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]
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