The high-performance version of Audi’s small executive car, the A4, is called the S4. The original Audi S4, which was produced from 1991 to 1994, was a sportier variation of Audi’s 100saloon/sedan. Since 1997, the Audi A4 has served as the foundation for all succeeding S4 models. As the A4 has changed from one generation to the next, so has the S4.
The S4 has always received numerous improvements over its more mainstream 100 and A4 siblings, including a more potent internal combustion engine, larger improved brakes, a stronger suspension, larger wheels, and distinctive sheetmetal, design cues, and badging. The S4 is the top-of-the-line trim of the A4 family in markets where the even more potent Audi RS 4 is not available. [1][2]
All S4 variations have had front-mounted, longitudinally orientated engines, just as their normal A4 counterparts. The original C4 version used a 2.2-liter inline five-cylinder turbocharged engine, but the B5 generation used a 2.7-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine. The BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, which at the time featured a 3.2 L inline 6-cylinder engine, were in direct rivalry with the B6 and B7 versions due to their shared 4.2 L V8 engine, which was the first time a V8 engine was installed in a compact executive automobile. The B8 generation is in competition with the Mercedes-Benz C350, the BMW 335i, and the BMW 335i/340i xDrive thanks to its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine. [1] Instead of a supercharger like the previous generation, the recently released B9 generation is propelled by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG/Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC and BMW M340i xDrive are rivals of this generation. [3] [4]
All S4 models feature a transaxle-style transmission that is longitudinally located directly behind the engine, and like all Audi “S” models, the S4 is only offered as standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which employs a Torsen-based center differential system.
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Since the model’s introduction in 1991, all variants of the S4 have been produced at Audi’s facility in Ingolstadt, Germany; they are, or have been, offered in four-door, five-seat saloon and five-door, five-seat Avant (Audi’s designation for an estate car/station wagon) body styles. In the B6 and B7 generation A4 lines, a two-door, four-seat Cabriolet (convertible) S4 variation was offered. The Audi S5 nameplate is used to advertise the “S” variation of the B8 Cabriolet, which is now manufactured using the A5 coupe body type.
In This Article...
Do Audi S4s have turbochargers?
versions of Audi S4. There are three trim levels for the 2022 Audi S4: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft) powers all models.
What kind of turbo is in the Audi S4?
All S4s come standard with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 349 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Although the model we tested outpaced most competitors in terms of speed, it fell short of expectations in terms of visceral engine response and exhaust soundtwo crucial aspects of a sports sedan. The V-6 engine’s quiet operation and absence of a manual transmission did not prevent it from providing strong push when needed. It effortlessly switched between a calm and responsive mode. Its automated transmission was also outstanding; because of its seemingly intelligent reactions, we discovered that the impulse to manually shift was almost entirely gone. According to the statistics, the S4 outperforms most of its rivals in terms of performance. However, the experience lacks the intensity and incisive management strategies of elite competitors. With agreeable damping and tautly controlled body motions, its chassis is its strongest point, giving it the ability to function equally well as a sports sedan and a luxury sedan. The S4 is incredibly responsive and simple to drive; its precise steering, outstanding cornering stability, and tenacious grip on the pavement increased our confidence to bomb on-ramps, but it also meandered serenely around town. The brakes were extremely quick, but at city speeds, they were finicky. On windier roads where the brake pedal could feel overly soft, the erratic feedback also ruined the fun.
The 2019 Audi S4 is twin-turbo, right?
Operating a Pre-owned 2019 Audi S4 This engine is so effective that it can accelerate the 2019 Audi A4 quattro sedan to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds. A twin-scroll turbocharged V6 reduces that time to a just 4.4 seconds in the 349-horsepower S4.
The 2018 Audi S4 is twin-turbo, right?
The Audi A4 sedan is a fantastic vehicle. Its dashboard technology is among the best in the industry, its turbocharged and all-wheel drive performance is respectable, and its appearance manages to pull off “understated design” without being uninteresting. It’s a really good automobile, perhaps among the best in its class, as I’ve already stated.
The new 2018 Audi S4 builds upon this “very good car” foundation and upgrades its power, handling, and pilot’s pulse to make it a “great driver’s car.” The core of simplicity that is at the heart of the A4’s design and character is still present in even this sharpened-up sport sedan.
