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The Hits Keep On Coming - 2 More S4 Reviews Roll In

Andrew — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:52:50 +0000

So far, we imagine Audi must be very pleased with the progress they’ve made to date with the 2010 S4. After all, it has received rave reviews for both the sedan and the Avant wagon overseas gaining serious traction as a car that has very much moved the goal post from the previous generation B7 S4. While managing to be more efficient that the last generation S4, the B8 is also much more technically proficient as well - and is it over the competition?

With the new limited slip differential, double clutch transmission and ADS suspension system, it seems that Audi is winning hearts and minds of journalists and fans alike. Why does the car garner so much love? Simple, Audi has managed to dial out most of the understeer and inefficiencies of previous models and dial back in the fun factor and driver involvement, as can be seen from both of these reviews below:

Autoblog Reviews 2010 S4

Evo Compares S4 to the 335i and Evolution X

Both reviews hit on the significant pros of the B8 S4 as it transitions to its new segment as more of a sporting luxury car that battles with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and Lexus IS, leaving the RS4/5 to battle AMG’s, M cars and -F…cars, I guess that’s what you call the sporty Lexi? Anyway, some of the wonderful features of the car that both reviews hit on are what we’d come to expect from Audi: a stunning interior for the pricing point, excellent and competent manual and automatic transmissions compared to the BMW’s manual or automatic, a great all-wheel-drive system with a wonderful rear-biased torque split and, of course, the option every S4 should come with: the all-new limited slip differential giving it incredible grip out of the twisties.

What’s most interesting about the reviews is the one focusing around the S4 and how it stacks up with the king of the hill, the BMW 335i and the relative new kid on the block, the Mitsubishi Evo X. In examining these cars they all end up being within a very close pricing range, all with 4 doors and all at or just over the magic 300HP figure - and all with forced induction engines. Within this segment, the BMW has been the king of the near luxury sport segment for decades and has yet to be challenged in terms of out and out performance bang for the buck. However, the S4 finally challenges this notion with it’s incredible handling, potent, supercharged engine and complete lack of understeer - actually the new S4 brings oversteer to the table as a first for this range. However, how does it stack up against the Evo X? The Evo X does offer a dual clutch transmission like the Audi along with all-wheel-drive that has continually been refined across the Evo’s progressive models. Does the Evo X belong in this range in the first place? Do you think the BMW 335i has finally met its match in the 2010 S4? Follow the links to find out!

(Source: Autoblog and Evo Magazine)

Blast from the Past: S4 vs Evo VIII and WRX STi

Andrew — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:15:02 +0000

Many people, myself included, would love to own a new B8 S4. However, given the current economy climate and for other reasons, for many of us that just isn’t in the cards. However, there are tremendous deals out there on the gone but not forgotten B6 S4. What’s not to like either? It could duke it out with an E46 M3 and Mercedes C32/55 AMG, it gave you four doors and a highly competent all-wheel-drive system from the forefathers of all-wheel-drive.

A few years ago, Top Gear pitched the then-new V8 S4 and its 340 horses up against the very popular Mitsubishi Evo VIII and Subaru WRX STi - the highly sought after Japanese pocket rockets of the time, also blessed with all-wheel-drive. Their advantage on the Audi? Likely weight as they all click in near the 300HP mark - but check out this “vintage” Top Gear and see how the S4 stacks up against the Evo and STi.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2010 Audi S4 - Priced for your approval!

Andrew — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:50:53 +0000

Well, the moment many have been waiting for: Audi has finally released the price of the 2010 S4 sedan for the U.S. market. The price? A cool $45,900 will get you the base S4. For the S-tronic transmission, expect the price to jump up to $47,300.

Hit the jump for more on the new S4 and the full press release from Audi!

So what does $45,900 buy you in terms of kit? Well the most important part is the 333HP, a sub-5 second 0 to 60 time. Impressive figures in their own right, more impressive considering that the fuel economy of the new supercharged V6 is head-and-shoulder above the outgoing 4.2L V8 in terms of efficiency with the new S4 returning 18 MPG for the city and 27 MPH highway to the B7 S4’s 13 and 20 MPG, respectively.

Beyond performance, you get quite a bit of luxury with the new 3G navigation system with voice-activated search functions. Lucky buyers also get grippy sport seats with an S4 logo embossed into the head rests. Other nice touches come from the bi-xenon headlamps with LED day-time running lamps, Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod interface. One of our favorite features is also the quattro torque bias of the 40/60 split between front and rear.

The 2010 S4 marks an interesting turn in the strategy and placement of the S4 in the overall performance line-up. The S4 is moving down market as BMW’s M3, the original competition for the S4. So now the S4 will do battle with BMW’s fastest non-M 3 Series, the 335i. With a turbocharged 3.0L inline 6, the 335i comes up a few horsepower short of the S4’s peak power but also comes up a few grand from the base price of the 335i. The difference being that the standard features list of the S4 is much longer than the standard, more stripped down 335i base car with the remainder of the pricing difference attributed to the rear wheel drive of the 335i and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. We’re certainly ready to see what the S4 does in terms of comparison tests as it takes on new competition at a new price point.

