Autoblog

2013 Audi S4

Matt Davis — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, First Drives, Luxury

A Standalone Sleeper Sport Sedan That Still Keeps Us Awake At Night

The always-bustling Audi stand at next month's Detroit Auto Show figures to be cluttered with a full range of eighth-generation A4 models, all of which arrive in the States sometime between June and July. The line's real marquee model is, of course, the RS4, but that Rennsport ingredient will not be seen on the stand in Cobo just yet. (So let's change that to almost full range, and some sources are saying that there will not even be an RS4 this go-round.) The sauciest A4 present will be this model, the new S4, considered by many - this reviewer included - to be the real gem of the range, especially in comparison to the seriously costly RS4.

It's best to call this the "latest" S4, because it is definitely not all-new. However, it does partake of the mid-cycle changes to the "B8" eighth-generation, some of which we recently addressed in a first drive of the A4 and A4 Allroad Quattro. For now, though, we really don't need big changes - we'll be happy if the S4 remains our lower-volume secret.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S4

2013 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi discontinues manual gearbox for S4 and S5 in Europe, U.S. models safe

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

Here's a bit of curiosity. GT Spirit is reporting that Audi has pulled the manual gearbox option for both the S4 and the S5 in Europe. The news comes courtesy of Fourtitude, who spoke with Barry Hoch, the product planning manager for Audi of America. Hoch said that while the sportier Audi models will lose their third pedal in the EU, American buyers will still be able to row their own gears.

Why would Audi abandon the manual transmission? The company's DSG gearbox offers plenty quick shifts with improved fuel economy, constant application of power and a hefty convenience factor, but Europeans have traditionally been more excited about swapping their own gears than their American counterparts.

Of course, if true, this begs the question about the longevity of manual gearboxes on Audi models in the States. While it looks as if they'll hang around on the S4 and S5 for a time longer, we have to imagine that it won't be long before the automaker thins the option sheet for its American wares, as well.

Audi discontinues manual gearbox for S4 and S5 in Europe, U.S. models safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

The Audi A4 has been the German automaker's best-selling model for 39 years running with over 10 million individual examples sold, so any sort of major update to the machine is a big deal in Ingolstadt. For the 2013 model year, Audi has bestowed its A4 with revised sheetmetal and powertrains in order to keep it at the forefront of the entry-level luxury car arena... which is especially important with a new BMW 3 Series on its way.

A quick glance may not be enough to take in all the visual changes to the latest A4, but a closer look reveals that there are revisions to nearly every surface, including the front fascia, bumpers and hood. The headlights and taillights have been reworked to more closely match the rest of the lineup with a "slight wave" at the bottom and highly stylized LED elements. Inside the cabin, new steering wheels, refined finishes and a somewhat simplified MMI infotainment system.

European buyers will be able to select from six turbodiesel and four gasoline engines, all with forced induction and direct injection for maximized power and efficiency. In the States, we're expecting at least the 2.0-liter turbocharged four (211 horsepower) and 3.0-liter supercharged six with up to 333 horsepower in high-performance S4 trim. That's enough ponies to hit 60 miles per hour in about 5.0 seconds.

There's a slim chance the U.S. could get a crack at the new 1.8-liter turbo four as well, but we're not holding our breath. As you would expect, Quattro all-wheel drive will be available across the line, and power will reach the wheels through either a six-speed manual, CVT automatic (front-wheel drive only), eight-speed auto or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Audi is also introducing a new electromechanical power steering system for the 2013 A4.

We're expecting Audi to bring the A4 and S4 to the U.S. in the summer of 2012 as 2013 models, and we should also get the new A4 Allroad wagon as well. You can see a whole slew of images in our high-res galleries, and we've embedded videos highlighting the new A4 Allroad and S4 after the break (along with the press release, naturally) for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading 2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video]

2013 Audi A4, S4 and A4 Allroad Quattro fully revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi RS4 Avant caught on 'Ring with A4 facelift

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Audi, Luxury

Performance wagons are the securely on the list of items that make our enthusiast hearts go pitter-pat. Sadly, there is a distinct lack of options in this segment, and some of the very best products never make it here to the States. One such long-roof that long ago joined the Forbidden Fruit category is the Audi RS4 Avant, whose successor has been spied racking up the test miles at the Nürburgring this week.

