First Look - Audi S4

Audi will unveil the top model in the A4 range when the new Audi S4 makes its debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show.

The new look performance A4 isn't just a matter of body kitting and re-programming the engine's ECU. No - this puppy is an all-new beast, which will give BMW's highly regarded M3 serious competition at last.

Like its predecessor, the new Audi S4 will be available as a saloon and an Avant - or sedan and wagon in non-pompous talk.

While the M3 and S4 are very close in power and torque outputs, visual impact is almost on equal footing when it comes to performance grand tourers.

Thankfully, the new S4 isn't too in your face, but has enough of an edge to let people know this ain't no ordinary Euro-motor.

The lower stance, larger front air dams (centre, left & right), chromed mirrors, flared wheel arches and 'look at me' 18-inch alloy wheels (235/40R 18Y tyres) give the new mid-sized S-model a purposeful appearance.

The Engine

The heart of the new Audi S4 is its engine – a further refined V8 with chain drive at the rear and a stroked volume of 4.2 litres. The outgoing model made use of the ageing twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6.

Anyway, the new V8 produces 253kW of power and a torque of 410Nm. The S4 consequently sets clear benchmarks in the B-segment with its supreme power development resulting from the engine’s large capacity.

While the Audi 4.2-litre V8 is 1000cc larger than BMW's screaming inline six, it has only one extra kilowatt of power.

Compare torque figures though, and it appears that a couple of extra cylinders and a swept capacity will do wonders for one's fitness.

The BMW M3 weighs in with 365Nm of torque, while the new-look S4 produces 45 more Newtons, with 410Nm of torque on offer.

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 in just 5.6 seconds - compared to the lighter M3s 5.2 seconds (claimed).

Furthermore, it takes just 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h, whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h.

Some may find it interesting to note that the V8 Audi mill, not exactly a small block, makes peak power at a heady 7000rpm, while maximum torque kicks in at half that - 3500rpm.

If you look at the figures, it becomes clear that from about 3000rpm to 7000rpm, the S4 makes seriously rapid progress.

The V8 engine can operate at such high revs by making use of a two-stage variable intake manifold and also intake camshaft adjustment, plus dual overhead cams, roller cam followers with hydraulic adjustment and a specially developed twin exhaust system.

Moreover, the new V8 powerplant is rather impressive at first glance due to its unbeatably compact design.

Its dimensions – especially the length of only 464 millimetres – enable installation for the first time in what is likewise, for a vehicle in the medium car segment, an extremely slim engine compartment.

To make this compact feature possible, Audi’s engine developers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the engine output side, making it possible to reduce the length by no less than 52 millimetres.

The entire V8, with a gross weight of just 195 kilograms, 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.

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 aluminium chassis.

The suspension

The lightweight aluminium suspension, based on the much-praised axle design of the A4 series, provides the ideal basis for maximum agility and, consequently, 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 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 emphasises 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.

Audi Australia’s Graham Hardy believes this range-topping variant will win the hearts of many Australian customers.

"Audi’s S model vehicles have been gaining favour in Australia as an increasing number of customers come to understand and appreciate the design subtlety, absolute luxury and genuine high-performance which is offered by a car such as the S4," said Hardy.

Audi Australia expects to unveil the new S4 to the Australian public at Melbourne Motor Show in March 2003. The new Audi S4 will arrive in Australian dealerships at the end of 2003, though pricing and equipment for Australian-specification vehicles is yet to be defined. We would envisage a price slightly cheaper than the BMW M3's $141,000 tag.