Audi Announces 1998 Model Pricing - Effectively Delivering More for Less
9 September 1997
Audi Announces 1998 Model Pricing - Effectively Delivering More for Less
MUNICH, Germany -- Audi of America, Inc. announced its 1998
model year pricing today at its Annual Dealer Meeting being held in Germany.
With its eight models ranging from the A4 1.8 T European sport sedan to the
revolutionary, all-aluminum A8 premium luxury sedan, Audi has actually reduced
prices an average of 1.6 percent on an equipment adjusted basis.
Given all the new standard equipment for 1998, even with a sales weighted
nominal price increase of 3.3 percent for the line as a whole, Audi clearly
remains the value leader in the classes in which it competes.
This Fall, Audi is introducing its totally redesigned A6 luxury touring
sedan and the new A4 Avant sport wagon. The new A6 features striking design
inside and out, a longer wheelbase and substantial improvement in technology
and equipment levels. It also offers increased interior volume with improved
head and leg room as well as increased trunk volume.
With its 2.8 liter 30-valve V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission
with Tiptronic(R)* and an exhaustive list of standard features, the A6 sets a
new standard among luxury touring cars. It introduces a new interior concept
with three different interior environments, called "Atmospheres," that owners
can choose from at no extra cost to personalize their definition of luxury.
Standard amenities such as next generation front airbag supplemental
restraints, standard seat mounted front side airbags, dual-zone climate
control, a 140 watt stereo system with subwoofer, and a split/folding rear
seat only hint at the updates contained in this, the new definition of
prestige in the luxury touring class.
Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the new A6 is only
$33,750. The A6 is positioned between the A4 model range and Audi's luxury
flagship, the A8. Look for the A6 to compete with the likes of the Mercedes
Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series as well as other European luxury sedans and
those from Japan and the United States.
A limited number of 1998 A6 wagons in the previous body style will be
available while supplies last at an MSRP of $34,400. All of them are equipped
with the quattro value package consisting of the quattro all wheel drive
system, a glass sunroof, and 16" alloy wheels and tires. The new A6 Avant in
the updated body style is expected to arrive in North America later in the
1998 calendar year.
The 1998 A4 Avant, with its award winning design, joins the successful A4
family as a true German sport wagon. Powered by Audi's 2.8 liter V6 engine
with five-valve technology, which delivers 190 horsepower at 6000 revolutions
per minute and 207 lbs. ft. of torque at a low 3200 rpm, the Avant is
available in three different drivetrain configurations: Audi's class-exclusive
FrontTrak(TM) front wheel drive with a five-speed automatic transmission with
Tiptronic, quattro all wheel drive with a five-speed manual, or quattro with
Tiptronic. The Avant combines all the essential qualities that have made the
A4 2.8 an international success with the versatility and design so much in
demand today.
The MSRP of the A4 Avant starts at $30,465 for the FrontTrak version and
$31,040 for the manual quattro version.
Delivering on the promise of continuous improvement, all 1998 A4s now
offer a five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. Next generation
front airbag supplemental restraints join standard seat mounted front side
airbags to make A4 occupants safer than ever (just as they do in the new A6
and the A8). A4 interiors take their cue from the new A6 and will be
available with three different interior "Atmospheres" to redefine the concept
of personal luxury in this class of automobiles. A new standard radio,
luggage net, variable intermittent wiper control, revised instrument cluster
and new designs for both the standard and optional sport steering wheels set
the 1998s apart from previous models. A4 1.8 T models include new standard
eight-spoke alloy wheels with larger P205 tires, revised front center armrest
and an ambient temperature gauge. A sport package is available on all A4s,
including the Avant, with a lowered suspension, firmer shock and spring
settings, new seven-spoke 16 inch (7J x 16) cast light alloy wheels, 205/55
16" high performance tires and three-spoke leather covered sport steering
wheel.
For its sport sedans, the MSRPs of the 1998 models are $23,790 for the A4
1.8 T and $28,390 for the A4 2.8.
Introduced in 1997, this year's A8s, the 3.7 and the 4.2, include a
standard class-exclusive five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.
Dual pane laminated "acoustic" glass, with increased break resistance, is
standard for all windows and a glass sunroof with revised control and sunshade
replaces the aluminum panel sunroof. Other changes for 1998 include a new
standard radio, a folding ignition key incorporating remote locking controls,
and a new electronics package with auto-dimming outside mirrors and Xenon
lights (Xenon lights available with September productions).
With its aluminum body and its aluminum Audi Space Frame, the A8 sets the
standard for lighter, stronger, and safer technology in the premium luxury
segment. MSRP for the 1998 A8 3.7 is $57,400 and $65,000 for the 1998 A8 4.2
with its quattro all wheel drive systems.
The 1998 Cabriolet will be a 46 state model (no longer available in New
York, Massachusetts, California or Connecticut). Changes for 1998 include a
new ignition key with interior profile, a new design three-spoke sports
steering wheel standard, and a four-position adjustable intermittent
windshield wiper interval switch. MSRP for the Cabriolet remains unchanged at
$34,600.
For all models, destination charges remain unchanged at $500. As in prior
years, every Audi comes standard with the remarkable Audi Advantage. This
top-rated -- and sometimes imitated -- combination of warranties and
protection includes:
* Three-year/50,000 mile no charge scheduled maintenance.
* Three-year/50,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty.
* Ten-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation.
* 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years (service provided by the
Professional Dispatch Group).
Through August, Audi sold 22,867 automobiles representing a 28.1 percent
increase over the same period last year when the total was 17,856. Last year
Audi sold a total of 27,379 cars in the U.S. which was a 51.1 percent increase
over 1995.
1998 Audi Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)
A4 1.8 T $23,790
A4 2.8 $28,390
A4 Avant $30,465
Cabriolet $34,600
A6 $33,750
A6 Wagon $34,600
A8 3.7 $57,400
A8 4.2 $65,000
*Tiptronic is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG.
SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.
For a complete listing of new car prices, factory codes on options,
total MSRP, and dealer invoice cost, check out The Auto Channel's New Car
Buyers Guide.
