April28
When the next generation Audi S4 makes its expected debut sometime in 2009 as a 2010 model, it will lose its snarling V8 for a more fuel-efficient forced induction V6, like the previous-generation, B7-chassis car. While the all-new V6-powered Audi S4 has only lived in our imaginations until now, spy photographers have finally captured the first images of the next-generation car while out testing.
While the move to a V6 was foreseen, at the Vienna Motor Symposium, Audi revealed some details on the engine. A supercharger will sit under the hood of the European and North American S4, which is due out this fall. Power is rated at 350 horsepower, but fuel economy will be much improved over the outgoing S4’s 340hp 4.2-liter V8.
The engine will make its debut in the A6, although in slightly detuned form, producing 290 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The A6 is due out this fall, with the S4 not far behind, according to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
The new S4 will be lighter as well, as the B9 A4 body is about 100lbs lighter than the outgoing model and the two will share body panels. An active differential sourced from Magna will be able to distribute power on demand between wheels on the same axle is also expected to be part of the package to help the all-wheel driver handle like a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The same differential will make its way into the company’s Q5 SUV and S5 GT coupe as well.
Like previous S4 models, the new car will be visually similar to the standard A4, but will have some design cues to separate it from lesser cars — including a lower stance and quad-exhaust.
Audi’s move back to forced induction is in tune with a recent prediction turbocharged gasoline engines will double by 2013 on account of the gas savings they offer.
April 28, 2008
Awesome! Hopefully, Audi sticks with twin/bi-turbos.
Its a supercharger. Also Audi might enter F1 Hans Stuck left bmw for Audi saying something about F1 and being an advisor. They will stick with the V8 platform for the RS models if porsche lets them use the designation and possible end of twinturbo programs aside from whatever they use for the R10 diesel or gas. But the diesel would be more US friendly.
congratulations LLN, you know nothing
The current direct injection V6 in the A4 is a 3.1 litre badged as a 3.2, and the current platform generation is B7, not B9.
There is no substitute for cubic inches, a concept largely lost on Audi/VW.
“Turbocharged gasoline engines will double by 2013 on account of the gas savings they offer.”
Someone forgot to give Acura this nugget of info as the RDX gets awful gas mileage.
also this is almost word for word what car and driver posted on their site
Eh, I’d rather have a V-8.
ill like the S4 no matter what it uses.
It’s still speculation at this point with Audi’s vast experience with turbocharging I don’t see why they would make a sudden jump to a supercharger, although the twin-charger idea they are talking about could be very interesting, big turbo for power up top and the SC to eliminate any lag issues down low, that would be very cool indeed.
The solution to crazy fuel-efficient rides can be found on Youtube by typing in Hayabusa + Smartcar
Actually there is substitute to cubic inches: supercharging an turbocharging. Such 1.4L VW motor generates 170HP and as much torque. There is work in progress on larger motors: theoretically same motor of 2.0L will pump out 240 HP; 2.5L would be 300 HP and that’s all Mustang V8 can do.
A4, the current platform generation is the B8, not the B7. The Audi in the picture is a B8. It runs the same platform as the Audi A5, as you should know, fellow Audi fan!
Return the biturbo S4! Audi should be making its other cars more fuel efficient, not its performance ones.
Isn’t it yesterday’s news, literally?
it was only speculation yesterday. today we have some evidence apparently. supercharger sounds good for the next S4.
Bah, I’ll stick with my TT B5 S4 at least till I hear more details about the b8, I hope the platforms tunabilty is atleast on par with the b5’s.
I was hoping for a return of a TT V6, but I suppose a SC’d one is ok. Wonder what they will do for the RS4, just return the V8?
TT V6 you stupid snatches!
No carbonsigma, here in the states the current platform is still the B7 platform. The B8 has yet to hit our shores, and lln is going by U.S. standards. Hence the current platform is the B7. And the last platform to have forced induction was the B5 S4 from 2000-2002.
It’s funny that a 200HP 2.0T VW Passat will drink as much gas a 3.5L V6 268HP Toyota Avalon.
TURBO = Joke
GS400. Sad but true. Coworker just moved from a 2.0T Passast to a 3.6 Passat 4Motion. He lost 1MPG moving to the 3.6! What is up with that 2.0 gas sucker? (It is a kick-ass engine though in the GTI.)
Interesting that the new A6 sedan will get the same motor detuned to 290 HP. My guess this is due to the perception that vehicles with less than 300 horsepower are more fuel efficient. My guess is that the A6 will not receive the supercharger, and 290hp on a natural V6 isn’t too uncommon anymore. I’ll be curious to see what the “real” difference in fuel efficiency is compared to the current S4’s 4.2 V8. Again I think perception may be part of the equation here.
Nothing about the new design really stands out to me, but it looks pretty o.k.
petrolheadpete- I think your pretty close with what you said. It’s mostly perception.
GS400- That 2.0 liter is made more performance oriented. With a milder CPU and a few other parts, it would probably get a few miles per gallon better than the Avalon… a few…
I have no problem with the use of a turbo six. Although, Audis styling is starting to become a little monotonous for my taste. I think the past versions actually looked better than this. It’s like the usual Audi with a little bit of BMW on the side. They need to stop the evolutionary stying and go a little more aggressive.
Supercharging and Turbocharging together in bigger engines would be awesome, but somehow I have a feeling that it won’t be offered on anything bigger than a four-banger, at least not by VW.
Ideally, Audi would build a small (3.0-3.5l) V8 and charge the hell out of it, plus let it rev up into insane heights.. It would be fuel-efficient, torquey and really really fun.
well guess what El Aleman, VW/Audi already offers turbocharging on their V10 in the RS6.
This is a great move. Americans buy V8’s because they’re available. If the auto companies can give us equivalent performance with better fuel economy, we’ll eat it up. Eventually, FI V6’s will replace most V8s and FI I4s will replace most V6s. It’s the easiest way to improve fuel economy with current technology.
I would prefer a bit more conservative look. It looks like “Fast & Furious” not exactly stately. The new motor looks very good on paper.
hateful83: that is exactly what I was thinking about the styling. It’s like the Audi design team has run into the same brick wall as Nissan’s.
A4, my bad. Cos here in Australia we’ve got the B8 already. I thought that the States would get cars before we do here…since Australia is behind on pretty much everything.
Meh…