As we get closer and closer to the end of this year and the upcoming auto shows, car manufacturers are showing off their new hardware. Audi has already shown the new A5/S5 so the A4 is next.

We became huge A4 fans several yers ago as Audi continued to improve it with good looks, decent handling courtesy of Quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of a turbocharged 4 cylinder or a V6.

We’ll wait to pass final judgement on the car’s new styling once we see one on the road. Our first impressions? Boring! It’s fine for an auto maker to carry a brand image over it’s model range, but shouldn’t your cars have distinct characteristics unique to each, making each one different? To us, this new A4 looks too much like an A6. Don’t get us wrong, the A6 is a great car. But it’s meant to be a little more luxurious, a little more upscale. We’ve always thought the A4 should have a little more attitude, dare we say more raspier, than the rest of Audi’s line.

We like the look from the front, obviously carrying a theme similar to the R8 with the narrowed headlights and bottom bead of LED’s. But the rest of the car is indistinct. Are we off our rockers or do you agree? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think.

Check out Fourtitude for a complete report on the new A4.