We're not entirely sure what's going on under the hood just yet, but with the German automaker's recent remake of its S lineup, we wouldn't be surprised to find a powerful turbocharged mill. We also won't be surprised to hear the words "Audi RS4 Avant - Europe Only," when the wagon finally sheds its camouflage.

Still, we can click through the gallery and pretend that the Nürburgring is actually Laguna Seca. We can dream that our local dealership will have a Dolphin Gray example with our name on it, and we can hope that more performance wagons start to show up on the streets of the North America.

Audi RS4 Avant caught on 'Ring with A4 facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Audi S4 facelift spied on the 'Ring

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Audi

Audi S4 Avant spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The piping-hot Audi RS4 may not be destined for consumption here in the United States, but its little brother, the S4, will continue to live on in America. Our spy photographers recently spotted this S4 prototype - in delicious Avant flavor - testing on the Nürburgring, showing off a newly facelifted front end.

Much like the A6 and A7, the revised S4 will wear Audi's reshaped grille with slanted upper corners - a design element that will also trickle down to the base A4 and the A5. Additionally, it appears that the front bumper has been tweaked, with larger lower air intakes that are reminiscent of what we see on the smaller TTS. Our spies also suggest that the S4's taillamps will receive a once-over, looking more akin to what's currently used on the A6/A7.

Mum's the word on powertrain upgrades, but we expect that Audi has a few tricks up its sleeve to keep the S4's performance prowess in check. Some minor tweaks to the car's cabin will likely be in store, as well. Look for the facelifted S4 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Gallery: Audi S4 Avant: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi S4 facelift spied on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi makes it right with disgruntled customer, loans free S4 until order arrives

Chris Shunk — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi

2010 Audi S4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ordering a special edition luxury vehicle from Germany can take some time. The plant needs to put you in the production queue with the rest of the orders, shipping across the Atlantic can eat up weeks and parts availability can also throw off timing. Such a protracted timeline played out for Audi forum member Datz as he waited for his brand new S4, except three months became five months and then his December order led to a July delivery.

Instead of sitting back and listening to excuse after excuse from the dealership, Datz reportedly took to the Internets in search of justice. The expectant owner even sent a note out to Audi U.S.A. chief Johan de Nysschen, and he says he focused his vitriol on Audi's goal to be the global leader in luxury autos instead of complaining about his plight at the dealership.

Instead of ignoring the email, de Nysschen took action, calling the disgruntled buyer to see how he could hep. The Audi boss apologized for the delays, telling him that his $2,500 Daytona Gray paint job and trunk component delays were the issue, though he reportedly added that those issues are Audi's, not his.

Calling the customer was a very cool thing for de Nysschen to do, but he went a monumental leap forward by providing a 2010 S4 loaner to use while he waited for his new vehicle. He also called the plant and had production moved up to April, with a June delivery date. Nicely done Audi, and way to use the Internet to your advantage, Datz! Now you can beat the snot out of the loaner to get it out of your system before you get your own S4 to coddle.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

Photos copyright (C)2011 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Audizine.com via Quattro World via Motor Authority]

Audi makes it right with disgruntled customer, loans free S4 until order arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi

Avus Performance Audi S4 - Click for a high-res image gallery

According to Avus Performance, its tweaked Audi S4 has had the engine performance adjusted accordingly to expedite the 20x9-inch CC-line wheels properly. Their words. Parsing the English translation of the originally German press release, however, will tell you all you need to know.

Ride height is twiddled by a suspension setup that uses threaded strut tubes to adjust the spring perches. Those 20-inch wheels wear Hankook Ventus S1 tires, and the stock exhaust has been swapped out for stainless steel mufflers. Body mods in shiny black or carbon fiber are tacked on before the cars leave the Avus shop, too. Thanks to the revised plumbing and some engine tweaking, the AP-fettled sedan churns out 424 horsepower.

There you have it, an Audi that's been given a spiff. Now if they'd send one to us, there might actually be something tangible to say about it, instead of regurgitating the press release for all you hungry little sparrows. Full PR posted after the jump.

