New Audi S4 piles on technology and performance

"Channeling the engine's reserves to all four wheels is Audi's new rapid-shifting, seven-speed double-clutch gearbox and the latest version of its four-wheel-drive system, now featuring a nominal 40/60 apportioning of drive as well as a torque-vectoring planetary drive device at the rear. Referred to by Audi as an active-sport differential, it continuously varies the drive across the rear wheels to counter understeer and/or oversteer, taking less than 100 milliseconds to react, according to Audi.

The new driveline brings about a major improvement in standing-start acceleration; the S4's claimed 0-to-62-mph time drops from 5.9 seconds to just 5.1 seconds in sedan guise, a time that places it just 0.2 second behind the former 420-hp, 4.2-liter V8-powered RS4."
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1dott8 - 9/22/2008 9:36:20 PM

+3 Boost

i want one. i'll take this over the 335 any day. i'm just trying to get the bmw fanboys panties in a bunch.

seriously though, this is better competition for the 335 than the 3.2 litre naturally aspirated engine that audi uses in their V6's. good luck to Audi, this will be a tough competition.

markanthony0419 - 9/23/2008 11:41:33 AM

+6 Boost

the 3.2 doesnt compete with the 335 it competes with the 328. the s line competes with the 335 and the rs competes with the m. why dont people understand this.

1dott8 - 9/23/2008 11:45:01 AM

+4 Boost

markanthony0419 - i usderstand this but bmw fanboys don't seem to get it. i said that so maybe people unlike us will understand this concept.

Heyhuub - 9/23/2008 12:37:52 PM

-2 Boost

Audi doesn't make it's engines for the US market. The 3.2 competes with the 330i and the 2.0TFSi against the 325i

markanthony0419 - 9/23/2008 12:57:07 PM

+1 Boost

1 dott i wasnt really speaking to you in general just cant stand reading how the a5 cant match the 335 or a4 or what have you. I am still deciding and its hard cause i am not a fanboy of the s5 or now new s4 vs the 335. i really want a coupe but who knows now. and the s5 is getting a facelift already next year.

BondMI6 - 9/23/2008 2:06:16 PM

+1 Boost

Autoweek has it's head up its arse- the B7 S4 clocked 0-60's of 5.0 sec's all day long (manual)....The new car is a MINOR improvment..

chewy - 9/23/2008 2:34:38 PM

+3 Boost

this probably means the new S4 will be under 5 seconds easily

S4cabriofoxone - 9/23/2008 9:25:49 PM

+3 Boost

You don't get it. Audi's factory times are ALWAYS wrong. Audi saying 5.6 seconds for the B6 S4 (which they did) meant it would get 5.1-5.3 in real life.

THIS one means it will probably get around 4.8.

Jaybrn - 9/25/2008 10:11:24 AM

+2 Boost

Also take note the factory 0 to 62 mph are being posted at 5.1 seconds, not 0 to 60's

golfer38 - 9/23/2008 2:12:33 PM

+3 Boost

I don't know, I think I still prefer a loaded 335. The S4 seems like a wonderful package, but I think I just like the body design better in the BMW. Although I'll reserve final judgement once I see the S4 in person.

Jaybrn - 9/25/2008 10:14:02 AM

+2 Boost

I think with a nice set of 19"s, some H&R sports to bring down the height a touch, front and rear LED's, the S4 will have a nice road presence. It should be a blast to drive with good snow tires in the winter with all those drivetrain gadgets

quizz - 9/23/2008 4:22:59 PM

+2 Boost

I think the S4 sedan is more attractive than the 335i, and the S5 is also more attractive than the 335Ci. This new generation of Audis is a significant improvement in style. The most attractive coupe I still believe is the last generation 3 series coupe; my wife has the 2003 335Ci and it still looks great.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/23/2008 9:26:26 PM

+1 Boost

I'd like to see that 2003 335Ci.

1dott8 - 9/24/2008 2:07:12 PM

+2 Boost

quizz - just a word to the wise, there is no such thing as a 2003 335Ci.

TauronB2G - 9/25/2008 12:55:27 AM

+1 Boost

Even though he has the wrong number 335 vs 330 I do agree that the last gen car was better looking inside and out. Although the current gen body is starting to grow on me.
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