400 | $43,200 | 48,000 |
Prices above exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
