INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi has opted for a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine for its new S4, revealed here officially for the first time prior to its first public appearance at the 2008 Paris Auto Show in early October.
The new performance sedan, planned for North American sale in mid-2009, thus becomes the second Audi model to receive the new engine, following the face-lifted A6 now heading in to showrooms across Europe.
But while it develops 290 horsepower in the A6, the 90-degree unit has been enhanced with additional boost pressure to provide the latest S4 with a more muscular 333 hp. This is 11 hp less than its predecessor's naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8. But with 325 pound-feet, the S4's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 also boasts a useful 23 lb-ft more torque than before.
Drive is channeled to all four wheels via a newly developed version of Audi's Quattro four-wheel-drive system that now features a torque-vectoring planetary drive that acts in a similar fashion to a limited-slip differential to provide varying levels of drive to the rear wheels, dependent upon prevailing traction.
Buyers will also be able to choose between a standard six-speed manual or new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox — the latter offering both remote shifting via steering-wheel-mounted paddles and a full automatic mode.
Audi claims the addition of supercharging more than compensates for the reduction in engine size, making the new S4 quicker off the mark than its predecessor with a 0-62-mph time of 5.1-seconds versus 5.9 seconds. It also quotes 50-75 mph in-gear acceleration of 4.4 seconds and combined average fuel consumption of 24.3 mpg — an improvement of 7.2 mpg on the old model.
The car's handling is also said to have been improved through the adoption of a new platform structure providing a more even weight distribution along with adaptive damping for the first time. The latter comes linked to Audi's optional drive select program, which offers three different levels of chassis stiffness: comfort, automatic and dynamic.
A subtle body kit distinguishes the S4 from its lesser A4 siblings, with a deeper front bumper, high-intensity xenon headlamps with distinctive LED daytime running lamps, wider sills, aluminum-look exterior mirror housings, a small trunk deck spoiler and unique taillamp graphics. Along with the sedan version set to underpin North American sales, the S4 will also be available as a wagon in most other markets.
What this means to you: Engine downsizing is becoming a trend throughout the Audi lineup. Yet the S4's new supercharged V6 proves small doesn't necessarily mean weak. To the contrary, the new model is not only faster than its predecessor, it also uses a good deal less gasoline.
Full Image Gallery
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...s4unveilednews/firstNav=Gallery/photoId=19558
