The heart of the new Audi S4 is its engine-a tremendously powerful V8 with a displacement of 4.2 liters and a five-valve cylinder head. This engine is notable for both its power output (253 kW/344 bhp) and its short design.The V8's thrust enables the new Audi S4 with six-speed manual gearbox to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 5.6 sec. It takes just 20.6 sec. to reach 144 mph (200 km/h); the top speed is a governed 155 mph (250 km/h).The new 4.2-liter engine delivers its maximum power at 7000 rpm. The maximum torque of 302 lb-ft (410Nm) is available at 3500 rpm. Even at just 1100 rpm the large V8 produces almost 221 lb-ft (300 Nm), and between 3000 and just under 4500 rpm the peak-torque range is always above 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).
The S4 is available with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed tiptronic with dynamic shift program (DSP) and sport program. This automatic transmission is designed specifically to meet demanding handling requirements: weight reduction, rapid shifts and an optimized shifting strategy make sure that the convenience of the automatic transmission is combined with the sports performance specific to the S4.
The bodies of the S4 sedan and Avant only differ subtly from the other members of this model family. The differences include the more powerful body-colored bumper with large air inlets, xenon-plus headlights, aluminum-look door mirrors, the four distinctive oval tailpipes and-on the sedan version-a discreet rear spoiler. S4 models can also be identified from the side by sills in the same color as the body, contrasting lower door skirts and the characteristic 18-in. "S" Avus-design wheels; the visible 345mm discs at the front are a visual indication of the brake system's performance.
The new S4, like the other S models, can be ordered in a choice of exclusively available paint finishes: Imola Yellow, Brilliant Red, Sprint Blue, pearl effect and Deep Green, pearl effect. The S4 can also be ordered in Brilliant Black, in the metallic colors Silver or Dolphin Grey and in Phantom Black or Moro Blue, both with pearl effect.
The Audi S4's interior is equally sporty. The instrument cluster, for example, has the characteristic gray S dials and special needles. The new three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with S badge also accentuates the vehicle's particularly sporty character. If the customer orders a six-speed tiptronic transmission, gears can also be changed using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.Recaro sports seats provide firm lateral support and excellent comfort on long journeys. Not only the driver and front passenger benefit from these qualities, but also passengers on the two rear seats.
The dynamic chassis, comprising lightweight aluminum components, is based on the axle design of the A4 series and provides the basis for maximum agility as well as excellent driveability. 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 the axle design as a low unsprung mass results in sensitive suspension response. The chassis also has as standard one of the most elaborate and efficient rear suspension systems around: self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension, specially designed for quattro drive. The S4 sports suspension lowers the vehicle's ride height by 20mm.
The new S4 has a particularly direct steering ratio, which contributes to the sports-oriented handling. The S4 can be guided precisely around all kinds of corners. Also standard is the speed-dependent servotronic, which enables precise steering at high speeds as well as effortless maneuvering and parking.
The Audi S4 is being launched with standard-fit 8x18-in. alloy wheels produced exclusively for this vehicle. These are fitted with tires of size 235/40R18, uniting good road grip with direct steering properties and defined directional stability.
The braking system is also matched to the Audi S4's power output. The ventilated discs measure 340mm in diameter at the front, 300mm at the rear. The system is operated via a dual-rate servo. This assists the driver during extremely hard braking by automatically increasing the servo rate.
The S4 wouldn't be the top sports model in the A4 series if it's standard equipment specifications weren't top of the line. This includes safety features such as full-size front airbags with two-stage activation, side airbags integrated into the seat backs and the head airbag system-known as sideguard-which covers the entire side window area and the A posts. The front seats now have active head restraints, and a seatbelt reminder function is also new. Active safety benefits from the electronic stabilization program (ESP) and the high-performance brake system with dual-rate servo and brake assist.
Other identifying features include electrically adjustable and heated aluminum-design exterior mirrors, and the xenon-plus headlights. The latter can be combined as an option with the dynamic cornering light technology known as adaptive light.
The S4 Avant is fitted as standard with roof rails-either in anodized or black aluminum. The high-gloss package, another standard feature, contains aluminum-look roof drip mouldings and window-capping strips.
Inlays in Carbon Atlas or, as a no-cost option, Piano finish black, Aluminum silver or Fine-grained Birch wood gray present the opportunity to customize the car's interior. There are S4 badges on the nose and tail, on the door sill trims, in the instrument cluster, on the dashboard and on the newly designed three-spoke sports steering wheel.
In addition to the standard specification, there are numerous optional:Audio systems with six-disc CD changer in the glove box and BOSE sound system ; a new Audi radio-navigation system plus with DVD drive and a 6.5-in. color display; and a solar sunroof.
With the new design, the powerful V8 engine and a more extensive equipment specification, the S4 is clearly the top sports model in the A4 range.