Autoblog

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 named Esquire Car of the Year [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Esquire's 2010 COTY is the 2010 Audi S4 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Esquire, the purveyor of printed pages packed with ads and male-centric eye-candy, has released its list of 2010 automotive award winners. The top award is the Car of the Year and the magazine is handing that title to the 2010 Audi S4. Esquire makes a strong statement behind its reasoning, and it's hard to argue with its logic.

Numbers and stats are starting points, but we believe that the Esquire Car of the Year should make you feel something deep in your gut. You should lust for it and dream about it, but it shouldn't be an impossible goal. It must be attainable for the average man. It should sit in front of your house or office without drawing attention to itself and tackle four seasons of day-to-day transportation with ease. Yet crucially, sometimes, without warning, it must make you snatch the keys off the wall, haul off to the country and just drive.

After putting our own butts in the driver's seat, we felt the B8 S4 was a wonderful leap forward over the past B6 and B7 iterations, particularly with the new supercharged V6 and trick torque vectoring sport differential.

Esquire hands out more than just a COTY award as well. The magazine scoured the current crop of automotive excellence and handed out check pluses for: Domestic Car of the Year, Hybrid of the Year, Most Awe-Inspiring Car Built This Year, Compact Car of the Year, Most Beautiful Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Diesel Car of the Year, Best Foreign Comeback, Best Domestic Comeback and Best Expression of Automotive Passion. Who wins? You're going to have to make the jump to find out. And there's a nice little video of the Audi S4 happily accepting its award.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

Photos copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Esquire]

Continue reading Audi S4 named Esquire Car of the Year [w/video]

Audi S4 named Esquire Car of the Year [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Technology, Crossover, Audi, Luxury

2010 Audi A5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new A8 and updated Q7 won't be the only vehicles in Audi's line-up to benefit from the automaker's new eight-speed gearbox. According to dealer order guides released for the 2011 model year, the octo-cog-swapper is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up in the next year, with the automaker aiming for around 70% of it U.S. sales volume to come equipped with the new gearbox.

For the 2011 model year, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant will come packing the eight-speed tranny, along with the A5 2.0 TFSI quattro coupe and cabriolet (the manual six-speed will only be available on the coupe). In addition, the revised Q7, with its new high- and low-output 3.0-liter supercharged V6s (cribbed from the S4 and A6), will replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year. Both engines, along with the new 3.0-liter TDI, will come equipped with the eight-speed auto.

Finally, Audi quietly revealed the 2.0 TFSI inline-four-equipped Q5 at the New York Auto Show, and part of the new package will also include the eight-speed 'box.

Sales of the eight-speed automatic-equipped models will begin this fall, each delivering improved fuel economy, quicker downshifts and, thanks to its compact packaging, no additional weight gain over the standard six-speed tiptronic.

Gallery: 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:59:00 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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Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Saab, Toyota, Spyker, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #163 of the Autoblog Podcast is here and Chris Paukert once again adds his insight as he's fast becoming the fourth regular member of the crew. First up we peek into the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by a Nissan Versa, Audi S4, and a Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Topics follow, with our first drive of the 2011 BMW 5 Series starting us off before we move on to Ed Whitacre's new status as official General Motors CEO and get all misty about the uncertain fortunes of Saab (glad that's been cleared up.) Toyota's most recent recall for its throttle issue, the 2011 BMW 335is, and rumors of a 50th anniversary edition Ford Mustang with independent rear suspension finish us off before we take some questions and call it a night.

Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget - there's going to be big Apple Tablet news soon! Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux

Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki dresses up a Kizashi for Halloween

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Audi, Suzuki

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Concept- Click above for high-res image gallery

The boys and girls at Suzuki got into the Halloween spirit and dressed up a new Kizashi to celebrate the day. So what kind of costume would you put on a new sedan that aspires to redefine the company and show that this small carmaker can play with the big boys?

