Audi’s rivals in Stuttgart and Munich have recently figured out that the yawning gap between their ultra-high-performance models and their regular lineups is perfectly suited for a range of in-between versions. And so Mercedes launched its AMG 43 models, while BMW created a range of M Performance vehicles. For its part, Audi has been making such models for 25 years in the form of its S cars—more sporting than the standard A range but less extreme than the full-on RS screamers engineered by the Quattro GmbH high-performance division in Neckarsulm. The most prominent of these is probably the S4, which slots in neatly between the A4 and the RS4. (The RS hasn’t been offered in the U.S. since the last generation and currently is being redesigned).
Now Audi has launched a new S4 based on the latest-generation A4. As with the new A4, this car represents a significant step forward in many respects, even if it's not recognizable as an all-new vehicle at first glance.
New Engine, New Transmission
To begin with, the S4 employs an all-new, 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6; internally called EA839, this engine is related to the 4.0-liter V-8 that Porsche will use in the next Panamera. Fitted with a BorgWarner twin-scroll turbocharger, the new mill makes 354 horsepower at 6400 rpm and produces 369 lb-ft of torque starting at a low 1370 rpm. That's 21 more horsepower and 44 more lb-ft of torque than was offered by the S4’s previous 3.0-liter supercharged V-6.
This engine mates to an eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic, a unit that replaces the previous model's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG). The S4’s six-speed manual, previously standard equipment, also is dead. Really? Audi says it went for the conventional automatic because U.S. customers prefer the smooth torque-multiplication effect when taking off at a stoplight, something the dual-clutch gearbox is unable to provide.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE:
front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE:
$53,000
ENGINE TYPE:
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement:
183 cu in, 2995 cc
Power: 354 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION:
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 111.2 in
Length: 186.8 in
Width: 72.5 in Height: 55.3 in
Passenger volume: 94 cu ft
Cargo volume: 17 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 3750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 21/30 mpg
Now Audi has launched a new S4 based on the latest-generation A4. As with the new A4, this car represents a significant step forward in many respects, even if it's not recognizable as an all-new vehicle at first glance.
New Engine, New Transmission
To begin with, the S4 employs an all-new, 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6; internally called EA839, this engine is related to the 4.0-liter V-8 that Porsche will use in the next Panamera. Fitted with a BorgWarner twin-scroll turbocharger, the new mill makes 354 horsepower at 6400 rpm and produces 369 lb-ft of torque starting at a low 1370 rpm. That's 21 more horsepower and 44 more lb-ft of torque than was offered by the S4’s previous 3.0-liter supercharged V-6.
This engine mates to an eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic, a unit that replaces the previous model's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG). The S4’s six-speed manual, previously standard equipment, also is dead. Really? Audi says it went for the conventional automatic because U.S. customers prefer the smooth torque-multiplication effect when taking off at a stoplight, something the dual-clutch gearbox is unable to provide.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE:
front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE:
$53,000
ENGINE TYPE:
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement:
183 cu in, 2995 cc
Power: 354 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION:
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 111.2 in
Length: 186.8 in
Width: 72.5 in Height: 55.3 in
Passenger volume: 94 cu ft
Cargo volume: 17 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 3750 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 21/30 mpg
