- The redesigned 2009 A4 gains the coveted U.S. government 5-Star safety
label for frontal, side and rollover crashes
- Results affirm the strong commitment to safety at Audi
- Top crash safety marks add to A4's segment-leading benefits, including
fuel-economy, performance and interior roominess
HERNDON, Va., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The redesigned 2009 Audi A4
luxury sport sedan gained further validation of its segment-leading
qualities by earning the U.S. government's highest crashworthiness and
rollover safety rating.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the A4 achieved
the coveted 5-Star designation based on its performance in the New Car
Assessment Program, or NCAP. U.S. law requires all passenger cars to pass a
30 mph frontal crash test and a 33.5 mph side crash test. But the NCAP
tests involve crashes that are conducted at 5 mph above the required test
speeds providing additional consumer safety information. NHTSA then gives
ratings of one star for the worst performers to five stars for the best
models, such as the Audi A4.
"Unparalleled safety is a cornerstone of Audi's new vehicle development
and we are thrilled to see the A4 earn top marks in one of the toughest
crash testing programs in the world," said Audi of America Inc. Executive
Vice President Johan de Nysschen. "Add this to other elements, including
segment-leading fuel economy, engine performance, luxury features and size,
which all prove the 2009 A4 is at the head of its class."
The 2009 Audi A4 officially went on sale to American luxury car buyers
in late September. The A4 offers advanced safety features and
accident-prevention technologies in addition to a significantly stiffer and
smoother body shell to protect motorists and passengers. Among the key
safety features:
-- Front, side and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment in every
A4.
-- The available dynamic steering system helps stabilize the vehicle
several times a second when it detects the car is exceeding its
capabilities.
-- Available Adaptive cruise control detects a vehicle ahead of the A4
and gently reduces the car's speed as the distance narrows. Once the road
clears, the system slowly accelerates back to the set cruise control speed.
The A4 also offers superior handling due to a front track that is 2.5
inches wider than the closest competing BMW model and nearly an inch wider
than the closest Lexus. It also offers more front row shoulder and head
room than competing luxury models and a smoother ride helped by the longest
wheelbase in its class.
The A4 also features a new 2.0-liter TFSI engine that generates 211 hp
and 258-lbs-ft. of torque while getting 15 percent better fuel economy than
the turbocharged engine it replaces. The improved 3.2-liter engine produces
265 hp and 243 lbs-ft of torque with a 10 percent gain in fuel economy. The
new engines are paired with an all-new 6-speed transmission to provide
precise shifting and fuel efficiency.
More information on the performance of the Audi A4 in the federal crash
tests is available at http://www.safercar.org . Additional information on
the A4 can be found at http://www.audiusanews.com .
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of
German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest
in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model
years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally.
Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive record year for sales and
profit growth. Visit http://www.audiusa.com or http://www.audiusanews.com
for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
SOURCE Audi of America Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.audiusa.com
http://www.audiusanews.com http://www.safercar.org
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/111330.html /
CONTACT:
Brad Stertz of Audi of America Inc.,
+1-703-364-7440, brad.stertz@audi.com
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