Much like a kid who slaps a giant "S" on his chest to transform into a superhero, this Kizashi put on a super-sedan's duds and thrust its chest out proudly. Looking for all the world like an Audi RS4 knockoff, this particular Kizashi was actually being readied for show duty at SEMA next week, where it'll join some of its siblings and preview some aero tweaks and chrome highlights that might eventually make it onto a production trim package for the Kizashi.

Although the differences were fairly minor, they worked together pretty well, giving the car a more aggressive and upscale look. Close examination of the photos will show a new lower front fascia with a jutting lip, chrome surrounds and blacked out honeycomb grille inserts. The sides get a similar redo with sill extensions and a chrome highlight strip. Meanwhile the tail gets a simple decklid spoiler with integrated cyclops. The final touch that makes this RS4 emulator work is the switch to Audi-like split-spoke alloy wheels. We'd say this tarted up Kizashi definitely looked more treat than trick.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi Sport Concept

Suzuki dresses up a Kizashi for Halloween originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 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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Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer caught naked

Dan Roth — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Buick, GM, Saab, Opel, Specialty

Opel's Insignia OPC is one of those "available elsewhere" cars that's got us licking our chops. The Insignia is headed to North America as a Buick, and enthusiasts everywhere hope the hotshot OPC version gets widely propagated. What's not likely to make any trans-Atlantic journeys is a wagon version of Opel's performance-enhanced sedan. Spy-shooters have nailed an Insignia OPC Sports Tourer running about uncamoflaged, and the wagon's got its sights trained on Audi's S4 Avant.

Built up from familiar General Motors pieces, the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer uses componentry we've seen before. The 2.8 liter turbocharged V6, six speed manual, and all wheel drive system with eLSD torque vectoring is a recipe cooked up by the Saab Turbo X, albeit Opel's version is spicier, with 325 horsepower on tap. Euro-flavored performance wagons are a delectable treat, but it doesn't look like the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer will be added to Buick's menu for North American automotive diners.

[Source: Carscoop, Photo: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer caught naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi S4 vs. downhill slalom skier

Chris Shunk — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Audi

The 2009 Audi S4 has some serious performance chops. The four-ringed sports sedan can hit 60 in 5.1 seconds, thanks in part to its 330-horsepower, supercharged, 3.0-liter V6. Some of the credit also goes to Audi's excellent quattro AWD system, which helps keep the S4 planted in most any situation. Just for kicks, Audi decided to test the S4 on a mountainside, complete with plenty of snow and some well placed flags.

To make the S4's downhill slalom interesting, Audi TV pitted it against an actual downhill skier. The skier was equipped with Audi-branded skis, so the automaker wins no matter what. Hit the jump to see this unusual race unfold, complete with a surprising winner. Hat tip to Mobilehavoc.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi S4 vs. downhill slalom skier

VIDEO: Audi S4 vs. downhill slalom skier originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:25:00 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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VIDEO: More tow truck mischief when city drags car on rotors

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Videos, Audi, Carsumer Advocacy

Click above to watch video over at WJLA

Wednesday we showed you a clip of the Shanghai Lady exacting revenge on a tow truck driver taking her beloved crossover. Even though the video was quite possibly staged, it gives us a tiny thrill to see the roles reversed like that. Today, it's another story, but unfortunately this one doesn't end so well for the driver or her poor Audi.

After finding her Audi sitting on cinder blocks on Thanksgiving morning, Chris Thompson called police and her insurance agency to report the theft. While waiting for replacement wheels and tires, the car sat on the street, still up on the blocks. Meanwhile, a neighbor who thought the car might have been stolen and dropped on their street called police to report it. A $250 ticket was placed on the Audi even though the full police report of the wheel theft was clearly visible in the windshield.

What happened next seems almost sacrilegious. The city towed her car with no wheels on it. They just winched it onto a flatbed by dragging it on its rotors. They didn't even remove the cinder blocks beforehand. As you can imagine, the owner is quite upset and the poor Audi faces a long time in the shop and tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Click over to WJLA to watch the video, but be forewarned: It is a bit wonky. You may have to watch Regis and Kelly or an Acura ad several times before it plays. Just be patient and keep clicking. Thanks for the tip, Seminole!

