Autoblog

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, 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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More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Audi

After a report yesterday that the next S4 would be benefiting from a supercharger, Volkswagen AG's powertrain head, Wolfgan Hatz, presented the automaker's new 3.0-liter TFSI engine at the Vienna Motor Symposium. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new engine will be fitted with a blower and putting out around 350 hp when fitted to the next generation S4. The supercharged six is expected to return better fuel mileage than its V8 counterpart and will also be fitted to the refreshed A6, due out towards the end of this year, although output will be reduced to 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, both models will benefit from a Magna-sourced sports differential that will migrate to the Q5 and S5 down the line. No timeframe was provided about the release of the S4, but we'd expect to see the A6 replacement in Paris, with the S4 debuting at the LA Auto Show in November.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via MotiveMag]

More details on Audi's forthcoming 350 hp, supercharged S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi S4 to get 330-HP biturbo 3.0L TFSI V6

John Neff — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Audi

Audi is returning to turbos in a big way lately. Look no further for proof than the RS6 Avant sporting a twin-turbo V10 producing 510 HP. The smaller S4 sedan, however, hasn't been force fed since the B5 version with its biturbo 250-horsepower V6. The next two generations were powered by the brand's ubiquitous 4.2L V8 in both non-direct inject and direct-injected versions. AudiWorld has revealed that the newest B8 iteration of the S4 will return the car to turbos once again when it debuts with a biturbo 3.0L TFSI direct-inject engine producing 330 horsepower. This is significant news for a couple of reasons. For one, as AudiWorld points out, the new S4 will be far more receptive to modification than the last two generations with their naturally-aspirated V8s. Presumably it will also be more frugal with fuel than the 4.2L V8-powered S4s before it while producing almost as much power. Finally, the S4's 340 horsepower will best the BMW 335i with its 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six by some 30 horsepower. It's a small victory, but we're sure Audi will take it. Along with high-po powerplant, the B8 S4 is also expected to get Audi's vectoring quattro system that can dynamically send the twist to any wheel it wants. The previous active sport differential system could only split torque between the rear wheels. AudiWorld also reports that the new S4 will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2008, the same time as the A4. This means we should expect the S4 to debut at either the Detroit Auto Show in January or the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[Source: AudiWorld]

Audi S4 to get 330-HP biturbo 3.0L TFSI V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twin turbos return to the next generation Audi S4?

Dan Roth — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi

There is awesomeness to the prefix "twin-turbo." It could be a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine (awesome in its own right) that you're talking about, but prepending any engine designation with the modifier "twin-turbo" can suck all of the air out of a room. Owners of lesser cars just nod in acknowledgment of their inferiority. Audi fans have lamented the evolution of the S4 from a twin-turbocharged V6 in the B5 version to V8 power for the two most recent iterations. Many feel that the V8 powerplant doesn't have the addictive frenetic nature of the old S4. For the next generation, Audi is returning the S4 to its roots as a more refined version of what you'll find in the Evo or the STi. The B8 S4 has reportedly been lapping the Nurburgring with a force-fed six-shooter underhood.

With the A5/S5 joining the lineup, the S4 doesn't have to worry as much about serving customers who'd rather have a GT than something more serious. Thus, an artificially-aspirated V6 displacing three liters and employing VW/Audi Group's FSI direct-injection technology and Audi's Valvelift actuation system can be parked in the S4 without fears that the hardcore nature of such a powerplant would be off-putting. Whether the external compressors are turbos or a supercharger is the subject of rumor. Also open to speculation is the horsepower output, but it'd be safe to bet that something slightly higher than the 300 HP packed into the BMW 335 can be expected. Also expect the S4 to employ Audi's Sport Differential to offer tweakable chassis attitude, as well as the obligatory styling tweaks and sumptuous cabin, too. Click the Read link below to view a couple renderings of what the next S4 might look like courtesy of Fourtitude.

[Source: Fourtitude, Rendering: Fourtitude]

Twin turbos return to the next generation Audi S4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2009 Audi A4

John Neff — Mon, 21 May 2007 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

AudiWorld has confirmed with sources at Audi that the next generation A4 will indeed debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in about four months. Not surprisingly, the new A4 will share much of its look with the recently released A5 coupe. These renderings by Matt Daniels show what basically look like four-door versions of the A5. The cars have a charachter line along the side sheetmetal that bows upward over the slightly flared fenders. The line appears on the A5 and is one element that has certainly softened the Audi design language a bit, and we think it works just as well on the A4.

Just as the A5 benefitted from what Audi calls its Modular Longitudinal Platform, so too will the A4 be set atop a chassis that moves the engine and transmission farther back, allowing designers to push the front wheels out further and reduce Audi's infamous amount of front overhang. Thus, the A4's wheelbase will increase dramatically while the overall length budges only an inch. That extra wheelbase length will also add a much needed 1-inch improvement in rear legroom, as well. The new A4 will also get more LED lighting technology than any other Audi besides the trick R8. LED taillamps will be standard, while LED daytime running lights will be optional on some models and standard on the S4.

More can be found after the jump, and click the Read link to view more renderings of the 2009 Audi A4.

