The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive A4, second in rank to the brutal RS4
Can the new S4 continue that tradition We find out what's new and if it's going to become a hot favourite for petrolhead executives.
Bye super, hi turbo
Within a never-ending desire for more power even though improving fuel economy, Audi has ditched the outgoing car's supercharger to get a turbo, giving the new S4 more power. Horsepower figures have increased by 16bhp and now stand at 349bhp, while torque is five-strong-hundred - a significant increment of 60Nm. The new engine remains a 3.0-litre V6 layout.
This bump in power gets the S4 from nought to a hundred in just four.7 seconds, similar to Mercedes' C 43 AMG. In comparison, the BMW 3 Series Sedan 340i M Sport clocks five.1 seconds.
But unlike the aforementioned hot German sedan rivals, the S4 no longer employs an S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, one in the model's most standout features. Instead, an eight-cog Tiptronic auto is chosen, which is due for the car's bump in torque.
Same 3.0-litre V6 layout but a completely redesigned engine aided by a turbocharger instead of a supercharger
Potential buyers who frown upon the new torque converter Tiptronic, shouldn't.
Whilst it isn't capable with the S-Tronic's precision and rapid multiple downshifts, the Tiptronic provides creamy gear changes for daily driving, much like BMW's benchmark unit. It's one of your fastest-reacting automatics available today.
This new powertrain pairing translates into a beautiful driving experience, with huge reserves of torque available from a wide power band. Response is instantaneous and sustained, escorted by a roaring V6 soundtrack in Dynamic mode. At slower paces, the S4 is cosy and relaxed.
The S4's improved performance isn't just a product of your new powertrain, but also a 75kg lighter kerb weight, in defiance in the car's increase in size.
h13 led headlight bulbs Eight-gear Tiptronic auto replaces previous car's dual-clutch
1156 led headlight The best part of Audi's performance cars is how easy they are to drive; as proven by machines like the RS6 and the R8.
d1 headlight A rear-biased quattro mechanical all-wheel drive system keeps things in check, ordinarily sending 60 percent of torque towards the rear, but can also dispense up to 85 percent. Although we have been told that the S4 can be pushed to drift, our gonads weren't large enough for us to try.
We did, however, punish a known set of corners, which would provide concern for most cars, but not for the S4. The car's powertrain, chassis and suspension work marvelously together, bestowing more grip and braking competency than we required.