First look: Audi blows S4's cover

AUDI has released details of its forthcoming new S4 sedan and station wagon, confirming GoAuto’s report earlier this month that the A4-based high-performance models would use the German manufacturer’s new supercharged 3.0-litre V6.

To be shown at the Paris motor show on October 2 ahead of an Australia launch in the second half of 2009, the S4 twins feature an uprated version of the 3.0 TFSI engine recently unveiled in the larger A6 – raising the bar from 213kW and 420Nm to an impressive 245kW (at an unspecified rpm) and 440Nm from 2500rpm to 4850rpm.

Peak power is still down on the previous-generation S4’s 253kW natural-breathing 4.2-litre V8, but peak torque has spiralled upward from 410Nm.

The S4 drives all four wheels via quattro permanent all-wheel drive (with a rear-biased 40/60 front/rear standard torque split), a new “active sport differential” and either a six-speed manual gearbox or the new seven-speed twin-clutch S-tronic transmission.

According to Audi, the S4 sedan can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds (Avant: 5.2) – although a further “torquing” point centres on the claim that in fourth gear, the S4 can dart from 80km/h to 120km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. Both have a governed top speed of 250km/h.

In its official material, Audi said this week that the “T” in the TFSI nomenclature was no longer a specific reference to turbocharging but more a generic term for the “concept of supercharging”.

It also said that supercharging was “far superior” to twin turbochargers – “both in terms of packaging and of starting performance and responsiveness”. Prior to the 4.2 V8, the S4 packed in a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6.

Fuel consumption for the new model is below 10L/100km – never a given with a high-performance car such as this – with Audi claiming the S4 sedan returns 9.7L/100km and the Avant 9.9L/100km. This is a 26 per cent improvement over its predecessor.

Both B8-series S4 variants use stiffer axle bearings and firmer shocks, the latter serving to lower the chassis 20mm closer to the road.

Full specifications are still to be released, such as braking hardware, but it is known that the standard wheel size will be 18 inches, with 19-inch rims available as an option.

Other striking elements of the exterior include an aggressive reinterpretation at the front end, blistered wheelarches, a restrained rear spoiler, quad exhausts and aluminium-look wing mirrors. Xenon-plus headlights with daytime running lights are also fitted.

Inside, the blackened cabin includes sports seats with electric lumbar supports and pull-out thigh supports, an S-branded instrument panel, multi-function sports steering wheel and brushed aluminium trim to offset the dark tones. Carbon-fibre, birchwood and stainless steel mesh inlays will also be available.

Other options specified in the international release include a cornering function for the headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system, satellite navigation, and three-zone climate-control air-conditioning.

Audi Australia product planner John Roberts told GoAuto earlier this month that slotting a supercharged V6 into the A4 was an appropriate course of action.

“I think with the V6, to get the best fuel consumption and efficiency with performance in that application, the supercharger is the best way to go,” he said.

Read more:

Blown V6 for next S4

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