2009 Audi S4 – leaner engine, better car

December 4, 9:58 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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BMWs have always had great engines. As you know, every great
car starts with the engine and then the supporting cast of components
(brakes, suspension, steering, transmission, interior ergonomics) add
to the driving machine.

Why do I reference BMW when this article focuses on Audi’s new
S4? Well, BMW’s 6-cylinder engines have been some of the best
in the business for many years. I was of the opinion that the company
could have simply built on these powerful mid-sized engines to power
BMW’s entire lineup. I did not think that the 8-cylinder engines were
really necessary. Many of the 8-cylinder engines put out modest
horsepower gains over the 6-cylinder engines. BMW has recently
given more focus to their bread and butter engines – the 6-cylinder.
And now “Audi” has followed the same common sense approach in
dropping the last S4’s 8, and using a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine for
the new 2009 S4.

Furthermore, the engine is an all-new supercharged V-6 mill
with direct fuel injection making 333 hp and torque of 324 lb.
feet delivered between 2,500 and 4,850 rpm. The departing
4.2-liter V8 made 340 hp and 302 lb. feet of torque. Thus the
V6 has seven fewer hp, but 22 more lb. feet of torque. The V6
weighs less than the last engine, and it rewards with a 25% gain
in fuel economy at 25 mpg overall (the S4 will get about 28 mpg
on the highway).

The transmission choices will be either a six-speed manual or an
optional seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch semi-automatic. This is
a similar dual-clutch box that Porsche uses in the new 911. As is
customary, these transmissions will feed power to Audi’s all-wheel
drive Quattro system. Thus, the S4 will handle twisting roads with
ease and put a smile on the driver’s face.

As stated above, the S4’s engine says performance, but the car’s
exterior suggests refined elegance and a capable chassis. This 2009
car has a new front fascia, tight bodylines, and LED daytime running
lamps that were part of the last S4. However, the more noticeable
changes are at the rear which include all chrome quad exhaust tips,
a bit taller deck lid spoiler, and integrated LED taillights like on
the bigger Audi R8.

How far has the Audi 4 come? Well the standard A4 had the
1.8-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine making 180 hp. With its new
333 hp supercharged V6, this Audi will run 0-62 mph in 5.1
seconds and top out at an electronically controlled 155 mph.
With all this performance, the Audi S4 will sticker for about
$48,000 or roughly the same price as the last model.

Even if you do not want to spend $48,000 on a car, the S4
would be worth a test-drive thus allowing you to keep current
on the automotive trend of smaller engines that put out great
power.

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com