[Source: WJLA]

Continue reading VIDEO: More tow truck mischief when city drags car on rotors

VIDEO: More tow truck mischief when city drags car on rotors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Makes sense: Audi S5 to replace V8 with supercharged V6

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi S5

If you didn't see this coming, we recommend a trip to the optometrist. Audi is about to swap the V8 engine in the S5 with the same supercharged V6 going into the new S4 sedan. Inside Line is reporting that the dulcet-but-dated 4.2L V8 is on the way out. The new 329-hp supercharged V6 engine will take its place. Call it the S-engine-elect.

With nearly the same power and much better fuel efficiency, the lighter V6 will be the cure for what ails the current S5. While its styling is superb, its powerband and porkiness have been criticized. Fans of the 4.2L V8 should know, however, that the engine might still live on, perhaps in twin-turbo form, replacing the V10 in the next-gen Audi S6 and S8. That V10 could also get the twin-turbo treatment and wind powering the upcoming R8-based R10. Got that? Good.

The base R8 will probably get that same updated V8, while the supercharged V6 might also work its way into the all-but-confirmed R4 engine bay. While that covers most of the R and S models, know too that Audi has big plans for its RS models as well, hoping to make them lighter and more powerful in its quest for Porsche blood. We're dizzy with anticipation.

Gallery: Live shots of Audi A5 and S5

[Source: Inside Line]

Makes sense: Audi S5 to replace V8 with supercharged V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Audi S4 sedan and Avant, 333 hp of fun!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Audi

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

Now that Audi has begun production and sales of the new A4 sedan and wagon, it's time to start rounding out the lineup. At next week's Paris Motor Show the next generation S4 will debut and marks the introduction of a new powerplant for the S-series lineup: a supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6. The supercharger uses a pair of four vane rotors and sits in the valley of the engine block, with air fed through a pair of intercoolers to the combustion chambers where a direct injection system provides the fuel.

With 333 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque fed through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a new seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch transmission, the S4 sprints to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Like the more subdued A4, the S4's quattro system delivers 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and the remaining 60 percent to the rear. As with previous S models, the S4 get a more aggressive looking front and rear fascia and a new 18-inch wheel design. Inside, the S4 gets more supportive sport seats and the usual assortment of trim upgrades.

Our European friends will be able to get their mitts on both sedan and Avant wagon variants of the S4 starting next March. Here in the U.S. we'll have to wait until the fall and we'll also have to make do with the sedan only. Pricing should be similar to the current model at about $48,610.

Gallery: Paris 2008: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Audi S4 sedan and Avant, 333 hp of fun!

Paris 2008: Audi S4 sedan and Avant, 333 hp of fun! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:00:00 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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REPORT: 2010 Audi S4 to get supercharged V6

Noah Joseph — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi

Emerging reports suggest that the next Audi S4 will ditch the current model's V8 and open up the gap a little with the top-of-the-line RS4 with a new supercharged V6. Bearing the 3.0T or TFSI badge, the 2010 S4 could benefit from "twin-charging" with the possible inclusion of a turbo in addition to the supercharger.

With a potential unveiling at the LA Auto Show in November, the supercharged S4 is also tipped to feature a Magna-sourced "sport differential" like the ZF unit featured in the BMW X6, bringing the fight to the turbocharged BMW 335i, while the RS4 takes on the M3. While power will likely remain similar to the current 339-hp 4.2-liter V8 and weight only marginally reduced by 100 lbs or less, the purpose in switching to forced induction would be to improve fuel economy while returning comparable performance. The S4 is also expected to be developed outside Quattro GmbH, while the RS4 would be created by the Audi performance division, giving the former a more restrained look compared to the all-out bulging bodywork of the latter. The forced-induction V6 is also tipped to replace the 3.2-liter V6 in the base Audi A6 Quattro.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: 2010 Audi S4 to get supercharged V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:29:00 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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