Pros :
- Attractive sedan and wagon exterior styling.
- Advanced and compact V8.
- All-wheel-drive prowess.
- Industry-leading build quality.
- Very good value for money.
Cons :
- Needs more performance cues.
- Power-sapping weight gain.
- Price increase.
- Twin-turbo V6 will be missed.
- Barely any increase in performance.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
The heart of the new Audi S4 is quite clearly its engine – a further refined V8 with a displacement of 4.2 litres and a five-valve cylinder head. This engine is notable not only for its dominant power output (253 kW/344 bhp), but also for its impressive and unbeatably short design. Its compact dimensions – especially the length of only 464 millimetres – enable installation for the first time in what is also an extremely slim engine compartment for a vehicle in the B segment. To make this compactness possible, the Audi engine developers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the engine output side. This made it possible to reduce the length of the engine by no less than 52 millimetres. The engineers designing this new engine also made a saving in terms of weight. The entire V8 at only 195 kilograms total weight is just as light as its predecessor in the previous S4, a 2.7-litre V6 biturbo engine.
The V8’s thrust enables the new Audi S4 with 6-speed manual gearbox to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds. It takes just 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h, whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h. The new 4.2-litre engine delivers its maximum power of 253 kW (344 bhp) at 7,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 410 Nm is available at 3,500 rpm. Even at just 1,100 rpm the large V8 produces almost 300 Nm, and between 3,000 and just under 4,500 rpm the peak-torque range is always above 400 Nm. Clearly more impressive than such figures is the combination in practice of the engine’s spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal, its astonishing free revving and hefty torque that is characteristic of a V8. And then there is the experience of an equally characteristic V8 sound – reserved and practically free of vibration in the low speed band and with a sonorous tremolo under load – that makes no secret of the engine’s potential.
At launch all S4 models will be supplied with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This latest-generation gearbox with closely spaced ratios characteristic of a sports car is noted for its extremely precise, short shifts. Thanks to a special mount for the selector forks, the gear lever is effectively protected against driveline vibrations; the driver does not feel the gear lever trembling at all. Internal friction reduced by a series of measures increases the efficiency of the manual gearbox. This means that engine power can be converted even more efficiently into forward propulsion. A newly developed 6-speed tiptronic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program DSP and sport program will extend the range soon. This automatic transmission is designed specifically to meet demanding handling requirements: weight reduction, rapid shifts and an optimised shifting strategy make sure that the convenience of the automatic transmission is combined with the sports performance specific to the S4.
The new 6-speed transmission is 21 kilograms lighter than its predecessor; it has a total weight of just 115 kilograms. The spread of ratios has increased by 25 percent compared with a 5-speed automatic. This means a much improved accelerating performance in the low gears and a clear reduction in engine speed and consequently a reduction in both noise level and fuel consumption at high speeds. These qualities make the Audi S4 the ideal vehicle for long journeys. The shifting speed of the new 6-speed tiptronic has been significantly optimised. The driver benefits from more spontaneous gear changes particularly when downshifting. In addition, the fact that the engine automatically double-declutches further increases agility. Both in position D and the sport program S, the shift program responds to influencing parameters such as lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the type of accelerator pedal movement. This means that irritating upshifts when cornering, for example, can be prevented if necessary.
All Audi S models come with quattro four-wheel drive as standard. This ensures excellent traction and directional stability, and minimises the influence of the drive forces on the car’s self-steering behaviour. The self-locking Torsen centre differential on the Audi S4 distributes the drive forces variably between the front and rear axles. This guarantees optimum straight-line running, high directional stability and maximum propulsion. The lightweight aluminium suspension, based on the much-praised axle design of the A4 series, provides the ideal basis for maximum agility and, consequently, sheer driving pleasure. Four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension enable maximum steering precision and clearly defined handling with excellent cornering stability. Ride comfort also benefits from this ingenious axle design because a low unsprung mass makes for a particularly sensitive response from the suspension. The Audi development engineers have tuned the springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars even more consistently in favour of sports performance. The new S4 generation comes as standard with one of the most elaborate and efficient rear suspension systems currently available: the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear axle, specially designed for quattro drive.
