By Chris Haak

09.23.2008

A few days ahead of their official debut at the Paris Auto Show, Audi has pulled the wraps off of its upcoming S4 Sedan and S4 Avant, and they appear to be impressive machines.  Based on the new A4 (which is an extremely attractive and capable car in its own right), the new S4 features a new 3.0 liter supercharged V6 with direct injection.  This engine produces 333 horsepower and an impressive 325 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 62 time of 5.1 seconds for the sedan and 5.2 seconds for the Avant.  The supercharged engine produces maximum torque at just 2500 RPMs, and maintains it consistently between 2500 and 4850 RPMs, meaning the engine has some very solid midrange pull.  Transmission choices are either a seven-speed “S-Tronic” dual-clutch gearbox, or a conventional six-speed automatic with a good ol’ clutch pedal.

Impressively, fuel economy is improved a substantial 26% compared to the previous S4 (which had a 340-horsepower 4.2 liter V8 underhood), while returning better performance numbers.  Of course, being an Audi, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and diverts 60% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and 40% to the front wheels under normal driving conditions.  Depending on the immediate need, the system can almost instantly transfer 100% of torque to either the front or rear of the car. Continue Reading →