Ingolstadt unveils 335i’s nemesis

Audi has dispensed with the 4,2-litre V8 of the previous-generation S4 and wedged a supercharged 3,0-litre V6, mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, into the engine bays of the new S4 saloon and S4 Avant.

Audi’s new direct-injection 3,0-litre TFSI engine is also available in the facelifted A6 range, but the S4’s uprated powerplant produces an additional 32 kW (for a peak output of 245 kW) and an extra 20 N.m (for a maximum torque figure of 440 N.m).

Ingolstadt’s foil to BMW’s twin-turbo 335i has received a number of exterior modifications to tell it apart from the bog-standard A4, including a lower ride height (by 20 mm), remodelled front apron with vertically opposed bars in the grille, Xenon Plus headlights with daytime running LEDs, bold 18-inch S-design light-alloy wheels, flared side skirts, a boot spoiler and (by now obligatory) twin pairs of exhaust ends.

As for the interior, the S4 saloon and Avant gain brushed aluminum inlays, multifunctional sports steering wheels, sports seats and S4 emblems.

But how will the performance of Audi’s supercharged 3,0-litre V6 stack up against that of its turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-engined rival from Munich? Well, Audi claims the S4 saloon will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5,1 seconds, which more than a half-second faster that CAR recorded in its acceleration test of the 335i (5,7 seconds) for the January 2007 road test. Although the S4 Avant is claimed to be 0,1 seconds slower from standstill to 100 km/h than its four-door sibling, both newcomers have an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Audi claims optimistic consumption figures of 9,7 liters per 100 km for the S4 saloon and 9,9 liters per 100 km for the Avant. By comparison, CAR’s fuel index for the 335i four-door is notably higher (11,7 l/100 km) than the S4’s claimed figure.

The S4 features a six speed transmission system as standard, but a dual-clutch seven-speed S tronic transmission (offered with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles) is likely to a popular option. Power is transmitted to the wheels via Audi’s permanent all-wheel-drive system with a 60/40 rear-to-front bias, although up to 100 per cent can be channelled to either axle as driving conditions require.

What’s more, a new active sport differential reduces the propensities for understeer oversteer by directing power to the S4’s outer wheels during cornering. S4 buyers also can opt for a Drive Select system, which adjusts the car’s throttle response, shift points, and speed-sensitive steering depending on whether the driver selects “comfort,” “auto,” or “dynamic” mode. Cars equipped with Audi’s MMI system offer a fourth, custom-programmable Drive Select setting as well.

Reports suggest Audi will begin delivery of its new S models in March 2009, so don’t be surprised to see the new S4 in South Africa from mid-2009 onwards…