It's been said the only constant in the world is change. That statement has never been more true than with Audi. In the mid '80s it was on the brink of U.S. extinction and managed to not only come back but did it the old-fashioned way, by developing excellent products. The largest part of Audi's stateside success has been due to the A4. Handsome, understated, luxurious and hugely capable, it became an instant hit and an icon representing the best of German automotive technology. european car was fortunate enough to drive a long-term A4 1.8tq back then, and to this day it remains this writer's favorite sports sedan. It was perfect.
Things will change, though, and so has the A4. The new platform began with a body 45% stiffer, a longer wheelbase for better ride quality and high-speed stability, more powerful engines, a fully independent rear suspension, more safety features and a revised, more masculine exterior. From a content-based perspective, the new A4 offers significantly more than its predecessor. Maybe too much.
I spent a day with Anthony of Greedspeed and the company's modified 2002 A41.8tq. The first impression of the car is that of a factory-correct hot rod.
"The new body accepts styling mods better than the previous car," said Anthony. "The panels are largely modular, so it's a simple remove and replace procedure."
The Greedspeed A4 was fitted with Oettinger's aerodynamic package comprised of front and rear bumper caps, front grille, side skirts, rear valence and rear wing. The stuff is wrought from tough polyurethane and looks to be on par with the factory parts--the fit was impeccable. Anthony went to the European-spec. parts bin for the front headlamps (filled with Philips Vision Plus bulbs), rear taillamps and the rear bumper cap.
The fully independent suspension was modified with Neuspeed Race springs and specially valved Bilstein Sport dampers. The front and rear sway bars were upgraded to larger Neuspeed units, 29mm in front and 21mm out back. For additional rigidity, the technicians at Greedspeed fit Neuspeed's lower front brace.
The aggressive-looking A4 wears Oettinger's two-piece RZ wheels, shod with Toyo's excellent T1-S rubber, sized 235/35ZR-19. Though it sits on massive running gear, the A4 exhibited little rubbing or scraping, even under full cornering loads. Barely visible through the spokes of the RZs are Neuspeed's braided stainless-steel brake lines.
Audi upgraded its vaunted 1.8t engine with lighter pistons and redesigned rods to reduce reciprocating mass. The engine management system was revised to increase responsiveness and reduce emissions. Dynojet testing on a different, unmodified A4 1.8t revealed a healthy 171 hp and 179 lb-ft of twist. Of course, with its relatively small intercooler, these numbers are reduced as the heat increases. Still, those are great numbers, and it's apparent VW is underrating the 1.8t's output.
Greedspeed's program for this revised engine includes a gorgeous intercooler mounted in the front grille. Judging by its size and design, it looks 100% more effective than the factory unit. Neuspeed's revised 1.2-bar computer helps the small turbo spin with maximum efficiency, and exhaust gasses are dumped into an exhaust manifold smoothed by the Extrude Hone process and then out Neuspeed's 60mm cat-back exhaust.
Greedspeed's engine development places the A4 well into the 200-bhp range. Moreover, the car sounds quietly angry, especially under load, when it emits a deep growl. Around 2200 rpm the power comes on very hard, and from there the car pulls strongly to near redline. Rowing through the abbreviated throws of the Neuspeed short-shifter was like a shifting a Formula Ford--very tight and precise. For comparison purposes, I brought our own A4 up the hill (3.0 V6 and CVT gearbox)--it was promptly left in the dust, not so much by sheer power but more by the Greedspeed Audi's tenacious road-holding. It cuts through corners with exceptional grace and poise. If we ever do see an RS A4, chances are it will behave like this car.
Although the new A4 is only a few pounds heavier than the previous generation, it feels more solid, grounded, heavy. The steering is also a tad light, almost as if it's going through an extra filter or two. While the Greedspeed car corners exceptionally well, it feels better on long, high-speed sweepers, like the ones between Munich and Regensburg. Give this car another 100 ponies, and I could forget the old A4...maybe.
Greedspeed
3481 Old Conejo, #106
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
(805) 376-9277
Fax: (805) 376-0392
www.greedspeed.com