Audi A4 DTM Edition

[NarendZORCE]

The Audi A4 DTM Edition made its debut at the Leipzig AMI. This special model celebrates Audi's achievements in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) series: in the 2004 season, Audi took all three titles on offer, winning the drivers', team and manufacturers' trophies.

The A4 DTM Edition will appeal to customers who want an even stronger emphasis on sportiness, building on the already fundamentally sporty production model. Quattro GmbH, which has developed this model, exhibited a study version of the DTM Edition of the new A4 at the Essen Motor Show last November. The overwhelming response prompted it to go into production with the vehicle study: the A4 DTM Edition is scheduled to go on sale at the start of June 2005.

The Audi A4 DTM Edition is powered by the new 2.0 TFSI engine. The power output of the turbocharged petrol direct injection engine was tuned up from 200 to 220 bhp specially for the new model, and the torque from 280 to 300 Nm. This is reflected by the A4 DTM Edition's performance data: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 247 km/h. Its fuel consumption is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (combined cycle). The DTM Edition is available with quattro permanent four-wheel drive as an option.

The S line sports suspension from Quattro GmbH, with the body 20 millimetres lower and a firmer springing/damping characteristic, complements the higher engine output. The A4 DTM Edition is equipped with new 18-inch wheels of a 15-spoke design, echoing stylistically the wheels of the DTM race model. In a departure from the production version, the brake discs on the front wheels are perforated.

Building on the new A4 saloon, the special model possesses an even more dynamic appearance. Outwardly, the A4 is distinguished by the new side sills and the DTM logo in the rubbing strips on the rear doors. The striking singleframe radiator grille is in Phantom Black, and the door mirrors are also optionally available in Phantom Black at no extra charge. The redesigned front bumper features a black carbon fibre lower lip derived from the world of motor sport. Additional air intake slots at the front and rear provide an additional sporty highlight.

Viewed from the rear, the A4 DTM Edition is identifiable by the new bumper and an additional carbon fibre spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid. Among the most striking features of the tail end are the exhaust system's larger 100-millimetre diameter tailpipes, and the rear diffusor based on sports racing models.

The interior radiates sporty elegance. Sill strips with a DTM logo single out the Audi A4 DTM Edition, as do the floor mats with silver piping and a DTM logo. The seat surfaces of the Recaro sports seats are upholstered in the microfibre fabric Nardia, and the side sections in leather. Silver stitching provides a distinctive visual note. Leather and Nardia microfibre have also been used on the 3-spoke sports steering wheel, and Nardia is used on the handbrake lever and on the gear knob. The carbon fibre inlays as previously used on the Audi S4 adorn the instrument panel and door trims.

The standard specification of the Audi A4 DTM Edition includes deluxe automatic air conditioning, full-size front airbags, front side airbags and the Sideguard head-level airbag system, as well as the latest-generation ESP and active head restraints.

The 2004 DTM season was a resounding success for Audi. In its first year of participating with a works team, Audi captured all three titles with a new car, at one fell stroke. Mattias Ekstr�m won the drivers' trophy in the A4, the Abt Team triumphed in the team trophy and Audi secured the manufacturers'