Check out the full Audi press release below!

Audi announces 2010 MY pricing for all-new, segment-leading S4 performance sedan and stylish A5/S5 Cabriolet

HERNDON, Va., Aug 14, 2009 - Audi today announced the U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi S4 sedan and A5 / S5 Cabriolet models. The S models arrive at U.S. dealers in late August, while the A5 Cabriolet will be available in the Fall of 2009.

2010 S4 sedan (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
S4 sedan (manual) $45,900
S4 sedan (S tronic) $47,300

2010 A5 and S5 Cabriolet (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
A5 Cabriolet 2.0T multitronic front-wheel drive $42,000
A5 Cabriolet 2.0T Tiptronic quattro ` $44,100
S5 Cabriolet (S tronic) $58,250

The S4 sedan and A5/S5 Cabriolet feature technological advancements as available features that enhance both interior and performance luxury. The 3G MMI (Multi Media Interface) with 3D map graphics and SIRIUS traffic displays the latest evolution of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination finding, updated graphical clarity, SIRIUS® artist/title preview, and SIRIUS traffic-based navigation. The S4 sedan features voice-based destination input control, and voice inputs such as “I’m hungry,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee” that will point to the closest options. The unique Audi drive select option available in the S4 sedan and A5/S5 Cabriolet also helps the driver customize steering, suspension, and acceleration characteristics. The available performance-oriented Sports Rear Differential package with torque vectoring is reserved for the S4 sedan and S5 coupe/Cabriolet.

The 2010 S4 sedan returns to the Audi U.S. lineup a year after the successful launch of the all-new B8 A4, and marks a strategic enhancement for performance models in the U.S. Audi lineup.

The new S4 features more performance and technology than ever and now enters a hotly contested competitive set that includes the BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350 at a very attainable price. Now equipped with a 3.0T V6 FSI direct injection supercharged engine with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the 2010 S4 with a manual transmission offers a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, compared to a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds for the previous generation S4 V8 manual. The 2010 S4 also provides greater fuel efficiency (2010 S4 manual achieves 18 mpg city/27 highway, compared to the previous-generation 2008 S4 V8 manual ratings of 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway).

The S4 sedan will also provide more performance and standard features over its German luxury competitors. Using a continual focus on attention to detail, S4-specific features include distinctive standard S4-embossed heated front sport seats, front/rear bumpers, front grille, wheels, LED tail lights and front xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Other unique standard features include rear-biased 40:60 quattro® all-wheel drive, 18″ wheels, heated front sport seats with S4 logo embossing, stainless steel and carbon fiber interior trim, contrast stitching on steering wheel / shifter / seats, Bluetooth®, SIRIUS satellite radio, Homelink®, and iPod® Interface.

The introduction of A5 and S5 Cabriolet marks the expansion of the A5 model line and the replacement for the 2009 A4 and S4 Cabriolet nameplates. Featuring an innovative cloth acoustic roof that folds in a class-leading 15 seconds at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, it is lighter than a retractable hard top and improves driving dynamics, center of gravity, and fuel efficiency as a result. Safety continues to be a top priority for Audi, which offers more models earning “Top Safety Pick” recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other German luxury car brand.*

The A5 and S5 Cabriolet feature the latest safety features expected from a modern German luxury 4-seater convertible, including active roll bars behind the seats, front airbags, knee airbags, seat-mounted side head/chest airbags, and ESP stability control. Several packaging innovations come from the cloth acoustic roof, including rear passenger reading lights and class-leading 50:50 flat-folding rear seats. The A5 and S5 Cabriolet also come with available head-level heating built into the seats, enabling passengers to enjoy a longer top-down motoring season. The front seatbelt presenter puts the belt well within reach of front drivers and passengers as a convenience and safety feature, while ensuring effortless entry or exit.

Audi is the first car company in the United States to equip 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in 2000 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series with the R8 FSI prototype racing sports car. Once this technology first became available for U.S. Audi customers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI quattro, the list of Audi vehicles sold in the U.S. with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.

MTM’s take on the new S4

Andrew — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:03:14 +0000

For those familiar with the tuner MTM, you know they can bang out some seriously fast, agile Audi’s. For those not familiar with MTM - just check out the twin-engined Audi TT the produced a number of years ago called the BiMoto TT.

However, I digress. The B8 S4 has barely been on the market in Europe but a few short months and already MTM is giving us a sharper, faster S4. Once they got their hands on the supercharged 3.0L, horsepower jumped from the already quick 330HP to a seriously quick, B7 RS4 range, 430HP and a very potent 515Nm. MTM uses their specially developed M-Cantronic software that remaps the engine and ECU.