Gallery: Avus Performance Audi S4

[Source: Avus Performance]

Continue reading Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4

Audi S4 tuned by Avus Performance, but we still want the RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

2011 Audi Q7 (Germany) - click above for high-res image gallery

Along with blessing us with a revised TT for 2011, the Audi Q7 gets a few choice upgrades in its home market of Germany, including a few new engines and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded Q7 doesn't benefit from any new sheetmetal, though Audi has seen fit to put the S4's supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 to good use under the hood of its behemoth SUV. Available in two states of tune, the blown V6 puts out 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the base version, and the upgraded mill produces the same 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque as its sports sedan sibling.

A new 3.0-liter TDI is also available for the 2011 model year, delivering 240 hp and a more-than-adequate 406 lb-ft of twist from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Not only does the new diesel deliver respectable performance times (0-60 in 7.9 seconds) and above average fuel economy, but the weight of the oilburner has been reduced by 44 pounds.

All revised, German-bound Q7s receive a new eight-speed automatic gearbox based on the outgoing six-speed cog-swapper, with higher ratios and Tiptronic actuation, along with standard Drive and Sport modes. There's no word on whether this transmission is bound for the U.S. market in the near future, but we'd suspect Stateside Q7s will benefit from the new 'box by the end of the year. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Update: An Audi USA spokesman tells Autoblog that the 2011 Q7 V6 TDI will retain its 225 hp / 406 lb-ft rating and launch with the new eight-speed in September. The gasoline V6 TFSI will also be available here in both 272 and 333 hp flavors beginning in November 2010.

Gallery: 2011 Audi Q7 (Germany)

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany

2011 Audi Q7 gets three new V6s, eight-speed transmission in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winner for Best of the Year

By February of each year, we are always right in the middle of awards season, and no, we're not talking about the Golden Globes, Grammys or Oscars. We are, of course, referring to Car and Truck of the Year awards, Ten Best lists and the like. A brace of trophies had already been handed out at the Detroit Auto Show and here at the Chicago Auto Show, a few more champions were crowned. As you might imagine, Toyota is usually an oft-mentioned brand during this time of year, but we figured this year might be a little different.

Coming on the heels of several high profile recall announcements by Toyota, one might expect the once-bulletproof Japanese carmaker to at least get more careful consideration when handing out the hardware. Well, even if they have gone through closer scrutiny, that hasn't stopped multiple outlets from still rewarding them for their products. Television show MotorWeek just announced their Drivers' Choice Award winners, and the Toyota Prius is their choice for best Eco-Friendly vehicle. It also claimed the title of Best of the Year overall, making it their top pick of the 2010 models.

Other category winners are listed below and there's a long press release after the jump that includes a statement by MotorWeek host and producer John Davis. While it was probably difficult to change their minds so late in the game, the statement by Davis explaining their rationale in choosing the Prius seems to have been written some time before Toyota started making so many headlines: "If you can only buy one car for your family, the 2010 Prius is the one," said Davis. "The Prius is a no-compromise vehicle that offers impressive efficiency, cutting edge technology, smart packaging and truly iconic styling."

While all of that might still apply, it's bad timing if nothing else to be handing out a top award to the Prius. In that spirit, Davis added an additional statement to clarify and defend the show's selection. In it he explained that while MotorWeek had two different Prius hybrids in their care for several months, nothing ever went wrong with them and that the show is confident that the problems will be satisfactorily addressed by Toyota.

MotorWeek was certainly not alone on that front however, as Toyota has recently been lauded by several other organizations as well. In Japan, for instance, Toyota was honored with a government energy efficiency award. Interestingly, the company chose to decline that award, though, saying that "the honor is not appropriate for a car hit by massive recalls," according to MSNBC.

