Audi A4 B6 Wiki

The B6 A4 was introduced in the 2002 model year as the successor to the venerable B5 A4 (1996-2001). It was a completely different platform, along with new motors, transmissions, and obviously, interior and exterior styling. The A4 was designed as an entry level luxury sport sedan to compete with the other cars in its class, such as the BMW E46 3-Series, Mercedes W203 C-Class, and the Volvo P2 S60. It combined the meticulous German engineering and impeccable build quality with a subtle but thoroughly modern design.

The A4 retained both the sedan and avant (station wagon) versions. The B6 bowed with two engine options, either the tried and true 1.8 liter 20V turbocharged four-cylinder (170 bhp @ 5900 RPM; 166 lbs. ft. of torque @ 1950-5000 RPM), or the new 3.0 liter 30V naturally aspirated six-cylinder (220 bhp @ 6300 RPM; 221 lbs. ft. of torque @ 3200 RPM). Both were available in front wheel drive with Audi’s new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission was offered on models equipped with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. A manual transmission was standard on all cars; the 1.8T getting a 5-speed manual and the 3.0 getting a 6-speed manual.
Audi’s are always available in a number of ways, and the A4 was no exception. The car came standard with cloth seats and no sunroof, although most US domestic market cars had leatherette (MY2002) or leather seats (MY2003-2005) and sunroofs (both part of the Premium Package). Other options included the Sports Package (stiffer sway bars, lower suspension, 17″ wheels), a 200-watt Bose stereo, the Lighting Package (single xenon headlamps, auto-dimming mirrors), and the Cold Weather package (heated seats, headlight washers). As with all Audi’s, there were a plethora of standard safety features, including 4 wheel ABS, traction control, and up to 8 airbags around the car.

The 2004 model year saw a handful of changes. The A4 received mid-year upgrades, including factory painted lower trim (replacing the grey trim), minor center console changes, and, most notably, the introduction of the Ultra Sport Package. The Ultra Sport Package, or USP as it is commonly referred to, included a more sporty looking body kit, 18-inch B5 RS4 style wheels, and an interior adorned with perforated leather. This package was available on both sedan and avant models, with all engine, drivetrain, and transmission options. The only interior color offered on USP car’s was black leather. Of further note, a 6-speed manual became available on cars with the 1.8T and quattro, although the 5-speed remained on the front wheel drive cars. The 2005 model year offered a Special Edition Package, which included power driver and passenger seats, 17″ wheels, and a trunk spoiler. Additionally, the Lighting Package added bi-xenon headlamps to replace the single-xenon units previously offered.

The B6 A4 platform was heavily revised for the 2005.5 model year, and all cars produced for the 2005.5 model year and beyond are termed by their chassis designation, B7, despite the fact that they share many of the same chassis and interior components.