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Audi is presenting the top sports model in the A4 range. The new generation
of the S4 is making its debut. Its further refined V8 engine with chain drive at
the rear and a displacement of 4.2 litres delivers 253 kW (344 bhp) and 410 Nm
of torque. It consequently sets clear benchmarks in the B segment: a benchmark
for a supreme and even development of power resulting from the large swept
volume, and a benchmark too for a new dimension in dynamic handling.
The S model tradition at Audi
The S models date back to the 1980s when the legendary Audi quattro went from
victory to victory on the world’s rally tracks. The first vehicle to bear the
“S” symbol in its name was the unmistakeable quattro S1 with its large spoilers
in which Walter Röhrl, among others, won the Pikes Peak hill climb.
The first Audi road vehicles bearing the “S” badge were more modest in
appearance, but still athletic in stature: the S2, for example, with a 2.2-litre
turbocharged five-cylinder engine and 169 kW (230 bhp) based on the Coupé and
the Audi 80 model line.
In the second half of the 1990s Audi then introduced several of these sporty
top models in their respective model lines:
- the now 165 kW (225 bhp) S3
- the 195 kW (265 bhp) S4/S4 Avant (built as an Avant until 2001)
- the 251 kW (340 bhp) S6 and S6 Avant
- and the 265 kW (360 bhp) S8 (built until 2002).
All these models not only have engines that marked a major hike in power
compared to their next most powerful cousins, but also quattro permanent
four-wheel drive, sports suspension, sporting interior and exterior design
attributes and extensive equipment specific to the S models.
These characteristics ultimately also constitute the Audi “S” philosophy: S
models are sporty and exclusive, but at the same time extremely high-performance
top versions in their respective model lines. They bring together the brand’s
technical highlights – such as quattro permanent four-wheel drive, powerful
engines and suspension for the optimum in dynamism – to produce a synthesis of
driving enjoyment and versatility.
And they appeal to customers who do not wish to define their liking for
distinctive sportiness through aggressive and obtrusive design attributes, but
who prefer clear and yet discreet visual signs.
Exterior design
The superiority of the new Audi S4 is therefore immediately reflected in its
deliberately restrained appearance. The bodies of the S4 Saloon and Avant, which
are sporty in terms of both their proportions and their basic shape, only differ
subtly from the other members of the model line. It is the special details that
identify the new S4 unmistakably as the sport version.
A typical situation that many drivers of the new Audi S4 will find themselves
in when manoeuvring to overtake: a driver familiar with the Audi models looking
in their rear-view mirror will see the more powerful, fully painted bumper with
large air inlets, xenon headlights with contrasting titanium-coloured inner
housings and aluminium-look door mirrors and immediately be aware that a very
special Audi is approaching.
A glance at the tail end when the S4 has driven past will give onlookers a
sense of the typically powerful exhaust tailpipes on both sides and – on the
saloon version – a discreet rear spoiler as the characteristic features of the
Audi S4.
S4 models can be identified from the side by sills in the same colour as the
body, contrasting strips attached to the bottom of the doors and the
characteristic “S” wheels of Avus design. 345 millimetre 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 offered exterior paint finishes: Imola Yellow, Brilliant Red, Nogaro
Blue and Goodwood Green, pearl effect.
The S4 can also be ordered in Brilliant Black, in the metallic colours Silver
or Dolphin Grey and in Ebony Black or Moro Blue, both with pearl effect.
Interior design
The Audi S4 is notable not only for its sporting exterior, but even more so
for its inner values. This applies not only to its technology, but also to the
interior. The principal attribute of this independent top-of-the-range model is
its sporting character, which is clearly reflected among other things in its
exclusive design and high-quality interior equipment.
The instrument cluster, for example, has the characteristic grey S dials and
special needles. The three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with S badge also
accentuates the vehicle’s particularly sporty character. If a 6-speed tiptronic
is chosen, the gears can also be changed using shift paddles mounted on the
steering wheel – an ergonomic concept that has already proven its worth on the
multiple Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, and on the Audi RS 6.
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.
Inlays in carbon fibre (standard version) or optionally in birch grey,
aluminium grey or black piano finish are exclusive to the S4. Like the special
upholstery and trim materials for the seats and surfaces, these add a touch of
sporting elegance.
The S4 comes with seats in a leather/cloth combination as standard; a
leather/Alcantara combination and the particularly exclusive Silk Nappa leather
version are also available as an option. Depending on the choice of material,
the interior can be designed in various black/colour combinations and
alternatively in silver or dark green.
