These are the first pictures of Audi’s latest S-express: the all-new S4. And the company is bucking wthe trend of installing bigger engines with each new generation – as the car has lost a pair of cylinders!
Both the saloon and Avant estate will debut at the Paris Motor Show – alongside an as-yet-unnamed Audi concept – and they’re fitted with a V6 instead of the current V8.
However, a supercharger will compensate for the S4’s drop in capacity from 4.2 to 3.0 litres. This takes power in the all-new engine to 333bhp – only 6bhp short of the V8’s output.
Even more impressive is the fact that torque increases from 409Nm to 439Nm. As a result, the saloon covers 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds – half-a-second faster – and can hit 155mph.
By switching to the lighter TFSI engine, Audi is able to offer real benefits in economy, too. While the current S4 returns 21.1mpg, the newcomer has a far more creditable 29.1mpg figure – which is a dramatic improvement of 26 per cent.
Top brass say prices will remain close to the existing model’s £37,500 tag, and buyers will get a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic transmission. The latter has a full automatic mode, or lets the driver change ratios manually via paddles behind the steering wheel.
In terms of styling, the S4 builds on the strong design of the latest A4. Subtle changes include unique side skirts and badging, as well as aluminium-effect wing mirrors. At the back, quad exhaust pipes hint at the extra muscle the newcomer delivers over the current range-topping A4 3.2 quattro. As with that model, the 4WD system sends 60 per cent of power to the back tyres. It works with a new active sport differential, which directs drive to the outer rear wheel in bends to give more grip and stronger acceleration.
The S4’s suspension is stiffer than the standard car’s, and it sits 20mm closer to the road for better handling. As standard, owners get 18-inch alloys, with 19-inch rims an optional extra.
Audi’s Drive Select system is fitted, too. This gives a choice of comfort, auto or dynamic modes, and alters the throttle response, the steering weight and the S tronic box’s shift points to suit the driver’s tastes.
Further adjustment is offered by adaptive shock absorbers – although this isn’t the clever magnetic system found on the R8. Instead, simpler hydraulic valves switch to a sportier set-up, as they do on the new VW Scirocco. All these settings can be monitored via the optional MMI cabin control system.
Inside, the figure-hugging sports seats come with electric lumbar support, while options include a high-end Bang and Olufsen stereo, sat-nav and adaptive cruise control.
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