High performance A4 model downsizes to more economical but no less exceptional six cylinder supercharged FSI engine
All-new S4 and S4 Avant models debut at 2008 Salon de l'Auto in Paris, running from October 2 to 19
Available to order in UK from late November priced from approximately 36,000 for first deliveries in April 2009
Supercharged V6 TFSI with 333PS and 440Nm from 2,500-4,850rpm replaces naturally aspirated V8
Six-speed manual or optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission that actually further improves fuel economy
Evolution of quattro system with active sport differential capable of varying torque not only between front and rear axles but also between each rear wheel
Optional Audi drive select adaptable dynamics system enables fine-tuning of throttle response, shock absorber settings and steering feel
S4 Saloon 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds (outgoing S4 5.6 seconds), top speed limited to 155mph (outgoing S4 155mph), combined mpg 29.1 (outgoing S4 21.2mpg)
Making its Paris Show debut next month will be a new Audi S4 that gives equally high priority to thrills and thrift thanks to a new six cylinder TFSI engine that not only decisively outperforms its V8 predecessor but does so with a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and 29mpg-plus fuel economy. The new S4 and S4 Avant will open for order in November priced from approximately 36,000 and will reach their first UK customers in April 2009.The completely new 3.0-litre V6 shares its `TFSI' designation with the six engines in the Audi range that combine single turbo charging with FSI direct injection, but the newcomer actually bucks the trend by using the alternative method of forced induction - a compact supercharger chosen because it delivers keener response than even two turbo chargers could achieve.
The supercharger's ultra-compact dimensions enable it to fit easily inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, and as a result the gas paths to the cylinder are extremely short, resulting in throttle response that even a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement can't match. With the compressor's help the new unit generates 333PS and a healthy 440Nm torque peak available from 2,500rpm right through to 4,850rpm, enabling an appropriate 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.1 seconds for the manual Saloon (Avant manual 5.2 seconds). Top speed is limited electronically to 155mph.
Perhaps more unexpectedly, the combination of supercharging and direct injection also works very much in favour of fuel economy and emissions, the S4 Saloon offering the potential to cover up to 29.1mpg - a 27 per cent improvement over the V8-powered S4 - while emitting 225g of CO2 - 30 per cent less than its predecessor (S4 V8 manual 322g/km).
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