Audi Launches S4 Cabriolet @ Essen '05

Motoring Channel Staff - 24/11/2005

The Essen Motor Show in Germany beings tomorrow (25 Nov 2005) and as one of the biggest aftermarket exhibitions in the world, alongside the likes of North America's SEMA event, it's often used a springboard to launch new vehicles.

A plethora of new models and components will be launched tomorrow at the German aftermarket event, including a a pair of sporty vehicles from Audi - the S4 Cabriolet and a new turbocharged FSI engine.

Audi will also exhibit its broad model range at the Essen Motor Show, with the S4 Cabriolet expected to attract the most attention.

The German automaker has revealed that the dynamic four-seater is celebrating its show world premiere on the Audi stand, the suave-looking vehicle uniting the genes of an open-top sports car with those of an elegant cruiser.

The Audi S4 Cabriolet is powered by a 253kW (344hp) 8-cylinder engine which develops 410Nm of torque, displacing 4.2-litres.

The Audi S4 Cabriolet breaks the extremely quick 6.0 second sprint barrier in the 0 to 100km/h arena, completing the charge in just 5.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250km/h, at which point the electronic governor cuts in smoothly.

In addition to the car's exotic red leather interior, upmarket appointments and large 18-inch wheels, the S4 Cabriolet also incorporates the current Audi design philosophy, based around the large single-frame grille that dominates the vehicle's front end.

Another Audi exhibit at Essen '05 is its power-enhanced 162kW (220hp) Audi A4, which features the 2.0-litre TFSI engine for the first time. TFSI stands for turbo fuel stratified injection. Developed by Audi's performance group, quattro GmbH, the petrol direct injection engine with turbocharger delivers 20hp more than the 2.0 TFSI unit currently available.

Audi explains that the power-enhanced Audi A4 2.0 TFSI can be distinguished from its forebears and other A4 models by perforated brake discs at the front wheels and black anodised exhaust tailpipes.

Another highlight on the Audi stand is the Audi Q7 S line. As Audi clearly states, the equipment package "S line sports package plus" further emphasises the sporty characteristics of the Audi Q7 by adding sports suspension for betting handling, sports seats and whopping 21-inch cast aluminium wheels. Audi insists the S line turns the performance SUV into an athlete, while another "S line exterior package" can provide visual accents, such as deeper front and rear bumpers.

Audi explains that the increasingly successful S line equipment packages from quattro GmbH will occupy a large area of the stand in Essen. Consisting of high-quality, carefully matched components, many of which have been specially developed, these entries into the Audi world of sport will be presented on the stand by vehicles fully equipped with S line packages as well as by attractive individual accessories.

In addition to its popular S line range of accessories, the aftermarket show in Essen will also play host to the "Audi exclusive" customisation programme, also from quattro GmbH, which offers customers almost unlimited design options. From individual paint finishes to special colour combinations for leather seats and inlays. An A8 L 4.2 TDI quattro will exhibit the wide range of possibilities offered by the customisation programme at the car show.

Another highlight on the Audi stand are two successful racing cars: the Audi R8, five times winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours and winner of the American Le Mans Series, and the A4 DTM, which took Tom Kristensen to third place in this year’s DTM championship. If you happen to be in Germany for the Essen show, you can also catch regular interviews with the Audi works drivers, including DTM runner-up Mattias Ekström, which take place on 25th, 26th and 27th of November and on 3rd and 4th December. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Audi's director of motorsport , will also be on stage.