Confirmed: B8 Audi S4 to feature 3.0 liter TFSI twin-turbo V6 330 horsepower

So the boys over at Audiworld have confirmed that Audi will indeed return to its B6 roots and twin-turbo the upcoming B8 S4.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

We have confirmed with inside sources that the B8 S4 will debut with a brand new 3.0-liter TFSI bi-turbo producing 330-hp. With this powerplant Audi can nearly match the B7's 340-hp output while providing even better performance figures. Manufacturer published (conservative) 0-60mph drops from 5.4 seconds to very low 5's, while the accompanying combined fuel economy rises from 17 mpg to over 20 mpg.

With a manufacturer estimated 0-60 time in the low 5 second range instead of the current 5.4 seconds, the B8 S4 should be squarely within range of the BMW 335i which features its own twin-turbo powerplant producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb./ft of torque.

It will be interesting to see what Audi does with the B8 RS4 given that the B8 S4 will feature 340 horsepower. The current 420 horsepower B8 will not provide nearly enough performance advantages over the S4, so it is probably safe to say, Audi will be increasing the horsepower output tremendously of the B8 RS4.
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Neverfollow - 11/20/2007 1:29:25 PM

+2 Boost

Just to be clear. The engine has NOT been confirmed officialy by anyone at Audi AG. I think everyone will agree that it will be a forced induction engine of some sort, but it remains unclear as to whether it will be supercharged or turbocharged. I know many who will be pulling for a twin turbo powerplant due to the ease of which aftermarket companies can extract significant additional amounts of power for a reasonalble price. That was exactly one of the reasons Audi decided to go to a normally aspirated V8 engine in the B7/B8 platform. The warranty claims and bad will were staggering with the 2.7T engine mainly due to modifications made after the sale. A twin charger engine would appear to make more sense when considering that arguement.

Agent009 - 11/20/2007 1:48:17 PM

+3 Boost

From the enthusiast standpoint the twin turbo is far more desirable. The old 2.7t would go from 250hp to a solid 400+hp with minimal effort. If you got hardcore 500+hp was a reality.

A V8 is nice but IMHO the weight and poor mileage are a big detriment to many.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 5:36:01 PM

+2 Boost

I agree, 009. I love my V8 but I want to see something more tossable in their lineup.

This engine will also (hopefully) see use in a slightly de-tuned state throughout their bread/butter lineup. The S4 should have around 350hp in order to distance itself from a 300hp tune of this engine (A4 3.0T, to replace the A4 3.2).

Agent009 - 11/21/2007 9:00:59 AM

+2 Boost

Oh yeah something can be said for the intoxication of a big V8 no doubt.

But toss ability is something lacking in most super cars. It seems only Lotus embraces that philosophy across the board now a days.

scorpio - 11/22/2007 2:02:53 PM

+2 Boost

exactly right oo9, which is why the elise is one of the very few 'real sportscars' you can buy. It's fun.

Neverfollow - 12/3/2007 11:10:40 AM

+1 Boost

You guys know that the V8 used in the current S4 is lighter weight than the old iron block 2.7T with all it's associated plumbing right? Furthermore, the power produced by a normally aspirated engine gives a much more predictable result when driving on highly techical roads. Sometimes a turbo engine will produce too much power after a gear change causing the driver to back off a bit to correct, sometimes it will bog, causing a delay while the engine rebuilds boost. A turbo engine is really only great when accelerating in a strait line at WOT. A normally aspirated engine is usually best for a highly technical driving circuits where rpm can vary widely.

GermanNut - 11/20/2007 2:12:28 PM

0 Boost

Yes, this engine has been CONFIRMED by Audi AG.

Audiworld is the leading online community for Audi enthusiasts.

Audi will feature a 3.0 liter TFSI twin-turbo V6 with 330 horsepower in the S4.

This is a confirmed fact, and it looks like Audi is going to be using Turbos in the upcoming RS5 as well.

irie77 - 11/20/2007 6:02:06 PM

+1 Boost

It is true that this confirmation comes from AUDI AG. However, it appears that it's not as concrete as I'd like to believe. Quote from Fourtitude...

