Ben
09-17-2002, 12:38 PM
The new Audi S4 - Courtesy of VWVortex
AG Release Info:
Audi is unveiling the sporty top model in the A4 range. The new S4 is making its debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Like its predecessor, the current version is also available as a saloon and an Avant.
The heart of the new Audi S4 is quite clearly its engine - a further refined V8 with chain drive at the rear and a swept volume of 4.2 liters. It produces 253 kW (344 bhp) and a torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). The S4 consequently sets clear benchmarks in the B-segment: a benchmark for supreme power development resulting from the engine’s large capacity, and a benchmark therefore for unmistakeable dynamic handling.
The eight-cylinder engine’s thrust enables the new Audi S4 with 6-speed manual gearbox to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.6 seconds. It takes just 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h (124 mph), whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h.
http://www.vwvortex.com/news/09_02/09_16/s4_sedan_rear1.jpg
The engine: power used to the full
The 4.2-litre V8 engine is impressive at the very first glance due to its unbeatably compact design.
Its dimensions - especially the length of only 464 millimeters (18.3 inches)- enable installation for the first time in what is likewise, for a vehicle in the B segment, an extremely slim engine compartment.
To make this compactness possible, the Audi engine developers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the engine output side. This made it possible to reduce the length by no less than 52 millimeters (2 inches).
http://www.vwvortex.com/news/09_02/09_16/s4_sedan1.jpg
The entire V8, with a gross weight of just 195 kilograms (430 lbs.), is just as light as its predecessor in the previous S4, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine. This results in major benefits for the weight balance and handling characteristics.
The 4.2-litre engine in the new S4 produces its maximum power of 253 kW (344 bhp) at 7000 rpm. The peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft of torque) is available at 3500 rpm.
Clearly more impressive than such figures is the combination in practice of the engine’s spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal, its astonishing free revving and hefty torque that is characteristic of a V8.
Power is transferred to the wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox of the latest generation, which is noted for its closely spaced ratios and extreme precision thanks to short sports-style shifts, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
The S4 can therefore convert its engine output into propulsive power most efficiently at all times and reach new heights of superiority through the handling potential of its aluminum chassis. In other words, driving pleasure in the purest sense, on the motorway as well as on challenging mountain passes.
The suspension
The lightweight aluminum suspension, based on the much-praised axle design of the A4 series, provides the ideal basis for maximum agility and, consequently, sheer driving pleasure.
Four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension enable maximum steering precision and clearly defined handling with excellent cornering stability. Ride comfort also benefits from this ingenious axle design because a low unsprung mass also makes for a particularly sensitive response from the suspension.
Design and equipment
The superiority of the new Audi S4 is immediately reflected in its deliberately restrained appearance. The body of the S4 Saloon and Avant, which is sporty in terms of both its proportions and its basic shape, only differs subtly from the other members of the model line.
The more powerful, fully painted bumpers with large air inlets, xenon headlights with contrasting titanium-colored inner housing and polished aluminum exterior mirrors indicate to those in the know that they are looking at a very special Audi.
Powerful exhaust tailpipes on both sides and - on the saloon version - a discreet rear spoiler are the characteristic features of the Audi S4 at the rear end.
An S4 is also immediately recognizable on the inside. The instrument cluster has the grey dials that are characteristic of S models and special needles. The three-spoke sports steering wheel with leather rim and S emblem also emphasizes the vehicle’s sporting character.
Recaro sports seats that can be electrically adjusted in several directions provide firm lateral support and excellent comfort on long journeys.
Opinionated Review From VWVortex:
Audi has revealed both photos and specifications of the new B6 generation S4 ending months of speculation and bringing about tremendous debate among Audi aficionados.
First, the new S4, while displaying clean lines and a modest but sporty stance, is a little on the conservative side. Perhaps Audi is holding back their cards for a future RS4 version, but to us the idea of selling customers your "sport" model and then later introducing the "true" sport model seems a bit misguided. Much as we like the last generation RS4 as much as anyone, one has to wonder why Audi didn't put the punch into the S4 itself or just make the RS4 their flagship performance model and eliminate the S-line.
Second - like it or leave it, the new S4 has a normally aspirated 4.2l V8 rated at 344hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. When converted from European DIN horsepower ratings to our SAE rating along with a few usual U.S. spec differernces horsepower is expected to be closer to 334hp when it arrives on our shores next spring. This is a strong offering with equal horsepower to the M3 and more torque. However...