Without further ado, here are the MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winners:

Best Small Car: Mazda3
Best Family Sedan: Ford Taurus
Best Luxury Sedan: Buick LaCrosse
Best Small Utility: Chevrolet Equinox
Best Large Utility: Honda Pilot
Best Pickup Truck: Ram 1500/2500/3500
Best Eco-Friendly: Toyota Prius
Best Sport Sedan: BMW 3-Series
Best Sport Coupe: Chevrolet Camaro
Best Performance Car: Audi S4
Best Convertible: Nissan 370Z Roadster
Best Dream Machine: Audi R8 5.2 FSI/Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Sources: Motorweek via EarthTimes, MSNBC]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award

Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Yes, the 2010 Audi S4 can drift

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Videos, Audi, Luxury

Click above to view the video after the jump

When we drove the 2010 Audi S4, we praised the sedan's trick electronic rear differential for its ability to shuffle torque between the rear wheels to give the sensation, if not the exact effect, of oversteer. Unfortunately, our track time was spent in an e-diffless model, so we didn't get to fully exploit its potential around Infineon. However, hot-shoe Ignacio Perez did just that at Spain's Jarama circuit.

After the jump you can watch Perez putting the new S4 into full-on drifts around the track with one nervous front seat passenger and his camera-wielding companion in tow. Although getting the S4 sideways isn't too difficult (we did it a few times in the standard model), you can see in the video that speed drops off precipitously at corner the exit. Regardless, modern-day Audis are no longer relentlessly pushing, nose-heavy beasts and, what's more, Perez was wagging his tail in an S4 Avant, the five-door version we can't get in the States... dammit.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: Fourtitude]

Continue reading VIDEO: Yes, the 2010 Audi S4 can drift

VIDEO: Yes, the 2010 Audi S4 can drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Evidence mounting that 2010 Audi S4 is underrated

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

To many people, Audi is replacing BMW as the go-to yuppie-mobile of choice. For one thing, Walter de'Silva's designs are almost universally lauded (Q7 notwithstanding) whereas the new crop of Bangled Bimmers are... controversial to put it as nicely as humanly possible. But it's not just down to looks and interior -- it can't be.

For the past decade or so Audi, BMW and of course Mercedes-Benz have all been engaged in mercilessly meeting each other tit-for-tat. 3/5/7 Series vs. 4/6/8 vs. C/E/S-Class, M/AMG/S, X5/ML/Q7, etc. It goes on forever. But the point is, Audi and BMW appear to be on equal footing and it looks like Audi has taken the copycat game to new heights.

Everyone knows that the BMW 335i is the most underrated car currently on the market in terms of raw thrust and grunt. BMW claims 300 hp and 300 torques, but even dogs know that BMW's trick 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine puts out much closer to 350 hp and 350 tire-spinning pound feet of torque. Why? Well, lower insurance rates for their customers probably isn't one of the reasons. However, remember that when the E90/E92 3 Series came out, BMW was still selling the 333 horsepower E46 M3. Meaning that it would be pretty hard to sell an older, $55,000 car with less power than a newer and just as quick $40,000 car. Or so the theory goes, though we should point out that BMW engineers angrily call us liars when we bring this scenario up.

And guess what? Looks like Audi is pulling the same trick with their new supercharged S4. Volkswagen and Audi tuner APR stuck a 2010 Audi S4 on an AWD-dyno and discovered the following. Instead of the 333 hp and 325 torques Audi is claiming, they pulled 331 hp and 336 pound-feet of torque... at the wheels! Figuring that AWD cars have about a 20% parasitic drivetrain power loss, the actual crank output of the S4 is huge. How huge? By our calculations just about 400 horsepower/torques. Gulp. Tip of the Audi driving cap to Brenton!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: Quattro World]

REPORT: Evidence mounting that 2010 Audi S4 is underrated originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Audi S4 brings back the boost, gives "S" a reason for being

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi, New Car Reviews

2010 Audi S4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll just come right out and say it: Audi lost the plot with the last generation S4. Unlike the twin-turbocharged V6-equipped B5, its B6 and B7 brethren did little to stoke the flames in our collective hearts. The "S" simply stood for, "I paid more for a bigger engine and some additional trim." Needless to say, that sort of behavior doesn't cut it when you're battling it out with one of the most competent sports sedan of the last decade: the BMW 335i.

So with the all-new A4 (B8) comes the 2010 Audi S4 - the most credible contender to BMW's hugely competent middle child. This time, Audi brings back the boost. And it's about damn time...