The V8 engine: a compact power pack
The heart of the new Audi S4 is quite clearly its engine – a further refined
V8 with a displacement of 4.2 litres and a five-valve cylinder head. This engine
is notable not only for its dominant power output (253 kW/344 bhp), but also for
its impressive and unbeatably short design.
Its compact dimensions – especially the length of only 464 millimetres –
enable installation for the first time in what is also an extremely slim engine
compartment for a vehicle in the B segment.
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 of the engine by no less than 52 millimetres.
The engineers designing this new engine also made a saving in terms of
weight. They succeeded, for example, in reducing the weight of the pistons by 70
grams each to 392 grams, whilst the connecting rods have been reduced in weight
by 66 grams to 501 grams. These measures provide the basis for low frictional
losses in the engine and a high maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.
An additional benefit: the entire V8 at only 195 kilograms total weight is
just as light as its predecessor in the previous S4, a 2.7-litre V6 biturbo
engine. This results in major benefits for the weight balance and handling
characteristics.
On the other hand, the engineers have not saved anything in terms of power.
The V8’s thrust enables the new Audi S4 with 6-speed manual gearbox to sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds. It takes just 20.6 seconds to reach 200
km/h, whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h.
The new 4.2-litre engine delivers its maximum power of 253 kW (344 bhp) at
7,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 410 Nm is available at 3,500 rpm. Even at just
1,100 rpm the large V8 produces almost 300 Nm, and between 3,000 and just under
4,500 rpm the peak-torque range is always above 400 Nm.
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.
And then there is the experience of an equally characteristic V8 sound –
reserved and practically free of vibration in the low speed band and with a
sonorous tremolo under load – that makes no secret of the engine’s potential.
Power on the one hand and low emissions on the other are not contradictions
for the Audi S4. Thanks to efficient emissions control with primary and main
catalytic converters, it remains clearly within the EU IV limits.
The Audi S4 consumes an average of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres (tiptronic)
and 13.5 litres per 100 kilometres (manual).
Manual gearbox or tiptronic: two times six gears plus quattro
Australian customers will have the choice of either a a 6-speed manual
gearbox or 6-speed tiptronic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program DSP and
sport program at launch. This latest-generation gearbox with closely spaced
ratios characteristic of a sports car is noted for its extremely precise, short
shifts. Thanks to a special mount for the selector forks, the gear lever is
effectively protected against driveline vibrations; the driver does not feel the
gear lever trembling at all.
Internal friction reduced by a series of measures increases the efficiency of
the manual gearbox. This means that engine power can be converted even more
efficiently into forward propulsion.
The automatic transmission is designed specifically to meet demanding
handling requirements: weight reduction, rapid shifts and an optimised shifting
strategy make sure that the convenience of the automatic transmission is
combined with the sports performance specific to the S4.
The new 6-speed transmission is 21 kilograms lighter than its predecessor; it
has a total weight of just 115 kilograms. The spread of ratios has increased by
25 percent compared with a 5-speed automatic. This means a much improved
accelerating performance in the low gears and a clear reduction in engine speed
and consequently a reduction in both noise level and fuel consumption at high
speeds. These qualities make the Audi S4 the ideal vehicle for long journeys.
The shifting speed of the new 6-speed tiptronic has been significantly
optimised. The driver benefits from more spontaneous gear changes particularly
when downshifting. In addition, the fact that the engine automatically
double-declutches further increases agility.
Both in position D and the sport program S, the shift program responds to
influencing parameters such as lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the
type of accelerator pedal movement. This means that irritating upshifts when
cornering, for example, can be prevented if necessary.
All Audi S models come with quattro four-wheel drive as standard. This
ensures excellent traction and directional stability, and minimises the
influence of the drive forces on the car’s self-steering behaviour. The
self-locking Torsen centre differential on the Audi S4 distributes the drive
forces variably between the front and rear axles. This guarantees optimum
straight-line running, high directional stability and maximum propulsion.
Running gear
The lightweight aluminium 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 makes for a particularly sensitive response from the
suspension. The wheel carriers on the new Audi S4 are made from aluminium for
the same reason. Compared with a conventional steel construction this means a
reduction in the unsprung mass of almost two kilograms per wheel.
This is a general characteristic for which the A4 model line has received
unanimous praise in the automotive press since it first appeared, and which is
accentuated even more clearly on this new model. The Audi development engineers
have tuned the springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars even more
consistently in favour of sports performance. And they have lowered the chassis
– and therefore the centre of gravity – by 20 millimetres.
