At this year’s North American International Auto Show for 2012, Audi’s spotlight focused on the World Premiere of the 2013 Audi S4. This exciting sport sedan reintroduced back in 2010, captures the spirit of performance driving and brings exclusivity to a limited segment. For 2013, the S4 receives a mild product refresh while still keeping its aggressive, sculpted lines that guide Audi’s understated luxury mission.
The 2013 S4 will be launched in third quarter of 2012, and will utilize the same architecture brought forth by the strong selling Audi A4. At first glance, it is hard to recognize exactly what is new for 2013 as compared to the 2012 model. On the exterior, some may notice the updated headlamps highlighted by new “light pipe” LED running lights, underlined by a new fog light design. Situated between the new lighting formations, the front fascia is finished off with an updated grill and hood. The distinct design motif continues around the rear with an altered fascia featuring new LED taillights.
Upon entry into the cabin, there is a new, more aggressive steering wheel design featuring similar controls as the 2012 model. Also noted are the simplified navigation controls located around the shifter. When operating the S4’s MMI, or Multi Media Interface, users may notice enhanced graphics and the integration of the Audi Connect system. Audi Connect introduces highly technological features like Google Earth navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an entire suite of online services that help to enhance the driver’s experience.
Of course, the new S4 still offers the benchmark of all wheel drive, Quattro. The S4 will also offer the Sport Rear Differential feature as an option for the sport minded enthusiast. Under the new hood, Audi offers a sport tuned version of the 3.0 liter supercharged V6 featuring a fuel-stratified injection. The 3.0 V6 is good for pushing the S4 to 60 MPH in a potent 4.9 seconds with 333 horsepower and 325 lb ft of torque.
Audi’s spirited sport sedan holds a unique stance in the market due to its impressive performance figures, along with relatively low price entrance. The main competition is aimed at the BMW 335i however, the BMW isn’t as fast, and is priced higher when comparably equipped. The BMW starts at $42,500 but does not offer AWD standard, and can only push the needle to 60 MPH in a scant 5.4 seconds. Fuel economy on the highway is also noted at just 26, compared to the Audi’s impressive 28 MPG. Also, the BMW only offers 300 horsepower carried over from the previous generation, and does offer any type of dual clutch technology.
Although the S4 remains a low volume seller, it has been noted as an award winning sport sedan that offers performance dynamics with precise handling characteristics. Through its short three year run of the current generation, the S4 has managed to collect various awards and accolades including, Ward’s “Engine of the Year”, Car & Driver’s “10 Best”, and Esquire’s “Car of the Year”, just to name a few. The 2013 Audi S4 will soon be ready to take on the sport sedan segment once again after its introduction.
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