Official images of the new Audi A4 are here. The design of te B8 model of the mid-premium saloon from Ingolstadt seems to be a very moderate evolution of the previous model. Maybe too conservative.

The proportions seem to be a little more aggressive, maybe thanks to the shorter overhangs, the longer hood and the longer wheelbase. The hood has a little more of a slope and finishes in slightly less imposing single-frame grille. The headlights have pretty showy LED daylights.

Fortunately, underneath the body the changes are much more interesting. The MLB modular system made it possible to move the engine 154 mm backwards, for a better weight distribution.

The suspensions are completely new, made mostly in alloy. Also new is the drive select system, that changes the response of the engine, the gearbox, the steering and the supsensions according to the drivers’ preferences. Dynamic steering assistance and damper response are also available.

The engine range, at least for now, comprises 5 different engines with power output from 143 to 265 ps. For now there’ll be no DSG double-clutch gearbox, but A4 buyers will be able to choose between a choice of automatic, manual or CVT (Multitronic).

The top gasoline engine, at least for now, will be the 3.2 V6 FSI: power output will be 265 ps, torque will be 330 Nm, constant between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. With this engine the A4 will reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited) and sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6,2 seconds with the manual gearbox (compared to 6.8 seconds for the old 3.2 FSI).

Below that will be the 1.8 TFSI four cylinder turbocharged engine: 160 ps, 250 Nm (constant between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm), 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, top speed 225 km/h.

The diesel engines are all new. At the top there’s the 3.0 V6 TDI: power output is 240 ps, torque is 500 Nm (constant between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm). The A4 3.0 TDI can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds (6.8 seconds for the old one) and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.

Below that there’s the 2.7 V6 TDI (190 ps, 400 Nm). Then, there’s the new four cylinder 2.0 TDI common rail turobdiesel (143 ps, 320 Nm). All diesel engines are equipped with antiparticulate filters and can comply with the Euro5 emission regulations.

The wheelbase of 2808 mm made it possibile to offer 36 mm more legroom for rear passengers, while all passengers benefit of more headroom and shoulder room.