"Do we agree with Audiworld? We're not prepared to go out on a limb and say either, especially when talking about a corporate entity that is even known for its TSI twin charger engines. Still, more than one source at Audi say supercharger and, since we ran our own S4 news article two weeks ago, we've been emailed by a reader with an OEM source (we won't name) who claims to have been developing the application and also confirms it's a supercharger.

One thing that might be causing confusion is the designation of T. We hear T will be used for any forced induction setup, even if it's not a turbo..."


Response from Jason Teller
Managing Editor, AudiWorld.com

"George we are getting different information - maybe they are playing us both to increase speculation and interest? Per your suggestion on the AW forums, let's bet a beer on it!"...

We'll just have to wait and see. The bi-turbo is certainly welcome for many obvious reasons. The twin-charger is even...

...Interesting times ahead.

dlingkk - 11/21/2007 2:19:12 AM

+2 Boost

TT is the trend. I bet next player will be NISSAN.

I'd like to see next Z using 3.0 V6 and TT version of it, similar to MAZDA's strategy. This will create an entry level Z($25K) and distinguish it better from the NA G37.

Although the 7500rpm VQ35HR's got great potential already.

Audiphile - 11/20/2007 2:22:37 PM

+2 Boost

I hope the technical details and American debut date of the B8 S4 in this article are correct. If they are, then I have found my next new car. Yeeha!!

AUTO_UNION - 11/20/2007 2:58:35 PM

+2 Boost

That would be very nice!

ThierryHenry14 - 11/20/2007 3:05:04 PM

+2 Boost

Nothing has been confirmed. Its just been confirmed by a person, not by Audi AG.

Threepoint1415926 - 11/20/2007 3:22:33 PM

+2 Boost

Should this be true, Mercedes is really (even more) in trouble for power, something which is usually not the case. The C-class needs to come with that M273 4.6 liter engine more and more every day.

LexSucks - 11/20/2007 4:01:04 PM

+2 Boost

This is just what Audi needs to compete with the 335. Because the current 3.2l Audi V6 is getting its butt handed to it by BMW.

GermanNut - 11/20/2007 5:08:34 PM

+2 Boost

With acceleration to 60 mph these cars should be dead even.

The Audi will have more horsepowr to make up for its added weight and Quattro AWD when compared to the lighter RWD BMW.

investor27 - 11/20/2007 6:28:39 PM

+1 Boost

Let's talk about the potential torque rating.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 7:53:35 PM

+1 Boost

350lb. ft?

Lemantech - 11/22/2007 5:14:33 PM

+1 Boost

no it it will probably have around 310 to 320 lb-ft...and have a very flat torque band.

autopro - 11/20/2007 6:41:02 PM

0 Boost

I don't want a twin turbo,just a v-6 with 300 hp normally aspirated.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 7:54:58 PM

+4 Boost

What's the beef with turbos? Lately, high-quality turbocharged engines have little to no turbo lag (335i). They also get superior gas mileage to larger displacement engines that make the same power, and obviously make more efficient use of the engine. They also keep weight down and provide better handling and balance.

Naturally aspirated engines are overrated.

ATrain - 11/20/2007 10:08:20 PM

+1 Boost

S4, when was the last time you drove a turbo? I tend to agree w/ Autopro. The lag is a problem unless your driving at 7/10th or above. I have a 535 so I have a feel for it... And when I compare to my 997 (engine-wise), it just doesn't feel as good - like it's not breathing right. Again, at the limit, it's fine because it feels more responsive and willing but below 2000, the turbo is annoying at best and it's hard to shake that impression.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 10:15:13 PM

+2 Boost

Interesting. I drove the 535xi and didn't notice it... but that was only a ten minute drive, as I wasn't actually looking at it, but my wife was.

There have also been plenty of reviews noting how the 335i has almost no turbo lag at all.

But anyway, I still think any small lag is worth the overall benefit that turbocharging does for the engine.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 10:15:50 PM

+2 Boost

BTW, I owned an A6 2.7T quattro, and I also have an A3 2.0T right now as a winter car. Neither has especially intrusive turbo lag, but the A3's is significantly better.

mitchelm - 11/20/2007 10:33:25 PM

+1 Boost

Really? Than you can buy my G35 sedan with 298hp. Although it is quicker 0-60 than my A4, my A4 sure felt quick, especially on the highway.

