Audi-fest. That’s what it should be called. For here’s a company that only 15 years ago no one knew if it would be coming or going. Seems it’s coming now, and coming pretty fast on your rear view mirrors! Much like the new blazing Audi S4, which we have already reported as a 3.0-litre V6 with a supercharged system that offers driver the sure pleasure of 350bhp or so. Quattro will bear the traction responsibilities as expected, where a quick run to 100km/h should take just less than 6 seconds, while top whack will be limited at 250km/h. Yeah right, this is Audi we’re talking about, so-called "gentlemen’s agreements' are tossed out as fast as an R8 V10 tosses around a track.
Where was I? Oh yeah, gearbox. 2009 S4 will sport the brand new twin-clutch changer found in the new S5 which Audi fancily refers to as S-Tronic rather than what big brother VW calls it; DSG. Same thing. Except S-Tronic changes at 200ms under S4 guidance, weighs 40kg more than the 6-speed changer but yet performs faster and is C02 cleaner as well. Amazing stuff.
Dear S4. As has been promised, we will see you at the Paris Motor Show later in the year, hopefully with hints of your avant and cabriolet present too. Don’t forget also that 2009 is promised to give us your mentor RS 4, so we await that monumental event as well.
2009 Audi S4 Details Surface
Paris 2008 Debut Expected
2009 Audi S4
Comments
wisp
June 4, 2008 4:43 PM
Isn't this an A4 with 'S' rims? On the S5 at least you can spot the difference. The S4 i'm afraid is understated. Maybe they should have released the A4 and S4 before the A5 and S5.
catch22
June 4, 2008 4:53 PM
Wisp, you're most probably right. Just the numberplate and the S-Line logo on the fender betray its origins.
However, in the past,S4 and S-Line specced cars (S-Line Plus + Exterior) had only minor differences. Exhaust layout was one of them but it would be hard to tell from the side, whether it was an S4 or not. So, this picture is most probably a regular A4 with S-Line but S4 would look the same (these 19" rims will also be available for S4, I guess).
Roger
June 4, 2008 5:12 PM
That isnt a picture of the S4 guys, the author is just advising that he expects to see it in Paris later this year...
daviepops
June 4, 2008 5:37 PM
Quite correct roger ... besides, if it was a real S4 it would have the mandatory alloy rear view mirrors not painted ones.
xenomorph
June 4, 2008 7:58 PM
It would also have that big chrome grille and the engine badges on the side. Hmmm, seeing as its a 3.0L Supercharged engine what will be on the side area, where the "V8" badge used to be?
heat_fan1
June 4, 2008 5:36 PM
200ms? Wow, that's fast! In 2003... The Audi S-Tronic can shift as quickly as 8ms! 200ms? Please, that's Ferrari territory. And what's so "brand-new" about S-Tronic? It was originally unveiled in the US in the A3 for Audi about 3 years ago. Oh, and the S5? Yeah, it's got the automatic Tiptronic, not the DSG S-Tronic.
I love you guys, but sometimes I really wonder how much you guys know your cars, or even do any research.
Oh, and that's an A4 S-Line. The S4 will look different, as all S models look compared to the S-Lines (take a look at the A6/S6, TT/TT-S, etc.).
radmeister
June 4, 2008 9:57 PM
What are you talking about, when the Enzo came out it had the fastest shift time of 100ms, now the FXX has it with the 50ms shift time. The 200ms is probably limited through software because this is still somewhat a luxury vehicle, the RS4 will have a much quicker shift time and i am sure the same way you can change the transmission ecu on the Enzo and get 50ms shift times just like the FXX you will be able to change the shift times and points on this S4 with some software.
heat_fan1
June 5, 2008 2:48 PM
Ok, 200ms for Ferrari was a bit of an exaggeration. But the current F430 does about 150ms, if I remember correctly. I'm not talking about some super-limited production $7-figure racecars.
The Audi TT does 8ms shifts. Why the heck would the S4 kick that back to 200ms? Quicker shifts are "more luxurious" anyway. It's an imperceptable, no power-loss shift.
So to answer your question, what I'm talking about is the Enzo coming out in 2003 with very fast shifts, but the A3 came out in 2005 with even super duper faster shifts. Booyah!
xenomorph
June 4, 2008 8:02 PM
What does everyone think the best transmission choice will be? I've decided to learn how to drive manual recently and it is very fun, but that DSG system looks cool too. Its a hard choice seeing as I live in the city where manuals are usually not as practical. I wonder if the S4 will have hill hold assist like in the S5. Hill starts are crap.
heat_fan1
June 4, 2008 8:19 PM
Personally, I wouldn't trade a manual for a DSG any day of the week. My dad has an '08 TT with DSG, and while it shifts quicker than anything on the road (again, 8ms), there's nothing like having your own real-life clutch pedal.
Oh, and you'll get used to hills. After a while, they're no problem. You just have to be quicker moving from brake to gas. Practice in an empty lot or something like that.
miraclewhips
June 4, 2008 9:47 PM
The author of this article has a dirty mind, anyone else pick up on this?
miraclewhips
June 4, 2008 9:55 PM
Anyone else notice the author of this article seems to have a dirty mind?
timdog595
June 4, 2008 11:55 PM
still cant beat bmw's overall performance and handling! hahahaha! keep trying audi losers!
xenomorph
June 5, 2008 9:03 AM
Like car.fan said, you are the loser. If you had actually read the article you would know that the S4 will have new technologies never featured in an Audi before like torque vectoring etc, it also has a 350hp supercharged V6 as well, its quite likely that it will easily outperform a BMW 335i (its main competitor). Maybe you should have read the article before leaving your brainless comment. Also, change your name to "dumbdog595", it suits you much better.
brocky
June 10, 2008 10:53 AM
Audi may get there some day in their road cars but BMW will NEVER reach Audi's level of exterior beauty, interior excellence and overall fit and finish. I believe Audi also does a fine job of opening up a can of whooop ass on BMW in the motorsports.
The_woo_factor
June 5, 2008 1:47 PM
I think this is just a standard a4 with S line body kit. I cant see any S4 badging at the front. White colour suits very nicely. I think the normal A4 looks hot already.
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