Third - There were lots of rumors circulating that Audi was going to do everything they could to reduce the weight of the new S4 - The new weight in European trim? 3,660 lbs. The old B5 S4 in European trim weighed in at 3,328 lbs. - 332 lbs less than the new one. Expect the U.S. version to be even heavier than the European version. All that weight plus the driveline friction of Quattro will make things a little tough on the new S4, partilcularly going head to head with the likes of the BMW M3, its inevitable competitor.
Fourth - Pricing has not been announced for the new S4, but it is expected to be in the $45,000 to $48,000 range making it about equal to the new BMW M3 but also about $5000 more than the outgoing model.
If all this sounds like we are disappointed you are partially correct. Until we get a chance to actually drive the new car though, we can't completely throw it under the bus, however first impressions could be better. We already know the aftermarket and many enthusiasts are going to be bitterly disappointed with the normally aspirated engine choice in the new S4. The outgoing twin-turbo V6 had tremendous tuning capability, albeit at the risk of things usually breaking or throwing fits. The new V8 is likely to have quite a bark and the torque figures at 302 lb-ft put it above the M3 by a margin, but many will still miss the oomph of a modified twin-turbo.
No doubt Audi of America won't miss the expensive warranty claims on the old 2.7T and is likely to have better success with the normally aspirated 4.2l V8. Not to mention that chip tuning which was not always easy to spot and was often hidden when brought in for service will virtually be a thing of the past. While the 4.2l could be chip tuned, it won't be nearly to the same potentially damaging high horsepower and torque gains of the 2.7T.
If Audi does build an RS4 though, it certainly begs the question of what engine Audi would likely use. Could we see a twin-turbo V8? Will it finally be offered stateside? Will there be a coupe version? Lots of questions in the minds of enthusiasts...
So until we get a chance to drive the new S4, we'll hold off on final judgments. We really like the new A4 platform and think it is one of, if not the best current Audi platform available. The new V8 will be a new chapter in the A4 history and is likely to be a very nice car. Will it be enough to topple the M3? That remains to be seen...
I dont care what anyone says, that S4 is a sweet car, and I vote for a 4.2L V8TT
AG Release Info:
Audi is unveiling the sporty top model in the A4 range. The new S4 is making its debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Like its predecessor, the current version is also available as a saloon and an Avant.
The heart of the new Audi S4 is quite clearly its engine - a further refined V8 with chain drive at the rear and a swept volume of 4.2 liters. It produces 253 kW (344 bhp) and a torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). The S4 consequently sets clear benchmarks in the B-segment: a benchmark for supreme power development resulting from the engine’s large capacity, and a benchmark therefore for unmistakeable dynamic handling.
The eight-cylinder engine’s thrust enables the new Audi S4 with 6-speed manual gearbox to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.6 seconds. It takes just 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h (124 mph), whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h.
http://www.vwvortex.com/news/09_02/09_16/s4_sedan_rear1.jpg
The engine: power used to the full
The 4.2-litre V8 engine is impressive at the very first glance due to its unbeatably compact design.
Its dimensions - especially the length of only 464 millimeters (18.3 inches)- enable installation for the first time in what is likewise, for a vehicle in the B segment, an extremely slim engine compartment.
To make this compactness possible, the Audi engine developers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the engine output side. This made it possible to reduce the length by no less than 52 millimeters (2 inches).
http://www.vwvortex.com/news/09_02/09_16/s4_sedan1.jpg
The entire V8, with a gross weight of just 195 kilograms (430 lbs.), is just as light as its predecessor in the previous S4, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine. This results in major benefits for the weight balance and handling characteristics.
The 4.2-litre engine in the new S4 produces its maximum power of 253 kW (344 bhp) at 7000 rpm. The peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft of torque) is available at 3500 rpm.
Clearly more impressive than such figures is the combination in practice of the engine’s spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal, its astonishing free revving and hefty torque that is characteristic of a V8.
Power is transferred to the wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox of the latest generation, which is noted for its closely spaced ratios and extreme precision thanks to short sports-style shifts, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
The S4 can therefore convert its engine output into propulsive power most efficiently at all times and reach new heights of superiority through the handling potential of its aluminum chassis. In other words, driving pleasure in the purest sense, on the motorway as well as on challenging mountain passes.
