The New Audi S4 And S4 Avant

The Audi S model concept had its origin in Audis motor sport activities, which caused a sensation from the 1980s onwards. The significant suffix S then came to indicate turbocharged power and use of the quattro all-wheel driveline on sporting road going models as well.

Last month, Audi launched the two new S cars. The S4 and the S4 Avant was the next logical step in the S series. Powered by a newly developed six cylinder engine with twin turbo chargers (hence the term biturbo) and developing nothing short of 265 bhp, the new S models with Audi patent Quattro four-wheel drive once again demonstrate Audis technical lead as expressed by its famous Vorsprung durch Technik slogan.

 

With this Biturbo, Audi begins a new chapter in its turbocharged engine heritage with a world premiere, since this is the first time that six cylinders, five valves per cylinder and twin turbochargers have been seen together. The new 2700CC engine has all these features plus a maximum power output of 265 bhp at a mere 5800 rpm, and develops its peak torque of 400 Nm at engine speeds as low as 3600 rpm. With this immense pulling power even at very low engine speeds, the Biturbo offers the enthusiastic driver a surprising edge over the rest of the performance car brigade on the roads.

Top speed is governed to just 250 kph and in terms of acceleration, the S4 is meant to take on true-blooded sports cars at red lights. 100 kph from standstill comes in just about 5.6 secs in the new S cars. The S cars drink 11.5 litre of 98 octane, premium plus gasoline for every 100 km traversed.

The Quattro drive line is a worthy partner to the Biturbo engine, since it enables high performance to be translated into rapid progress with ample reserves of safety in hand. When road conditions are so bad that most cars can scarcely be persuaded into motion, the electronic differential lock (EDL) applies individual wheel brakes in such a way that traction is always diverted to the tyres with the most grip. This device remains in effect up to a road speed of 80 kph.

The car does not announce its identity from the rooftops. But to walk around this car is to discover other, seemingly minor styling touches that add to the S4 charm and character: the restrained S4 badge in the radiator grille next to the Audi rings, the window surround strips of quartz gray anodised aluminium, the painted door sill panels, the Avus-design alloy wheels. The front doors open to reveal a friendly welcome to the uninitiated an S4 badge embossed on to the aluminium sill trim! It should have carried an extra line, reading, Caution: performance car territory!