Compared with the basic version, the new S4 has a much more direct steering ratio: as far as the driver is concerned, this is a contribution to the sports-oriented handling of the agile eight-cylinder version that can be experienced in all situations. A standard feature on both the saloon and the Avant is the speed-dependent servotronic which enables precise steering at high speeds as safely as effortless manoeuvring and parking.
The Audi S4 is being launched with standard-fit 8x18-inch alloy wheels produced exclusively for this vehicle. These are fitted with tyres of size 235/40 R18 which unite good road grip with direct steering properties and defined directional stability. The braking system is also matched to the powerful potential of the Audi S4. The ventilated discs measure 340 millimetres in diameter at the front, 300 mm at the rear.
The top sports model in the A4 series: this claim is satisfied even by the standard equipment specification that the S4 and S4 Avant offer. This of course includes safety features such as full-size front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seat backs and the head airbag system known as sideguard which covers the entire side window area and the A-posts. Active safety benefits from the Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP and the high-performance brake system with dual-rate servo and brake assist. The S4 sports suspension lowers the vehicle’s ride height by 20 millimetres and – apart from its sporty appearance – means a clear advantage in terms of dynamic handling.
The exterior of the S4 models differs from the other models in the A4 series through Avus-design cast aluminium wheels of size 8x18-inch. Other identifying features include electrically adjustable and heated aluminum-design door mirrors, a discreet rear spoiler on the saloon, an original radiator grille with grid pattern and exclusive front and rear bumpers. The S4 Avant is fitted as standard with roof rails – either in anodised or black aluminium. Four exclusive colours make it easy to distinguish an S4 from the rest of its family at first glance: Imola Yellow, Nogaro Blue, Brilliant Red and Goodwood Green. Carbon Atlas inlays or, as a no-cost option, inlays with a black piano finish, in silver aluminium or grey birch offer drivers the chance to customise their car’s interior. Recaro sports seats at front (with electric adjustment functions) and rear are an eye-catcher inside the S4. They provide excellent lateral support even when cornering at high speed and are also extremely comfortable on long journeys. The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination as standard.
Comfort and convenience in the S4 are enhanced by numerous other standard equipment features – the deluxe automatic air conditioning with separate controls for driver and front passenger, for example. Other useful features include electric front and rear windows, radio remote control for the central locking with automatic close function and the storage package comprising cup holders, a storage net on the back of the front seats and drawers under the front seats.
All S4 models have high-intensity xenon headlights. The standard lighting package contains door lights, footwell lighting, light units on the door openers, for example, and background lighting on the centre console. The asymmetrically split rear seat and a load-through facility with ski bag optimise the variability of the luggage compartment on both saloon and Avant models.
In addition to the standard specification, numerous optional extras provide scope for numerous different versions so that each S4 can be designed individually and in keeping with the customer’s personal taste. Here are just a few examples: Audio systems, with 6 CD changer in the glove box and BOSE sound system as an option, provide a musical contrast to the sporty sound of the engine and, depending on features, traffic information using RDS technology; Seats and trims can be ordered as an option in a combination of Alcantara/leather or in Silk Nappa leather; The basic car phone, radio and navigation functions can be operated at the optional 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel – which can also be supplied as a heated version if required. Voice control for operating the most important navigation, audio and car phone functions provides additional convenience and even greater operating reliability; Insulating glass and the solar sunroof for supplying power to the car’s ventilation system when the ignition is turned off ensure a particularly high standard of comfort in high outside temperatures. At the same time, a coolbox in the glove compartment keeps refreshing drinks at a pleasant temperature.
Audiworld.com
History:
2000-2002 Audi S4 / S4 Avant
2,671 cc / 250 hp / 258 lb-ft / 3263-3704 lbs / 0-60 mph 5.6 sec.
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