T V6 power
The new S4’s 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 engine generates 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. In what is known as a “hot inside V” layout, Audi has buried its twin-scroll turbocharger directly between the V6’s two cylinder banks. Of course, Audi isn’t the first to do this, but it claims that it picked this configuration because the turbo’s response to throttle inputs is enhanced by the setup’s shorter exhaust routes. And it is snappy, producing its maximum torque at just 1,370 RPM.
Additionally, the new engine weighs 31 pounds less than the supercharged S4 engine from the previous version.
Audi S4: Is it turbocharged?
The S4 has a powerful 3.0-liter V-6 engine with supercharging that produces 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is the default, although a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission is also an option. Through Audi’s quattro system, power is distributed to all four wheels.
Audi S4: Is it a V8?
The B6/B7 generation S4 is a very appealing vehicle, even though it may not be the most stylish sports saloon of the mid-2000s. It has a stylish saloon body with V8 power and a capable all-wheel drive system. If you need more space, a “Avant” estate variant is also offered.
You can’t help but be seduced by costs that start at just 5000 (budget 7000 upwards for a clean vehicle with fair mileage). But there are many elements, both good and bad, that you should be aware of before making the decision. In order to get a flavor of what it’s like to own one, we spoke with 2006 B7 S4 owner Chris Gregory and Hassan Fazel of Manchester-based VAG tuning specialists Awesome GTI. To get a feel for driving, we also got behind the wheel of Chris’ vehicle.
Here is what we discovered:
The chassis is capable, but not thrilling
It normally feels sluggish to go into a 10-year-old performance automobile after getting into a modern one. With this S4, which has a fairly rigid setup, that is not the case. It rolls much less than I anticipated, but the trade-off is a ride that is especially fragile at low speeds.
Although the quattro all-wheel drive system operates a 60/40 split (B6s are split 50:50 – one of the few non-cosmetic variances), biasing the rear wheels only slightly, it is not very thrilling in the corners. As a result, particularly challenging corners, it rarely fluctuates from being completely neutral. If you exert too much pressure, understeering will result. While the steering is slower than the lightning-fast racks we’ve grown accustomed to, it still feels more natural than many of Audi’s more recent fast cars.
The engine dominates the driving experience
The engine is an absolute dream, making up for the less-than-exciting chassis. Yes, the 1700 kg of car that the 339 bhp, 302 lb ft unit must move means that the S4 never seems all that speedy, but you just don’t care. Why? Because shifting through the gears with this 4.2-liter lump is a complete joy.
It serves as the focal point of the driving experience and is slick, sluggish, and rumbly. Given that the engine is the primary selling point for a vehicle like this, it seems sense that the contemporary V6 turbo S4 and S5s are somewhat lackluster in contrast. Add the rather smooth six-speed manual transmission that comes standard, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Chris is positive that the owner’s handbook is the one to have and that it’s a lovely vehicle to cruise about in. “It transforms the vehicle. I test drove both [the manual and automatic] before I bought, and it’s much nicer to drive.
You might be disappointed by the comfort
The interior of this particular B7 still looks and feels wonderful, despite being about ten or so years old and a touch worn around the edges. But despite the stiff ride, it might not be quite the comfortable cruiser you were hoping for. “They might be Recaros, but they’re not that comfortable,” says the passenger. Owner Chris tells us that overall, it has been a little disappointing.
It’s horribly expensive to change the timing chain tensioners
Hassan Fazel from Awesome GTI has two primary pieces of advice for anybody looking to purchase one of these vehicles: make sure it has been serviced at the recommended intervals, and pay close attention for excessive timing chain rattling on a cold start.
“He explained that if oil servicing has not been performed, oil galleys may become clogged, which may affect the timing chains. You may experience a misfire and a check engine light once the tensioners begin to slacken.
You’re in for a world of financial agony if the chain and tensioners actually need to be changed. The components alone are only “a few hundred pounds, but the engine must be removed in order for everything to be installed, costing you thousands of dollars.
If you’re looking at an S4 with more than 100,000 miles on it, keep that in mind. Want to make the chain last longer? Maintain regular oil changes, and ensure that the oil is the proper one ( 0w40 or 5w40). It will also help if you wait until it is warm before thrashing it, but hopefully you already know that.
