Audi A4 Avant
The Audi A4 Avant was introduced in 1995 on the Volkswagen's B5 platform, which was jointly shared with the fifth-generation Volkswagen Passat, both bearing a longitudinally-mounted engine and standard front-wheel drive. Most of the A4s Audi sells in North America come equipped with their quattro all-wheel drive system, while the Avant station wagon arrived a year later.
Customers from Europe have a wide range of engine cylinders from 1.6 to 2.8 L, a 1.9 L Diesel powered with Volkswagen's new "pumpe-düse" technology, ideally capable of delivering 110 PS (81 kW) of power. Whereas, North American markets only had the option of the 2.8 L V6 taken from the old 80/90 model until 1997.
The B5 model was the first of the Volkswagen Group to host the capable 1.8 L 20V motor containing five valves per cylinder, which Audi Sport had diligently developed for the Supertouring race car. Additionally, the turbocharged version of the engine produced 150 PS (110 kW) and 210 Nm (155 ft.lbf) of torque. This technology was eventually added to the V6 family in 1996, starting with the 2.8 L V6 30V that produced 193 PS (142 kW).
Audi also debuted their new semi-automatic Tiptronic transmission on the B5 platform, which was based on the unit developed by Porsche for their 964-generation 911. This "manumatic" transmission allowed the driver to choose between automatic and clutchless manual driving modes.
Audi's then major improvement on the B5 A4 set a benchmark in the luxury car segment, whereby it helped buyers realize that there was now a brand other than BMW and Mercedes. Such revolutionary deeds, along with the TT concept (later into a production car), attracted attention to Audi, making it a leader in the luxury car market.
In the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi refreshed the model with sales starting in Europe in early 1998. This revamp included the introduction of a powerful 2.4 L 30-valve V6 instead of the outdated 2.6 V6, besides the 2.5 L V6 TDI engine with 150 PS (110 kW) and quattro as a standard, and the high-performance S4 as a newly added part of the A4 setup. Additionally, cosmetic updates such as new taillights, headlights, door handles, and other minor interior and exterior changes were incorporated.
Outside Europe, the 1.8T engine had its power output raised to 170 PS (125 kW) in mid 1998; and the 12-valve V6 was replaced by the 30 valve unit that had begun offering in Europe two years prior. Finally, in 1999, Audi launched the even more potent RS4 model based on the Avant body, and identical to its predecessor RS2 in terms of performance.
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