The new S4 generation comes as standard with one of the most elaborate and
efficient rear suspension systems currently available: the self-tracking
trapezoidal-link rear axle, specially designed for quattro drive. Newly tuned
toe-angle kinematics optimise the directional stability and the precision of the
steering response even further.
Compared with the basic version, the new S4 has a much more direct steering
ratio: as far as the driver is concerned, this is a contribution to the
sports-oriented handling of the agile eight-cylinder version that can be
experienced in all situations. The S4 can be guided extremely precisely around
all kinds of corners. A standard feature on both the saloon and the Avant is the
speed-dependent servotronic which enables precise steering at high speeds as
safely as effortless manoeuvring and parking.
The Audi S4 is being launched with standard-fit 8x18-inch alloy wheels
produced exclusively for this vehicle.
High-performance brakes with dual-rate servo
The braking system is also matched to the powerful potential of the Audi S4.
The ventilated discs measure 340 millimetres in diameter at the front, 300 mm
at the rear. The system is operated via a new dual-rate servo. This gives the
driver a sporty, firm feel at the brake pedal when low to medium rates of
retardation are needed, but retains excellent controllability.
In the comfort braking range of up to around 0.5 g deceleration, the brake
servo’s ratio is on a par with the other A4 models with a factor of 5.5 and thus
ensures especially good control. Above 0.5 g the ratio is raised to the factor
12. This means that deceleration increases at a disproportionately high rate
compared with brake actuating force – a clear advantage for a sporting style of
driving.
The S4 thus achieves full deceleration with comparably low pedal force and
with less pedal travel than on a conventional system. The Electronic
Stabilisation Program ESP 5.7 including hydraulic brake assist ensures active
driving safety.
Standard equipment
The top sports model in the A4 series: this claim is satisfied even by the
standard equipment specification that the S4 and S4 Avant offer.
This of course includes safety features such as full-size front airbags, 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.
Active safety benefits from the Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP and the
high-performance brake system with dual-rate servo and brake assist. Standard
features also include quattro permanent four-wheel drive which converts engine
power with unfailing efficiency into forward movement and also ensures extremely
safe handling in all road and weather conditions.
The S4 sports suspension lowers the vehicle’s ride height by 20 millimetres
and – apart from its sporty appearance – means a clear advantage in terms of
dynamic handling.
The exterior of the S4 models differs from the other models in the A4 series
through Avus-design cast aluminium wheels of size 8x18-inch. Other identifying
features include electrically adjustable and heated aluminium-design door
mirrors, a discreet rear spoiler on the saloon, an original radiator grille with
grid pattern and exclusive front and rear bumpers. The S4 Avant is fitted as
standard with roof rails – either in anodised or black aluminium. The high-gloss
package, another standard feature, contains aluminium-look roof drip mouldings
and window capping strips.
Four exclusive colours make it easy to distinguish an S4 from the rest of its
family at first glance: Imola Yellow, Nogaro Blue, Brilliant Red and Goodwood
Green.
Carbon Atlas inlays or, as a no-cost option, inlays with a black piano
finish, in silver aluminium or grey birch offer drivers the chance to customise
their car’s interior. S4 badges on the nose and tail, on the scuff plates, in
the instrument cluster, on the dashboard and on the 3-spoke sports steering
wheel clearly indicate this Audi’s special status, even when stationary.
Recaro sports seats at front (with electric adjustment functions) and rear
are an eye-catcher inside the S4. They provide excellent lateral support even
when cornering at high speed and are also extremely comfortable on long
journeys. The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination as standard.
Comfort and convenience in the S4 are enhanced by numerous other standard
equipment features – the deluxe automatic air conditioning with separate
controls for driver and front passenger, for example.
Other useful features include electric front and rear windows, radio remote
control for the central locking with automatic close function and the storage
package comprising cup holders, a storage net on the back of the front seats and
drawers under the front seats.
All S4 models have high-intensity xenon headlights. The standard lighting
package contains door lights, footwell lighting, light units on the door
openers, for example, and background lighting on the centre console.
The asymmetrically split rear seat and a load-through facility with ski bag
optimise the variability of the luggage compartment on both saloon and Avant
models.