Than and my g35 needs a new engine due to oil consumption problems. Although my a4 had coilpack problems, its nowhere near the headache i'm having with infiniti.

I'll be back in an audi if they dont replace my engine soon.

LexSucks - 11/21/2007 10:56:19 AM

+1 Boost

It's only the Americans that are reluctant the buy turbos. Americans never forget if there were problems in the past. Even though the problems have long since been resolved. I'll bet the farm that the person who would rather have a normally aspirated V6 over a turbo is indeed in america.

ATrain - 11/21/2007 8:46:32 PM

+1 Boost

Sailor,

It's definitely not a cold/warm engine issue. I have that on my A4.

However it's going in on Monday to put winter tires on and check the windshield. I'll ask them to look at the ECU. The only thing is that the 335 I tested six months ago also had lag. (BTW, I have been driving for 26 years and I take my cars to the track on weekend so I think I know a thing or two about cars...)

The problem as I see it is twofolwd. First, low compression before the turbos kick in results in sluggish response. Second, the two-stage nature of the acceleration curve. Your brain is looking for the kick but it doesn't happen at the same time so it's disappointing even if it's short-lived.

The only thing I'll give you is that cars are better than they used to be.

What do you drive and comp regularly that makes you say there is no lag nowadays?

jteller - 11/21/2007 12:17:47 AM

+2 Boost

I think it's funny when all the experts come out and speculate on what HAS or HAS NOT been confirmed and by whom.

Clearly with my name on the byline I will stand by the article. The good natured back and forth with Fourtitude is there because George and I are friends and we are keeping it light. But I know exactly what I uncovered and exactly where it come from (multiple sources).

To be clear: Audi has confirmed nothing directly, and I wouldn't expect them too. That said, let the debate rage.

LexSucks - 11/21/2007 10:49:28 AM

+1 Boost

Jteller? The same J. Teller From Audiworld?

S4cabriofoxone - 11/22/2007 12:59:43 AM

+1 Boost

He did SAY THAT in his post.

germeezy2 - 11/21/2007 2:17:51 AM

0 Boost

People forget how prone to random major failure the 2.7T cars were.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/22/2007 1:00:39 AM

+2 Boost

Really? Mine wasn't.

My brother has a B5 S4, Stage II chip with 330hp. His has not had a "failure," either, or anything remotely resembling one.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/24/2007 2:50:00 PM

+2 Boost

"Is this the beginning to the end of the power wars which have been raging for the last decade or so? Hmmm...."

Very good comment. I hope the power war stops here.

The M5 all started it.

Neverfollow - 12/3/2007 11:23:13 AM

+1 Boost

Again, speculation on the power output numbers. Look for a dramatic increase in low end torque. That number will make the most difference to drivers. It will improve acceleration numbers and gas mileage as the engine will be turning fewer revs in cruise mode.

autopro - 11/21/2007 10:16:26 AM

-1 Boost

Its to complex and you will have problems after the warranty is up.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 11/21/2007 3:41:06 PM

+3 Boost

I bet the tuners are loving this!

330 hp is plenty in a 4-door saloon.

The 335i has a rival!

investor27 - 11/21/2007 7:18:28 PM

+1 Boost

I love the turbos precisely because there are easily done modifications that can increase performance. It does get better gas mileage, and no turbo lag. I test drove the 335i, and both my wife and I did not notice any turbo lag. We are no experts, but Jeremy Clarkson is, and he didn't notice any either. I think the new turbos are much better now than the 80s or 90s versions (twin turbos that is).

StickShiftCamry - 11/22/2007 1:05:32 PM

+1 Boost

Gonna miss the big V8 sound, i've driven new S4's, they sound nice.

RustHurricane - 11/23/2007 2:41:26 AM

+1 Boost

WOW, drop form 5.4s to low 5's.....

It sounded like it ACTUALLY mean something, amazing!

chewy - 11/24/2007 7:46:07 PM

+2 Boost

How is it not wonderful engineering? Beats what BMW has.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/26/2007 12:08:43 AM

+1 Boost

BMW would not have a twin-turbocharged six if it wasn't for Audi.

Neverfollow - 12/3/2007 11:26:55 AM

+1 Boost

Agreed, since the 335 motor is pretty much a carbon copy of the Audi 2.0T with 2 more cylinders and an additional turbo.