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi S4 brings back the boost, gives "S" a reason for being

Review: 2010 Audi S4 brings back the boost, gives "S" a reason for being originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi prices 2010 S4 in U.S. from $45,900*

John Neff — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi S4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a year-long absence on U.S. soil, the Audi S4 is about to return with all of the enhancements that debuted last year in the all-new B4 A4 sedan. Oh yeah, plus a screaming 3.0-liter supercharged V6 producing 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The new S4 was just added to the Audi USA website yesterday, and pricing has been revealed to start at $45,900 (*not including a destination and delivery charge of $825). At that price you get the S4 sedan with a six-speed manual transmission, while the S4 with Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch tranny starts little higher at $47,300. Despite being down two cylinders to the previous V8-powered S4, the new model hustles to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, about .4 seconds faster. It's also more fuel efficient, achieving 18 mpg city/27 highway compared to the old model's 13 mpg city/20 highway.

Audi doesn't consider the S4 an M3 competitor, but rather a perfect foil for people considering a BMW 335i or Mercedes-Benz C350. The 335i starts lower at $40,300, but offers an engine that, while sonorously sweet, produces only 300 horsepower. The C350, meanwhile, starts lower still at $39,000, but again features a 3.5-liter V6 producing only 268 horsepower. The crazy thing is that the S4, despite being more powerful than its cross-country German rivals, is more fuel efficient than them both.

Gallery: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi prices 2010 S4 in U.S. from $45,900*

Audi prices 2010 S4 in U.S. from $45,900* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Europe, Audi

2010 Audi S4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The tuners at MTM have begun tweaking the all-new 2010 Audi S4 (B8) in Europe, and as expected, Audi's new supercharged 333-hp 3.0-liter V6 is rife with potential. With only a revised ECU - no underdrive pulley, intake or exhaust mods - MTM was able to coax 430 crank horsepower out of the blown six - 97 hp more than stock.

The kit, which retails for 2,491 euros (around $3,500 USD), brings torque output up to 380 lb-ft and, according to MTM, drops the 0-60 mph time from 5.2 to 4.6 seconds. Clearly, good things are on the way for the BMW 335i fighter, and we expect more to follow when the new darling of the Euro-tuning scene arrives in the States later this year.

Gallery: Paris 2008: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: MTM]

MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Audi S4 and S5 to get turbo'd four-pots, massive weight reduction

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Audi

Audi Sportback Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Car and Driver sat down with Audi's global head of product engineering, Michael Dick, to discuss the future of the automaker's offerings and how it plans to tackle the ongoing issue of weight. While all automakers cite consumer demand and government regulation as one of the major reasons overall vehicle weight has skyrocketed in the last 20 years, Audi is actively pursuing its "smaller-is-better credo." To that end, the automaker currently has a next-generation A5 prototype running around that's 880 pounds lighter than the current car. Dick told C&D that the mule is using an increased amount of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel to reduce mass, and says while the current TT is 69% aluminum, the next A6 (due in 2011 or 2012) will have even more, and the next A4/A5/S4/S5 will feature more still when they arrive in 2014.

Dick went on to say that the down-sizing of the current S4 and S5's engine from a V8 to a supercharged V6 is the first step, and its possible that the next generation Ss will be 20% lighter, pack 30% less displacement and will likely come with turbocharged four-cylinder engines (think TT, TT S and TT RS mills).

On the topic of styling, expect the next generation of Audis to take cues from the Sportback concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The Audi A7 will arrive in production form later this year, and while the overall shape won't disseminate throughout the Audi line-up, the headlamps, tail-lights and refined single-frame grille will carry over to the rest of the range. Dick claims that the A7 is already eight seconds faster than the current S5 around the Nurburgring, thanks primarily to its curb weight, which is expected to come in at around 3,000 pounds. We won't believe that until we see it on an official spec sheet, but it's comforting to know that at least one luxury automaker gets "it" and there's no doubt it will pay dividends in the marketplace if all these initiatives come to fruition.