Technical Data – Audi S4 Avant
| Model |
Audi S4 Avant |
| Engine / electrics |
| Type of engine |
V8 spark-ignition engine, two-
stage variable intake
manifold, DOHC |
| Valve gear / number of valves per cylinder |
Intake camshaft adjustment, roller cam followers
with
hydraulic adjustment / 5 |
| Displacement in cc / bore x stroke in mm / compression |
4163 / 84.5 x 92.8 / 11.0 |
| Max. power output in kW (bhp) / at rpm |
253 (344) / 7000 |
| Max. torque in Nm / at rpm |
410 / 3500 |
| Engine management / mixture preparation |
Motronic: fully electronic sequential injection, hot-film
air mass measurement, drive-by-wire throttle control, mapped
ignition
with solid-state high-voltage distribution,
cylinder-selective adaptive
knock control using four sensors |
| Exhaust emission control |
Two close-coupled primary and two underfloor main catalytic
converters;
adaptive lambda control with two heated oxygen sensors
before and two after the converter |
| Emission category |
EU4 |
| Alternator in A / battery in A/Ah |
190 / 450/95 |
| Drive / transmission |
| Type of drive |
Permanent four-wheel drive with Torsen centre differential,
ESP |
| Clutch |
Single-plate dry clutch; dual-mass flywheel |
Hydraulic torque converter with lock-up clutch |
| Gearbox type |
6-speed manual gearbox |
6-speed tiptronic with DSP |
| Gear ratio in 1st gear / 2nd gear |
3.667 / 2.050 |
4.171 / 2.340 |
| Gear ratio in 3rd gear / 4th gear |
1.462 / 1.133 |
1.521 / 1.143 |
| Gear ratio in 5th gear / 6th gear |
0.919 / 0.778 |
0.867 / 0.691 |
| Reverse gear / final drive ratio (automatic: constant ratio) |
3.333 / 3.889 |
4.100 / 3.539 |
| Running gear / steering / brakes |
| Front suspension |
Four-link front suspension, upper and lower
wishbones,
tubular anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension |
Independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear suspension,
anti-roll bar |
| Steering / steering ratio / turning circle in m (D102) |
Maintenance-free rack-and-pinion steering with power
assistance / 14.5 / 11.5 |
| Brake system |
Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ABS/EBD and
ESP,
tandem brake booster, front and rear: ventilated discs |
| Wheels / tyres |
8 J x 18 cast aluminium wheels; 235/40 R 18 Y
tyres |
| Performance / consumption / acoustics |
| Maximum speed in km/h |
250 (governed) |
250 (governed) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h in sec |
5.8 |
5.9 |
| Fuel grade |
Super unleaded, 98 RON |
| Fuel consumption: urban/extra urban/overall, l/100 km |
19.6 / 9.8 / 13.4 |
17.9 / 9.1 / 12.3 |
| CO2 mass emission, g/100 km |
322 |
295 |
| Standing / drive-past exterior noise level in dB (A) |
87 / 74 |
87 / 73 |
| Servicing / warranty |
| Long-life service after a maximum of ... km |
Acc. to service indicator, depending on operating
conditions (maximum 2 years) 1) |
| Vehicle / paint / rust penetration warranty |
3 years with unlimited mileage / 3 years / 12
years |
| Weights / loads |
| Unladen weight (excl. driver) / gross weight limit in kg |
1720 / 2270 |
1755 / 2305 |
| Axle load limit at front / rear in kg |
1230 / 1150 |
1230 / 1150 |
| Trailer load limit unbraked in kg |
not applicable |
| Trailer load limit on 8% / 12% gradient, braked in
kg |
not applicable |
| Roof load limit in kg / permissible nose weight in kg |
75 / -- |
| Capacities |
| Cooling system capacity (incl. heating) in l |
12.2 |
| Engine oil capacity (incl. filter) in l |
10.7 |
| Fuel tank capacity in l |
66 |
| Body / dimensions |
| Body type |
Fully galvanised, unitary steel body;
crumple zones in
front and rear |
| Number of doors / seats |
5 doors with additional side protection / five
seats |
| Drag coefficient cD / frontal area A in m2 |
0.31 / 2.15 |
| Length (L103)/width excl. mirrors (W103)/height
(H100), mm |
4575 / 1781 / 1440 |
| Wheelbase (L101) / track at front/rear (W101/W102), mm |
2651 / 1516 / 1512 |
| Height of loading lip in mm (H195) |
589 |
| Luggage capacity in l, acc. to VDA block method (V210) |
442 (loaded up to roof with rear seat folded down:
1184) |
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