Force-fed all-wheel drive fun.
The Audi S4 has been the brand’s go-to affordable performance model for quite some time, giving drivers a potent engine, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and lots of other goodies. At the unveiling of the redesigned, lighter, and more efficient Audi A4 at Frankfurt, the German automaker also showcased the new high-performance S4 Sedan and Avant.
“At Audi, we have more than 20 years of expertise in developing our sporty S models,” says Professor Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Audi Board of Management for Technical Development. “From day one, our formula for success has been a combination of outstanding quattro performance, restrained design, and state of the art drive train, suspension, and infotainment technology. The new Audi S4 and S4 Avant impressively continue this sporty tradition.”
Not since the B6-generation Audi S4 that was replaced by the B7 in 2005 has Audi utilized a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. The new 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 RPM, which is more powerful while also being more efficient than its supercharged predecessor.
Performance is also improved with the new engine. The Audi S4 is capable of reaching 62 mph from rest in just 4.7 ticks of the clock, but is electronically-limited to a 155 mph top speed.
Power is sent through a new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission that also switches to freewheeling in certain situations to save fuel. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system sends 60-percent of torque to the rear and 40-percent to the front in normal driving situations although up to 70-percent can be sent to the front and up to 85-percent to the rear if needed. Wheel-selective torque control that brakes the inside wheels prior to slipping during cornering for more nimble dynamics. As an option, customers can also choose to have a sport differential installed alongside the standard self-locking center differential.
Audi also redesigned the suspension of the S4 Sedan and Avant with a new five-link design at both axles that is better able to handle longitudinal and transverse forces for better handling. The entire Audi S4 sits 0.9 inches lower than its A4 counterpart with the standard S sport suspension that can be optioned with active damper controls. Making contact with the pavement are standard 18-inch, five-twin-spoke wheels with 245/40 tires while 19-inch quattro wheels are available as an option. Larger brakes compared to those on the A4 are also standard.
While the newest-generation Audi A4 has a completely new design, it still has the same shape, flair, and character that you’d expect. The same goes for the new Audi S4 Sedan and Avant. A large Singleframe grille with its horizontal slats highlighted help to emphasize width up front. The traditional brushed aluminum-look side mirrors also come standard along with matte grey and chrome-trimmed add-on pieces. A new black honeycomb grille is integrated into the S-specific rear bumper as is a new diffuser clip.
Inside, sport and technology are the two main highlights. Audi’s S Sport seats wear pearl Nappa leather, Alcantara, and contrasting stitching, and boast integrated headrests and pneumatic massage functions. Matte brushed aluminum trim decorates the standard black cabin while LED lights are hidden in the recesses of the doors and center console.
The Audi S4 also features the brand’s MMI operating system that is designed to operate similar to a smartphone and can be controlled via voice, steering wheel, or center console terminal. The optional Audi Virtual cockpit takes things up a notch with a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument display cluster for the driver.
The new Audi S4 Sedan and Avant will also come with a list of optional electronic features as well as hardware options for drivers to create a tailored sports sedan (or wagon). Pricing for the new Audi S4 Sedan and Avant has not been released.
Audi S4 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 354 / 260 kW
Maximum Torque: 368.8 lb-ft. / 500 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed Tiptronic
Drive: quattro all-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically-limited)
Audi S4 Sedan and Avant Gallery
Source: Audi
Are you excited for the turbocharged V-6 engine in the new Audi S4?
