Audi today debuted its redesigned 2009 S4 Sedan and Avant station wagon. Based on the recently revamped A4 series, the new “S” models were unveiled for the first time today at the Paris Motor Show. The new S4 lineup does not include a convertible, since the A4 drop-top is being phased out in favor of a yet-to-be-revealed A5 convertible.
The S4 is built around a redesigned 3.0-liter TFSI engine. The mill generates 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with the help of a supercharger. The sedan sprints to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds, while the Avant takes a respectable 5.2 seconds.
The engine-driven belt that powers the mechanical charger provides full thrust right from idling speed. The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum torque at 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm. In fourth gear, the vehicle accelerates from 50 to 75 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the extremely short gas paths V6 is said to feel even more responsive than a naturally-aspirated equivalent.
Performance stats aren’t the only figures improved with the new S4. Fuel economy has also increased a whopping 26 percent. Both the sedan and wagon achieve approximately 24 miles per gallon, according to Audi.
Customers can choose between a regular six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed “S-Tronic” dual-clutch transmission. The DSG can be operated in a manual mode via paddles, or in an automated mode. With its wide gear ratio spread of 8.0:1, the seven-speed gearbox promises to exploit the increased power and torque of the 3.0 TFSI.
The quattro all-wheel-drive system 40 percent of its torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels, under normal conditions. It can vary distribution within fractions of a second as needed, with as much as 100 percent of the power going to either the front or rear.
The S-Tronic transmission is also complemented by Audi’s Drive Select feature, which enables the driver to select between “comfort,” “auto” or “dynamic” modes. These modes affect shift speed, throttle response, and the speed-sensitive steering. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth mode is available which the driver can program according to his or her own preferences.
Last but not least among the mechanical changes is a new rear differential controlled by an array of sensors and a high-speed computer. It can purportedly redirect power as needed in under 100 milliseconds.
A sport new interior, xenon headlights, a more aggressive body kit, and 18-inch wheels are all standard. Adaptive cruise control, Bang & Olufsen audio, and MMI are optional. Audi will begin delivery of its new S models in March 2009.
10/02, 8:08 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
Stupid Audi! Why won’t you give the US the S4 Avant?
10/02, 8:38 AM
posted by:
A4
…where does it say we arent getting the Avant?
10/02, 9:20 AM
posted by:
pzimet
I love how you can still get nice, traditional, authentic manuals in these cars. **** DSGs, Steptronics, SMGs, and all of the new acronyms for the updated systems…driving a manual is truly the most involving way to go, and the purest. These S4’s hold true to that option, and I do love Audi stick shifts, very satisfying to row
10/02, 9:39 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
I agree with pzimet. I applaud any manufacturer who offers a traditional manual for their top performance models: BMW, Audi, Cadillac. The rest are poseurs.
10/02, 10:02 AM
posted by:
pav8581
There is nothing like going through any mountain range and having to blip through the gears yourself I would have to agree,,, As for the cars, I’ll take two, a sedan for the commuter and an Avant for the weekend trips :P. Audi definitely doesn’t disappoint here :).
10/02, 10:10 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
At least when it comes the likes of the higher echelon marques their is often the choice. The lack of manual transmissions is especially noticeable in the middle of a domestic food chain. Why can’t you get any V6 mainstream domestic sedan with a stick? It’s no wonder you can throw a third pedal in front of most young drivers today and they look at you as if they’ve been ask to fly a jet.
10/02, 11:29 AM
posted by:
A4
every young driver should be driving with 3 pedals, thats how i learned and it makes you a much better driver
10/02, 11:36 AM
posted by:
pav8581
I am going to admit right now that I am not… as seasoned as some of the other people here, but I do know how to drive a standard and have actually never had an automatic. One should send mail to the General and the alike and see what kind of response you get when you ask for a manual on their vehicles, say a Malibu? I bet you it would be the joke of the day for them. They just don’t believe there is a segment for it. Americans are lazy and they know it. The question is, would people switch to three pedals if they knew that they would get better gas mileage in some of their gas guzzlers? I doubt it.
10/02, 1:29 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I tried. Oh, how I tried! Both my wife and I prefer manuals. What’s even funnier is that her mom does, too! I married into a way cool family.
But finding a manual on a mainstream car is so difficult. I failed. I chose necessity over fun factor, and I’ve been happy so far, but now that the necessity is gone, we’re going to start shopping for the fun. I just wish you didn’t have to find a pricey car or a bottom of the barrel car for the manual.
I drove a minivan with a manual once. It was a blast!
10/02, 2:59 PM
posted by:
autonut
Johnny, actually I know few guys who fly jets very well, but drive only automatics. Go figure, but I am with you on the subject.
As far as Avant: i wonder who would afford a house and Avant in todays economy?
10/02, 3:57 PM
posted by:
nickkop
this thing i sweet.. now take off that little supercharger… add two fat turbocharchargers, some carbon fiber, and RS6 brakes, maybe a driver controlled center driff ( a la STI ) and call this baby the RS4 !!! please !!
10/02, 3:58 PM
posted by:
nickkop
but o man is it beautiful.. i saw a plain jane A5 3.2 yesterday and peed my pants it looked so hot.. can’t even imagine an RS 5 !!!