[Source: Audi World]

Continue reading Rendered Speculation: 2009 Audi A4

Rendered Speculation: 2009 Audi A4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RR of the Day: 2000 Audi S4

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:42:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audi, RR of the Day

It's hard not to get all hot and bothered when we see an S4 doing the three-wheeled tango around an autocross course. However, this particular S4 is putting down 387 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque through all four wheels. In addition to such prodigious power figures, the 2.7L twin-turbo'd Audi has been piloted to a number of first place wins under the deft touch of Oliver Licul, an SCCA participant, instructor and Autoblog reader.

The extensive catalog of mods is listed after the jump, along with another photo of Oliver's ride doing its thing, but a few items deserve note. First, the suspension is made up of custom Koni double adjustable coilovers, sporting 800 lb. springs in the front, while 950 lb. springs hold up the rear. All those cushy stock bushings have been swapped out in favor of solid, spherical bearings, along with hollow sway bars fore and aft. Mr. Licul admits that it's still a porker, coming in 600 pounds overweight for its class, but judging from his accomplishments around the cones, he's made up for it with some serious skill behind the wheel (that, and gobs of power).

Check the rest after the jump, plus find out how to submit your own ride to our Flickr pool.

Continue reading RR of the Day: 2000 Audi S4

RR of the Day: 2000 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Gets Schooled: Part One

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: First Drive

I remember the exact moment when I realized that I suck. I was braking hard into turn four, when the instructor ahead of me clipped the apex cone with the deft touch of an athlete, sending it into the air and onto the track. I drove through the cloud of dust in his wake and heard the small particles of dirt hitting the bumper and getting thrown up into the wheel wells. He was pulling quickly out of the corner and onto the straight when I realized that I had no business being anywhere near the brake. I jumped off the stoppers, sending all the weight onto the rear tires and started easing into the throttle. The car began to push wide and as I was looking down the track, he continued to barrel into the distance. Twenty yards, then thirty, then fifty and so on. How is this possible? I'm behind the wheel of a Germanic icon and he's driving a turbo'd econobox. I couldn't have been more emasculated if all three of Hef's blondes stormed in, ripped off my pants, pointed and laughed.

And so ended my day at Skip Barber's High Performance Driving School at Laguna Seca raceway.

DISCLAIMER: Autoblog has never and will never accept gifts from any company. We paid the full tuition price of $1,595 to attend the Skip Barber HP Driving School, just like you would.

Continue reading Autoblog Gets Schooled: Part One

Autoblog Gets Schooled: Part One originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2 guys, an Audi S4, blue tape and the Coolest. Road trip. Ever.

John Neff — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 06:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Audi

We've heard this story a thousand times before. Man finally procures his dream car. It's delivered on the other side of the country. Road trip! It's the age old passage of breaking your car in with a cross country delivery trek. A member of the VWVortex.com forums who goes by the handle uglybastid and his friend Aaron traveled to New York to pick up an Audi S4 for a (very trusting) friend. The black sedan from Ingolstadt was looking good, but uglybastid and Aaron like their Audis in Nogaru Blue, not black. In order to protect the car from rock chips over 2,850 miles, and to switch the color to something more palatable, the two purchased four and a half rolls of 3M Safe-Release blue tape... and covered the car from bumper to bumper in the adhesive strips. It's the best blue tape job ever and also allowed the two to chronicle their adventure via a Sharpie marker on the sheetmetal. Throughout the road trip, uglybastid exhibits an unhealthy knowledge of roadside attractions, and the two pass more plastic cows and muffler men than actual human beings. Keep in mind, the car has no plates and despite being pulled over twice by some friendly fuzz, the two make it all the way across the northern half of the U.S. on their way to back to Seattle where the Audi S4 will find its new home. Please, it's a Sunday, do yourself a favor, click through and read the amazing tale of uglybastid, Aaron and the blue-taped Audi S4.

Thanks to Chuck G. for the tip!

[Source: VWVortex.com]

2 guys, an Audi S4, blue tape and the Coolest. Road trip. Ever. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Nov 2006 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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POLL Results: RR of the Week - 11/6 through 11/10

John Neff — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, RR of the Day

The votes have been tallied for this week's RR of the Day poll, and we're this close to calling for a recount. The winner with some 600 votes under its belt (28%) is the mildly-modded 2001 Audi S4 of Julia Howard. The S4 had some pretty stiff and very interesting competition, which makes this relatively ordinary ride such a surprise victor. The very sharp 1967 Chevy Impala SS made a run at the title gathering 488 votes (22%), while the Euro-only 1984 BMW 745i Turbo also put up a fight earning 482 votes (22%). My personal fave from last week, the Holden GTO conversion, captured a respectable 367 votes (17%), and the Volkswagen Rabbit tugged on some nostalgic heart strings to the tune of 243 votes (11%). The voting was much closer than normal last week and returned the second highest number of total votes yet for a RR of the Week Poll with 2,180 ballots cast.

Total Votes: 2,180

NEXT WEEK'S THEME: Cars of the '80s!
Break out the leg warmers and your old Atari 2600, because we're going back to the '80s for our next RR of the Day theme. All next week we want to feature glorious cars from the decade that brought us the rise of Kevin Bacon as an actor and synthesized music as an art form. If you have a vehicle that originates from the 1980s, submit it to our Autoblog Flickr Pool to be considered for a RR of the Day feature. Man, it's gonna be a rad week.

Continue reading POLL Results: RR of the Week - 11/6 through 11/10

POLL Results: RR of the Week - 11/6 through 11/10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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