Gallery: Audi Sportback Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

2014 Audi S4 and S5 to get turbo'd four-pots, massive weight reduction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi invents new sport in S4 advert

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Videos, Audi

Click above to see the Audi Abfahrtski ad after the jump

Who needs snow? Audi says just use what you've got. In its newest Audi S4 ad for the European marke, the German brands shows a downhill skier doing his thing through the streets of San Francisco, with nary a snowflake in sight. Appropriately titled "San Francisco Abfahrtski!", the video features some cool effects and presumably shows you the visceral thrills that you'll experience while piloting your new supercharged S4. Follow the jump to see the spot for yourself, and pay close attention for the parking meter slalom and the cable car dodge.

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi invents new sport in S4 advert

VIDEO: Audi invents new sport in S4 advert originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: 2009 Audi S4 armed and ready

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi S4

We were never particularly fond of the last generation Audi S4. With 4.2-liters of V8 hanging precariously over the front axle, it provided adequate thrust, but never delivered the dynamic thrills we used to associate with the twin-turbo'd V6 fitted to the B5 platform.

Apparently Audi agrees, and in a move to further differentiate its lineup - while also providing some competition to the all-conquering BMW 335i - it's fitted the new S4 with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 putting out 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system sending 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels, the 2009 Audi S4 is ready to do battle and we're truly looking forward to our time behind the wheel.

For all the details, check out our previous post on the 2009 Audi S4 and peruse our live gallery from the Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: 2009 Audi S4 LIVE

Gallery: Paris 2008: 2010 Audi S4

Paris 2008: 2009 Audi S4 armed and ready originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Audi to unveil supercharged S4

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Audi

We knew that the new Audi S4 was due to be unveiled within the next six months, but CAR was able to confirm that the supercharged sled will make an official appearance at the Paris Motor Show this September. As previously reported, the new S4 will ditch its 4.2-liter V8 in favor of a new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing around 350 hp - a few ponies more than the current S4's output.

CAR got the details about the new S4 while running the twin-clutch-equipped S5 through its paces, and is able to confirm that the S-badged sedan will benefit from the same seven-speed gearbox, with shifts taking place in 200 ms. Naturally, the S4 will be equipped with quattro all-wheel-drive, and sales will begin in the UK in early 2009, with wagon and convertible variants following thereafter.

As for the future of the RS4, Audi isn't confirming any specs yet, but they're confident that when the new M3-fighter hits the streets in 2010, the new S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox's shifts will be reduced to around 140-150 ms.

[Source: CAR]

Paris Preview: Audi to unveil supercharged S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details: Audi's new supercharged 3.0-liter V6

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi

Automakers in the U.S. are just starting to truly embrace turbocharging, but Audi is going against that grain by choosing to supercharge its new 3.0L V6. We already told you some details about the new powerplant, and now we're hearing new specs from Autocar. The British website is reporting that the 3.0L V6 due to power the next S4 will be force-fed by an Eaton Supercharger to produce a power-output of 286 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 310 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. We'd heard earlier that the output of the supercharged 3.0L would be closer to 350 hp in the S4 and detuned to 290 hp for the mid-range A6, so this new report from Autocar has us a bit confused. We're assuming that the British outlet is just referring to the less powerful version of the engine that will power the A6 and doesn't yet know exact power figures for the S4 version. At least we're hoping so, since a less powerful S4 is no fun for anyone.

[Source: Autocar]

Details: Audi's new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Supercharged Audi S4 caught testing

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Audi

It is, of course, no secret that we here at Autoblog like our horsepower. But what we like even more than that is good automotive sense and a great driving experience. And if we're honest with ourselves, we can admit that those don't always require a 580-hp V10.

Audi appears to feel the same way when it comes to the next S4. For the next generation model due in 2010, Audi doesn't plan to boost the output of the current model's V8. Instead, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is supposed to be pulling this mule caught lapping the 'Ring in Germany.

Autocar's sources say that Audi wants the next car to be lighter and get better gas mileage, and be able to compete with the BMW 335i. A more frugal car that can still do the business when asked and has better handling thanks to its lighter weight represents the kind of goal we can really get behind. To keep the S4 distinct from the next RS4 due in 2011, the top shelf super sedan is expected to keep its V8 lump.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Supercharged Audi S4 caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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