Autocar - Spied: New Audi S4

[ahpadt]

Originally Posted by Autocar.co.uk

This next-generation Audi S4 could be the super-saloon that ends the German power wars.

Our spies have caught the 2010 S4 undergoing high-speed testing at the Nurburgring and sources suggest that there’s a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet instead of the current model’s V8.

Insiders tell us that Audi wants to reduce the weight and improve the fuel economy of its new S4, while offering performance that’s on a par with the current models.

Meanwhile, it looks as though the range-topping RS4, likely to arrive in 2011, will retain its V8 in an effort to separate the appeal of the two variants.

Audi sees the new S4 as a rival for the likes of BMW’s 335i while the next RS4 will take the fight to the M3.

Should be a real cracker.

[jensked]

I don't know what it is, but it looks a tad weird...not the same superb proportions as the S5

[NooDle]

Looks nice.
I never understood the point of the S4 though. Why would you have this and not an RS4? It's like saying "I'm relatively successful but not quite there yet".

Is the price difference between the S and the RS that big?

[IceBone]

Why automatically go for the hottest thing? This is fast enough for a lot of people.

[powah]

It looks ok. And I'm kind of glad that the put a V6 in it, it means that the S4 is where it belongs now.

[pepitko]

cool, although ... I don't like the wheels and somehow it looks too long, like an S6 almost..

[NooDle]

Originally Posted by IceBone

Why automatically go for the hottest thing? This is fast enough for a lot of people.

yeah, maybe, but it's like having the 2nd best of something, which seems stupid.

[fbc]

^ So buying a 335i is stupid when you can have an M3? Buying a WRX is stupid when you can buy an STI?

[Lurch0001]

Originally Posted by NooDle

yeah, maybe, but it's like having the 2nd best of something, which seems stupid.

Using the same logic, why would anyone buy a 335i instead of an M3? Because sometimes the fastest isn't necessarily the best for the intended job.

[Dins]

Originally Posted by NooDle

yeah, maybe, but it's like having the 2nd best of something, which seems stupid.

What I've come to accept recently, is that many people don't see it that way. They say 300hp is enough, and don't care about having the best of something. And realistically, that sort of output is enough to make the average person feel happy when they pass someone.

Obiously it's idiotic to see it that way. But that's what makes people who care more interesting.

[prizrak]

It looks a little too long, not sure about this one.

On the topic of S4 vs RS4.

S4 is 48,610 before taxes (source )
RS4 is 66,910 before taxes (source)
On top of that the S4 is available with a tiptronic while RS4 is only a 6 speed manual. It would also be much harder to drive on the street. Imagine having to inch up in traffic with 420HP's under the hood.

Last but not least the S4 is plenty fast for a vast majority of people. TBH I don't even get all the performance out of my 1.8T since there is a decided lack of good driving roads around here

What I've come to accept recently, is that many people don't see it that way. They say 300hp is enough, and don't care about having the best of something. And realistically, that sort of output is enough to make the average person feel happy when they pass someone.

Obiously it's idiotic to see it that way. But that's what makes people who care more interesting.

You must live on a private island in a huge mansion and dating Jessica Biel in that case My belief has always been that driving skill > car's abilities. As Clarkson has said before "the weakest part of any modern car is a piece of flesh behind the wheel".

[fbc]

Originally Posted by Dins

What I've come to accept recently, is that many people don't see it that way. They say 300hp is enough, and don't care about having the best of something. And realistically, that sort of output is enough to make the average person feel happy when they pass someone.

Obiously it's idiotic to see it that way. But that's what makes people who care more interesting.

Idiotic? Far, far from it. Everyone has their own needs & wants from a car, and everyone (well, most normal people) are working within a budget. Just because someone doesn't want the fire-breathing version doesn't make their choice any less valid - it's their choice for their needs.

'Best' is a somewhat relative term - an M3 / RS4 / C63 may be the 'best' of their breed in terms of performance, but that doesn't mean they're automatically the 'best' for everyone.

Originally Posted by NooDle

yeah, maybe, but it's like having the 2nd best of something, which seems stupid.

So buying a 3.2 A8 and not an S8 is stupid?

Originally Posted by NooDle

I like.
I've never before hated and loved the same person for the same reason at the same time, until I clicked this thread

I guess not...

[otispunkmeyer]

it doesnt suit that panel van white and im not so sure about that swooping crease along the bottom of the doors

still

ill take mine in black with HID's

[MadCow809]

naah...

TT revving straight 6 > supercharged lazy V6

plus its not that good looking.

[NooDle]

Maybe I'm special (well I know I am, but hear me out), but to me, the whole point of a fast Audi or Beemer is that it's fast.

I'd have a normal BM or Audi over a 335i or an S4, because to me, these cars make no sense. they should just make the regular cars, and then the SUPER cars.

I see no point for the inbetweeny types

The A8/S8 is a different matter. A large luxury car doesn't need to be that quick for me. It isn't about outright speed and handling. it's about wafting on the autobahn at 250 kph in total silence and comfort.

So a 3.2 quattro A8 >> an S8 in that respect

besides, the "2nd best" Audi A8 would be the V8 non S8 one...

[MadCow809]

^

Maybe I'm special (well I know I am, but hear me out), but to me, the whole point of a fast Audi or Beemer is that it's fast.

I'd have a normal BM or Audi over a 335i or an S4, because to me, these cars make no sense. they should just make the regular cars, and then the SUPER cars.

I see no point for the inbetweeny types

I have no idea what you are on about.

[NooDle]

Originally Posted by MadCow809

^



I have no idea what you are on about.

I just don't see the point in owning one of these "almost" super cars.
I'd say keep saving money and get an RS4 instead, it's heaps better

[MadCow809]

335i is far from a supercar.

It's just a fast handling car.

And if you cant see the point of a 335i, then by the same token, an RS4 should annoy you as well.

[Aiolos]

Idk, not gonna lie, I don't like the look of this new A4, I much prefer the B7 to this new B8. I like the proportions better, though I would probably like having the supercharged 6 in favor of the V8 for the fuel mileage assuming the performance is the same. That being said, most days (except raining or snowy ones ) I would just take the 335i coupe (sedan looks funny in the front) with sport and premium packages (still cheaper than base S4).

Actually, now that I think about it, all days I'd just take a 335xi coupe with sport and premium packages

[MadCow809]

Those xi haldex 4WDs are actually quite nice.

Running the same concept as the GT-R, normally RWD, it only transfer the power to the front when there is wheelspin.

But I still rekon, if you want some 4wd fun, stick with an EVO/STi