2005 Audi A4 DTM Edition review

Audi A4 DTM Edition review:

A new road-going A4 sports Saloon developed by the Audi division responsible for the RS 4 and RS 6 quattros is to commemorate a landslide championship victory for Audi in the 2004 German Touring Car Masters (DTM).

Paying homage to the 460 bhp A4 DTM race car, with which Audi decisively won the driver, team and manufacturer trophies in the 2004 German Touring Car Masters (DTM), the A4 DTM Edition further emphasizes the sporting character of the A4 2.0 T FSI quattro Saloon on which it is based.

Audi high performance specialist division quattro GmbH modifies the directly fuel injected four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo FSI petrol engine, raising power from 200 bhp to 220 bhp and torque from 207 lb-ft to 221 lb-ft. This is reflected in the performance data, the A4 DTM capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and of reaching a top speed of 155 mph where conditions allow.

Visually, the touring car’s influence can be seen in the new 18-inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels, which are combined with lowered sports suspension with spring and damper settings unique to this version. Flanking the single frame front grille is a redesigned front bumper with additional air intakes and a black carbon fiber chin spoiler derived from motor sport. For maximum impact, the door mirrors can also be finished in contrasting Phantom Black at no extra cost.

Unique sill strips inlaid with the DTM logo enhance the A4 in profile, and at the rear, larger diameter 4 inch exhaust tailpipes signal intent from within a new look bumper incorporating extra air intakes and a racing-inspired diffuser.

Inside, embossed sill strips and silver-piped floor mats help to single out the Audi A4 DTM Edition, as do Recaro sports seats with silver side stitching upholstered in a special Nardia microfibre fabric with leather side sections. Leather and Nardia microfibre also covers the 3-spoke sports steering wheel, and Nardia is used for the handbrake lever and gear knob. Carbon fibre inlays from the Audi S4 add a striking finishing touch to the instrument panel and door trims.

Thanks to the combination of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive, S line sports suspension and powerful ventilated cross-drilled disc brakes upgraded exclusively for this version, the A4 DTM Edition can live up to the expectations instilled by its styling.

The 2004 DTM season was a resounding success for Audi. In its first year of participation with a works team, the brand scooped all three titles with a new car in one fell swoop. Mattias Ekstrom won the drivers' trophy in the A4, the Abt Team triumphed in the team trophy and Audi secured the manufacturers' trophy. End of Audi A4 DTM Edition review.