Not only will Audi be the only luxury manufacturer offering a manual sedan with standard all-wheel-drive in the A4’s competitive segment, but its transmission also weighs 35 pounds less and gets you to 60 mph 0.7 seconds faster than the previous version.
The new six-speed manual transmission has been redesigned to perform better and more efficiently, with the unit being more proficient at sending power to the front wheels in low gears, resulting in faster acceleration. More than 35 lbs have also been shaved off the transmission with the extensive use of magnesium, open gearwheels, hollow shafts, and a smaller clutch.
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Audi is also making use of lightweight materials throughout the A4, to help get the curb weight down. The new quattro system weighs 8.8 lbs less than the previous model’s and gives better steering precision.
An exclusive “Sport plus package” is also available for the A4 quattro manual. It comes with flow-formed cast aluminum 18-inch five-double-spoke-star design wheels, available Daytona Gray exterior paint, S line leather/Alcantara interior, a flat-bottom steering wheel, Audi’s dynamic steering and sport adaptive suspension, and more.
Prices start at $39,400 for the premium trim in the U.S. and rise to $48,000 for prestige trim. The 2017 A4 quattro manual goes on sale in fall of 2016.
