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The four inter-locking silver rings that are the emblem of the German-built Audi have been given more glitter than ever on the 1996 model.

The luxury car maker is introducing a completely new front-drive Audi A4 model, an entry-level automobile that goes for $26,500 and replaces the previous Audi 90.

The company started with the proverbial clean sheet for this one and has come up with a car that has new styling, is wider, has more interior room, has more advanced technical features and is one of the most aerodynamic Audis ever manufactured.

“The A4 is going to bring back the Audi clientele,” said Steve Kern, Tom Wood Audi general manager. “The car has a lot of feeling to it. It has a lot of character.”

A front view of the A4 provides a striking impression of its wide stance. This look of power is the result of nearly 2 inches of greater width and a hood line that is an inch lower than its predecessor.

While the wheelbase of 103 inches is up only a fraction, and the overall length about the same as the 90, significant space savings come from a design that shortens the engine bay.

Advanced suspension

The overall styling is a flowing wedge with low lines rising in an unbroken sweep. This low frontal configuration is made possible by the use of an advanced multi- link front suspension that requires much less vertical clearance than the previous coil springs/shock absorber strut system.

The A4’s coefficient of drag is 0.29, which approaches today’s practical minimum.

The inherent efficiency of design can best be seen at the rear, where traditional thinking would add on a spoiler. The A4, however, utilizes a trunk lid trailing edge that incorporates a unique reverse angle.

This causes the separation of air flowing over the body to be pushed further rearward, a key to air flow management and the low coefficient of drag.

The wider body creates an additional 2 inches inside, providing more elbow room and space for up to five occupants.

Cabin length is more accommodating, and almost an inch has been added to the headroom. Trunk space also has been expanded to 13.7 cubic feet of cargo room.

With more interior room comes enhanced amenities. Automatic climate control is standard, and the system uses a sensor to detect the intensity and angle of sunlight.

Genuine walnut wood trim is used for the instrument panel. Convenience features include a tilt and telescoping wheel, plus a full array of power accessories.

Variable transmissions

Audi has always had a strong image as a driver’s car, as witnessed by the availability of a five- speed manual transmission in an upscale sedan. Now, the A4 gets the jump on domestic manufacturers by offering an optional five-speed automatic.

The five-speed, a $900 item, only automatic transmission offered. There is no four-speed, which is standard fare. In January, an automatic will be available for the first time in a Quattro (all-wheel drive) version.

“We’ve never had that in a Q uattro,” Kern said. “So, I don’t know which (transmission) will be preferred. But I sort of feel with an upscale all- wheel drive car a lot of drivers are going to want an automatic.”

The new five-speed employs DPS (dynamic shift program) system which monitors driving variables and automatically selects a suitable shifting strategy from more than 200 pre-programmed selections.

The new A4 will use Audi’s 2.8- liter (169-cubic-inch) single overhead cam V-6 which has been upgraded for improved throttle response. For the hot-shoes, the manual five-speed will be the better choice with this 172-horsepower engine.

Zero-to-60 mph comes in at a quite respectable 7.8 seconds with the manual gearbox. For the automatic, 0-60 mph takes 9 seconds. However, Audi’s listed top speed of 130 mph is the same for either transmission.

Milage for the 5-speed manual transmission is 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.