If theres one thing most lamented by Audi cognoscenti, its the demise of the late, great turbocharged B5 S4. The normally-aspirated big displacement B6 and B7 S4s since the original hot-rod B5 have been entertaining, but there was just something about Audis best-selling sedan with a V6 and forced induction that lit fire in the souls of the performance-minded. A big V8 is too grand touring, and befitting of a coupe like the S5. What of the driver who longs for the tuning potential of an STi or an EVO but wants something more refined? For these people, Audi has heard your call. The next generation B8 S4 has already begun its gratuitous Nurburgring testing and we have it on extremely reliable word that a forced induction six beats under the cars contoured hood.
With the addition of the A5/S5 models to the Audi lineup, the role of the S4 has changed slightly. While the S5 remains more of a GT, with its big and torque-laden 4.2-liter FSI V8, the S4 will capture a different following. An all-new forced-induction 3.0 V6 FSI, expected to make use of Audi Valvelift design, has been rumored to be a biturbo much like its 2.7T B5 predecessor. Weve heard mention of a mysterious turbocharged offering in the past, though multiple current sources have suggested that this engine might mark Audis first use of a supercharger in modern history. Either setup is possible and Audi parent Volkswagen AG even has proficiency in turbo/supercharger or twin charger TSI applications. Our money, though, is on the supercharger. One source at Audi AG has suggested VWs TSI approach likely wouldnt go much higher in displacement, and still others are holding fast to the idea of a supercharger. Regardless of configuration, we're positive that a return to forced induction in the S4 will be well-received.
How much power can we expect from the new S4? One source says itll be slightly more than that of the BMW 335, conservatively rated at 300 hp. The BMWs motor is obviously the target, though Audi is expected to go a bit higher in order to make up for the added weight and friction losses of all-wheel drive.
Speaking of all-wheel drive, we fully expect the S4 to make use of Audis Sport Differential quattro system announced last September. With more control over torque split front to rear, the dynamics of an Audi fitted with this setup can be much more neutral. Even better, an Audi driver with the Sport Differential might even be able to dial in some hooliganism as these German schematics for the S5 with Sport Differential clearly show variable settings controlled via the Audi Drive Select system available on upcoming models like the S4.
Based on established S-car styling cues and prototype S4s seen testing at the Nurburgring, we expect the our mockup images to be very close to what will be offered. Like the S5, the S4 is expected to share the same ground effects as the A4 S-line on which our images are based. A subtle grey grille with chrome vertical slats and 19-inch wheels based on the same design seen on the S8 (also the European winter wheel on the S5) are expected to further differentiate the S4 from the A4 S-line. Inside, sport seats with optional Alcantara trim like those available in the S5 are also expected, along with grey gauges with S badging.
ont be surprised either to see the new forced-induction 3.0 V6 used in other applications. It likely wont do time in the A5, though fitment in the A6 or even Audis upcoming Q5 SUV are expected.
At this time, we dont have any indication of when the S4 will be launched, other than expecting it at an auto show in the next twelve months since its been spotted testing already. That the B8 A4 Avant hasnt yet been introduced and isn't even expected before the Geneva show next spring, our best guess would put the S4 at Paris in September. If thats the case, Audi could have the S4 sedan and Avant on the market almost immediately in Europe and still as an 09 model next fall in the USA.
- Fourtitude