If the engine remap isn’t enough, then dedicated MTM and performance fans should also drop coin to pick up the MTM upgraded suspension whose height can be adjusted along with the optional 19 inch or 21 inch BiMoto style wheels. However, even if you lease your S4, the MTM systems are reportedly very easy to install/uninstall in the event you come to the end of your lease and are ready to return the car you can easily remove the parts to keep from those pesky lease-end fees.

If you’re serious about picking up an S4 and taking it to the max, head over to MTM’s website to start picking out these incredible parts.

(Source: World Car Fans)

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Fifth Gear kicks around the new S4

Andrew — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:08:32 +0000

We’re very much looking forward to the S4 here at 4RingBlog. Unfortunately, we’ll not receive the Avant variant with it’s exciting combination of practicality and high performance. The performance wagons of the S4, RS4 and RS6 have a long history of being highly successful in the European market while Americans typically shy away from the wagon as it appears unsporting, despite what lies under the hood.

The new S4 especially should be a tour-de-force tech-wise with its torque-vectoring differential, Audi Drive Select and the newer, lighter, supercharged V6 tied to the Stronic gearbox. We think there isn’t much to dislike about the B8 S4!

However, in Fifth Gear’s review, they beg to differ and Vicky Butler-Henderson comes across as somewhat harsh on a car that has been reviewed by many other critics who’ve given rave reviews - CAR Magazine calling the S4 the “best non-RS Audi you can buy.” Either way, hit the jump to head over to FiveFWD and check out the video from Fifth Gear’s Web TV. You’ll have to jump about 6 minutes into the video to catch the start of the S4 feature.

(Source: RS6.com)

2009 S4 Avant: Best Audi to buy right now?

Andrew — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:50:54 +0000

We’re jealous of Europe when it comes to new car releases. Why? Because nine out of ten times the European market and its journalists get their hands on cars three to six months earlier than we do across the pond in the U.S. As a result, Europe gets to break the news first on what many new cars are like to drive.

We’re particularly jealous of CAR Magazine as they’ve had the new B8 platform S4 Avant for a whole week to bomb around in across the English countryside. For us Yanks in the U.S., don’t hold your breath on Audi bringing the S4 Avant here as, due to weak sales on the B6 and B7 S4 Avants, Audi had decided this market wouldn’t suit the wagon well. However, that doesn’t stop us from enjoying what others abroad have to say about the all-new 3.0 supercharged V6 and the torque vectoring differential coupled to the Stronic gearbox.

And it seems those over at CAR Magazine have quite a lot to say about the new S4 Avant, calling it perhaps “the best Audi you can buy. Well, one not bearing the increasingly valued R badges, anyway.”

hit the jump to see what else CAR Magazine had to say about the new S4 Avant

CAR Magazine goes on to state:

Here’s why. We needed something with plenty of storage space for a family trip, so the Avant practicality worked well. It’s nowhere near as roomy as our old A6 Allroad Avant long-termer, but the boot is reasonably sized at 490 litres and (more importantly) a good square shape. We whipped out the luggage cover, dog guard and Audi’s aircraft-style lashing equipment (all beautifully engineered gadgets – but they take up half the boot space!) and instead stuffed buggies, a pair of travel cots and more bags than you could shake a stick at. I’m sure I saw the wife smuggle the kitchen sink in there somewhere.

We needed something comfy. This was a family holiday, not a dirty weekend away. Audis of late haven’t had a great reputation for ride quality, but the S4 genuinely surprised with brilliant dispatch of the vagaries of rural British tarmac. As usual, with adaptive dampers they worked best in Auto mode rather than Comfort or Dynamic.

It was comfy in other ways too. Those chunky leather sports seats supported and held, the build quality exuded the usual Audi solidity that makes every prod of switch and pull of stalk a pleasure. And our S4 was bristling with options, including a double-length sunroof that bathed both rows in natural light.

Ok, ok, so the Audi S4 is practical. But it’s an S car! Is it fun too?

You bet. It was the surprising blend of the sensible with the sporty that most impressed me. The seven-speed S tronic box was a case in point. It really suits the S4, wafting us around Norfolk for 90% of the week in slusher mode, then pinging us up and down the ratios with a guillotine-style instant chop up or down the ‘box when we wanted to play.

So, it sounds like the perfect package: cargo space for the family, a great engine with stellar performance, good in the city and in the country and it won’t break the bank with its lower price than the previous generation S4. To hear what else the guys at CAR Magazine had to say about the S4 Avant, hit this jump!

(Source: CAR Magazine)

Audi TV: The new S4 downhill slalom

Andrew — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:04:55 +0000

Audi TV has released a new video of the 2010 S4 and posed a question: Who’s faster? A DTM driver in an quattro-driven, supercharged S4 or some dude on Audi Design skis? My money is on the DTM driver in the S4, however, you’ll have to check this clip out yourself to find out who clinches the gold medal at the bottom of the slopes!

Click here to view the embedded video.