2008 Audi S4 Avant Wagon

High-performance station wagons are a rarity in the United States. Luckily, Audi's S4 Avant is available here, and it should satisfy the needs of most driving enthusiasts who desire more utility than a sedan has to offer.

Aside from offering plenty of cargo space, the S4 wagon is very similar to its sedan sibling. One exterior design element unique to the wagon is a pair of brushed aluminum roof rails. The S4 Avant also offers a dual-loading cargo floor, full-size cargo cover and protective cargo net.

Power continues to come from a 4.2-liter V8 producing 340 hp at 7000 rpm and 302 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.

Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard on the S4. The latest generation Torsen differential is available on all S4 models equipped with a manual transmission. The new system has an rear-wheel torque bias of 40/60 front/rear under normal driving conditions. Tiptronic-equipped S4 models retain a 50/50 torque split. However, the Quattro system can divert all the car's power to the front or rear wheels if the situation demands it.

Of course, the car's powerful motor isn't the only improvement. The S4 Avant also features firmer suspension, a lower ride height, and a broader track due to flared fenders and wider tires.

Changes to the S4 for 2007 include the new 'S' design 18-inch alloy wheels. These wheels share the same double-spoke design as those found on the 2007 S8 models. 2007 also marks the introduction of the optional Exterior sport package from quattro GmbH on S4 sedan models, to give a customer the opportunity to further differentiate the vehicle from its A4 siblings.

A navigation system, premium audio, SD memory slots, and Sirius satellite radio are among the optional electronics.

The current S4 is based on the previous-generation A4, but will be replaced by a new model based on the redesigned 2008+ A4 in the future.