The B9 Audi S4 is it turbocharged?
The primary changes with the B9 S4’s debut were the transition from supercharging to turbocharging and the adoption of an eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the dual-clutch S-tronic transmission used in the previous model. At 1630 and 1675 kg, respectively, the S4 and S4 Avant weigh about 75 kg less than the preceding S4 models.
Of course, a four-wheel-drive chassis supports the S4. Power is typically distributed 40/60 front to rear, but if the situation calls for it, it can be distributed up to 70% front to front or 85% back to rear. The new S4 also mildly brakes the inside wheels during intense cornering to produce a more nimble impression. The active torque vectoring “sport differential” for the rear axle is still an option for about 1500. Continuous Damper Control, which has Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic settings, as well as the variable-ratio Dynamic Steering system, are additional possibilities.
What does S stand for in an Audi S4?
The first RS model, the RS2, which was based on the Audi 80/90, was developed four years later, in 1994.
The German term RennSport, which means “racing sport,” is the source of the initials “RS.” These vehicles are compared to supercars in terms of both price and characteristics.
The “RS” (“Sport”) specification level of the standard model range of Audi is clearly above the highest performance “top-tier” trim level offered by the automaker. All “RS” vehicles are “halo vehicles” because they all introduce some of Audi’s most cutting-edge technical and technological innovations. Along with the R8, Audi RS cars are some of the most potent automobiles the company has ever produced.
While Audi “S” models (as of 2010) have been positioned primarily as engine improvements, Audi “RS” models are seen as direct challengers to comparable-sized hard-core sports versions from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
The interior of Audi “RS” cars is frequently sparse in comparison since the emphasis is more on on-track performance than luxury, in contrast to Audi “S” models whose interiors are well-furnished to maintain the feeling of sport luxury.
What Audi models have turbochargers?
The 3.0T supercharged V-6 has made an appearance in the engines of seven distinct Audi models: the S4, S5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Q7. This engine is employed in the VW Touareg, the Porsche Cayenne, and the Panamera, so Audi drivers aren’t the only ones who like it.
When was the S4’s V8 introduced?
The Audi S4 is the high-performance version of the Audi A4, which is the brand’s more mainstream model. In 1992, the Audi S4 made its debut in North America. It had a bi-turbo 2.2-liter V6 engine back then, and it will probably always be one of the most sought-after S4 variants available.
The bi-turbo V6 engine was replaced with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that produced 340 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque for the S4’s next two versions (B6/B7, 2003-2009). In theory, the larger engine was a worthy alternative because it could accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds.
This gorgeous V8 would soon have maintenance problems that would make their ugly heads appear over time. The B6/B7 Audi S4’s potential customers who lack knowledge may wonder, “How bad could it be?
What Is the 2019 Audi A4?
The compact A4 sedan, available with front- or all-wheel drive, the sporty S4 sedan, available with AWD only, and the A4 Allroad wagon are all part of the Audi A4 lineup. For a more SUV-like attitude, the Allroad features more ground clearance. Five people can fit in each variant.
AWD sedans and the Allroad have a 248-horsepower variant of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is used in front-drive A4 sedans. A 3.0 liter, turbocharged V-6 with 349 horsepower powers the S4. The S4 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the A4 has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are rivals to both.
What’s New on the 2019 Audi A4?
Wireless smartphone charging and navigation are now available on the middle trim levels of the A4 sedan and Allroad wagon, respectively. Trapezoidal tailpipes have been added to the A4 sedans, and the AWD models now come standard with the sportier-looking S Line bumpers that were previously an option. In addition to the sport suspension, summer tires on 18-inch wheels, and sport seats with power-adjustable side bolsters and a massage feature, the S4 offers a less expensive base trim level.
What Features in the 2019 Audi A4 Are Most Important?
All models from Audi come standard with all-wheel drive, and the A4 also offers the front-wheel drive option for a lower cost. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather seats, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition are all included in the base Premium grade.
Should I Buy the 2019 Audi A4?
The BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and other vehicles compete fiercely with the Audi A4, so it is advisable to look at other options before making your decision. The Audi A3, a smaller vehicle that is priced too similarly to the A4, is one rival that the A4 does clearly outperform.