What a lovely way to celebrate the manual transmission's death.
Earlier this month, we got a sad bit of news when Audi announced that the 2019 A4 sedan and A5 coupe would no longer be offered with a manual transmission, making 2018 the last year you can buy an Audi with a manual in the United States. The lone transmission option will now be a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Audi understands that enthusiasts will likely be upset by this decision, but the company has decided to reward them with a limited edition model before the manual transmission is killed off for good.
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This limited edition will be called the A4 Ultra sport, a name that was used
on the B6 generation car to make the base A4 look as aggressive as an S4. The
current B9 generation S4 isn't even available with a manual transmission, only
an eight-speed automatic, so this new A4 Ultra sport will truly be unique. Audi
says the last 40 manual 2018 A4 models to roll off the assembly line will be
this new Ultra sport, equipped with some unique touches.
Each of the 40 cars was built identically from Premium Plus trim levels, which includes an advanced key, SiriusXM, driver memory, parking sensors, Bang & Olufsen stereo, LED headlights, power folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and Audi virtual cockpit with navigation.
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Beyond that, the Ultra sport package costs an additional $6,800 and adds
stainless steel pedals, leatherette covered center console and door armrests, a
flat bottom perforated steering wheel, dynamic steering, sport adaptive damping
suspension, sport front seats, S line leather/Alcantara interior, Audi Sport RS
carbon inlays, carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, 19-inch
5-arm-rotor design wheels, summer tires, Titanium Black exterior package, badge
deletion, and Quantum Gray paint.
All of these parts can be found on other B9 models including the S4 and RS4, but are special when equipped on an A4. According to Audi Club North America, all 40 cars are currently sitting at port and Audi recommends placing an order now before they are all gone.
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Earlier this month, we got a sad bit of news when Audi announced that the 2019 A4 sedan and A5 coupe would no longer be offered with a manual transmission, making 2018 the last year you can buy an Audi with a manual in the United States. The lone transmission option will now be a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Audi understands that enthusiasts will likely be upset by this decision, but the company has decided to reward them with a limited edition model before the manual transmission is killed off for good.
This limited edition will be called the A4 Ultra sport, a name that was used
on the B6 generation car to make the base A4 look as aggressive as an S4. The
current B9 generation S4 isn't even available with a manual transmission, only
an eight-speed automatic, so this new A4 Ultra sport will truly be unique. Audi
says the last 40 manual 2018 A4 models to roll off the assembly line will be
this new Ultra sport, equipped with some unique touches.Each of the 40 cars was built identically from Premium Plus trim levels, which includes an advanced key, SiriusXM, driver memory, parking sensors, Bang & Olufsen stereo, LED headlights, power folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and Audi virtual cockpit with navigation.
Beyond that, the Ultra sport package costs an additional $6,800 and adds
stainless steel pedals, leatherette covered center console and door armrests, a
flat bottom perforated steering wheel, dynamic steering, sport adaptive damping
suspension, sport front seats, S line leather/Alcantara interior, Audi Sport RS
carbon inlays, carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, 19-inch
5-arm-rotor design wheels, summer tires, Titanium Black exterior package, badge
deletion, and Quantum Gray paint.All of these parts can be found on other B9 models including the S4 and RS4, but are special when equipped on an A4. According to Audi Club North America, all 40 cars are currently sitting at port and Audi recommends placing an order now before they are all gone.
