An M3 Beater from Ingolstadt?
Like almost every recording artist creates at least one classic song, almost every carmaker builds at least one noteworthy automobile. Audi has built many, and the latest in its arsenal might just be its best effort to date.
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| When it comes to noteworthy automobiles, the new S4 might just be Audi's best effort to date. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Sure the new S4 doesn't feature the sophisticated aluminum space frame technology of its much larger A8 L sibling, but factor in an even more powerful version of the brand's 4.2-L V8 and a much lighter curb weight and the rest can be left up to the imagination.
I remember being baffled when rumors about the previous S4 starting cropping up on internet bulletin boards. The very thought of a twin-turbocharged V6 boasting 250-hp sent shivers of anticipation through my spine. After driving it, some two years later when it finally arrived in North America, I was still enthused, but being that lesser nameplates were nearing it in horsepower some of the sizzle had left the steak, so to speak. The steak got seriously burnt when BMW introduced its 333-hp M3, leaving the S4 seeming all too commonplace.
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| With nothing less than 340-hp and 302 lb-ft of torque going down to all four wheels, the S4 is exhilarating. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
A commoner it's not for 2004, with nothing less than 340-hp and 302 lb-ft of torque going down to all four wheels. Consider for 5.6 seconds (the time needed to achieve 100 km/h) that the S4 is for all intents and purposes little more than a gussied up A4 that normally moves along commendably with either a 190-hp 1.8-L turbocharged 4-cylinder or 225-hp naturally aspirated V6 under the hood. The V8 adds little to the 3.0-L car's 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) overall weight, weighing at 1,660 kg (3,660 lbs).
A better comparison, the 4.2-L engine weighs exactly the same as the outgoing twin-turbo 2.7-L V6, at 195 kg (430 lb). What's more, the V8's forward placement on the chassis actually benefits the S4's balance, improving handling - more on that in a second. Still 1,660 kg (3,660 lbs) isn't particularly sprite for a compact premium car, especially when considering its arch nemesis M3 weighs 1,549 kg (3,415 lbs).