The suspension
The lightweight aluminum suspension, based on the much-praised axle design of the A4 series, provides the ideal basis for maximum agility and, consequently, sheer driving pleasure.
Four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension enable maximum steering precision and clearly defined handling with excellent cornering stability. Ride comfort also benefits from this ingenious axle design because a low unsprung mass also makes for a particularly sensitive response from the suspension.
Design and equipment
The superiority of the new Audi S4 is immediately reflected in its deliberately restrained appearance. The body of the S4 Saloon and Avant, which is sporty in terms of both its proportions and its basic shape, only differs subtly from the other members of the model line.
The more powerful, fully painted bumpers with large air inlets, xenon headlights with contrasting titanium-colored inner housing and polished aluminum exterior mirrors indicate to those in the know that they are looking at a very special Audi.
Powerful exhaust tailpipes on both sides and - on the saloon version - a discreet rear spoiler are the characteristic features of the Audi S4 at the rear end.
An S4 is also immediately recognizable on the inside. The instrument cluster has the grey dials that are characteristic of S models and special needles. The three-spoke sports steering wheel with leather rim and S emblem also emphasizes the vehicle’s sporting character.
Recaro sports seats that can be electrically adjusted in several directions provide firm lateral support and excellent comfort on long journeys.
Opinionated Review From VWVortex:
Audi has revealed both photos and specifications of the new B6 generation S4 ending months of speculation and bringing about tremendous debate among Audi aficionados.
First, the new S4, while displaying clean lines and a modest but sporty stance, is a little on the conservative side. Perhaps Audi is holding back their cards for a future RS4 version, but to us the idea of selling customers your "sport" model and then later introducing the "true" sport model seems a bit misguided. Much as we like the last generation RS4 as much as anyone, one has to wonder why Audi didn't put the punch into the S4 itself or just make the RS4 their flagship performance model and eliminate the S-line.
Second - like it or leave it, the new S4 has a normally aspirated 4.2l V8 rated at 344hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. When converted from European DIN horsepower ratings to our SAE rating along with a few usual U.S. spec differernces horsepower is expected to be closer to 334hp when it arrives on our shores next spring. This is a strong offering with equal horsepower to the M3 and more torque. However...
Third - There were lots of rumors circulating that Audi was going to do everything they could to reduce the weight of the new S4 - The new weight in European trim? 3,660 lbs. The old B5 S4 in European trim weighed in at 3,328 lbs. - 332 lbs less than the new one. Expect the U.S. version to be even heavier than the European version. All that weight plus the driveline friction of Quattro will make things a little tough on the new S4, partilcularly going head to head with the likes of the BMW M3, its inevitable competitor.
Fourth - Pricing has not been announced for the new S4, but it is expected to be in the $45,000 to $48,000 range making it about equal to the new BMW M3 but also about $5000 more than the outgoing model.
If all this sounds like we are disappointed you are partially correct. Until we get a chance to actually drive the new car though, we can't completely throw it under the bus, however first impressions could be better. We already know the aftermarket and many enthusiasts are going to be bitterly disappointed with the normally aspirated engine choice in the new S4. The outgoing twin-turbo V6 had tremendous tuning capability, albeit at the risk of things usually breaking or throwing fits. The new V8 is likely to have quite a bark and the torque figures at 302 lb-ft put it above the M3 by a margin, but many will still miss the oomph of a modified twin-turbo.
No doubt Audi of America won't miss the expensive warranty claims on the old 2.7T and is likely to have better success with the normally aspirated 4.2l V8. Not to mention that chip tuning which was not always easy to spot and was often hidden when brought in for service will virtually be a thing of the past. While the 4.2l could be chip tuned, it won't be nearly to the same potentially damaging high horsepower and torque gains of the 2.7T.
If Audi does build an RS4 though, it certainly begs the question of what engine Audi would likely use. Could we see a twin-turbo V8? Will it finally be offered stateside? Will there be a coupe version? Lots of questions in the minds of enthusiasts...
So until we get a chance to drive the new S4, we'll hold off on final judgments. We really like the new A4 platform and think it is one of, if not the best current Audi platform available. The new V8 will be a new chapter in the A4 history and is likely to be a very nice car. Will it be enough to topple the M3? That remains to be seen...
I dont care what anyone says, that S4 is a sweet car, and I vote for a 4.2L V8TT