New lightweight aluminum components that first found their way to the 2002 A4's 4-link front and trapezoidal rear suspension will most definitely provide superior at-the-limit driving dynamics while improving the S4's ride quality. Turn in should be crisp due to Audi's excellent Servotronic power-assisted steering, optimized for performance. The same can be said for the S4's 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes. The rotors measure 345 mm (13.6 in) at front and 300 mm (11.8 in) in the rear, with ABS and EBD. Wheels and tires? Expect nothing short of 18-inch rims at all corners on wide, low profile ZR rated tires.
I made mention earlier of the S4's "deliberately retrained' exterior design. Educated eyes will immediately notice its revised front fascia incorporating large air ducts, polished aluminum exterior mirrors, black side molding, larger diameter tailpipes and tastefully applied rear decklid spoiler. Inside, gray-faced gauges, electrically adjustable Recaro sport seats and a leather-wrapped 'S' badged sport steering wheel are a few of the items that set it apart from the standard A4.
So, for the time being Audi is set to be the top dog in the manually-shifted compact luxury category horsepower war. Of course, if you think that BMW will stand idly by watching Audi literally run over its bragging rights you had better think again. Word has it the Bavarians plan to enter their controversial V8 powered M3 GTR back into the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) for next year which can only mean one thing, they're planning on building at least enough for homologation - it was ousted last year when the specialty car failed to meet the rules for minimum units built and sold to the public. With a V10 M5 set to do battle with the new RS6, it only makes sense to find a home for the wonderful 394-hp M5 V8. Of course, the next generation M3 won't have quattro, a distinct disadvantage.