Motortrend
Featuring fresh lines, an improved cabin, and a new 3.2L, 265-hp V-6 under the hood (an updated 2.0L turbo-four is available, too), the all-new 2009 Audi A4 reaches 62 mph in an estimated 6.2 sec, just a couple of ticks slower than a BMW 335i with an automatic transmission. But A4 shoppers looking for a little something extra have no doubt skipped the regular model to wait for Audi’s newest go-fast A4 variant, the 2010 Audi S4.
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Since 1997, Audi has offered the S4, a sedan fitted with a sport-themed interior, more power, and a sharper suspension than its A4 as an option for those who include canyon-carving as part of their commute. And just as the base A4 got a complete revamp for 2009, now Audi is following up with a leadfoot-friendly S4 that includes a new engine, transmission, quattro system, and sport differential with customized torque distribution, along with upgraded styling, a freshened interior, and more tech goodies.
Previously Audi moved the S4 from twin-turbo V-6 to a 4.2L V-8 boasting 340 hp in a bid for more output, but it looks as though worries about gas mileage and CO2 emissions are finally causing the automaker to blink. Returning to its forced-induction roots, the new 2010 S4 has a supercharged 3.0L V-6 under the hood, which is down 7 hp from last year’s model.
Power from the Audi’s new engine is channeled through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic, which the driver can operate manually through the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles. Executing shifts in a few hundredths of a second with no loss of traction, the S tronic seven-speed also sports an intelligent control system designed to maximize fuel-efficiency when the transmission is left in fully automatic mode.
As a signature Audi feature, the 2010 S4 includes a quattro permanent AWD system that splits torque 40/60 between the front and rear wheels under normal driving conditions. While quattro gives the Audi better traction than some of its rivals, in the S4 it’s coupled with a new active sport differential to aid high-speed driving by electronically redirecting power to the outer wheel during a turn, reducing understeer and oversteer and allowing the driver to enter curves at higher speeds. S4 buyers also can opt for a new Drive Select system, which adjusts the car’s throttle response, shift points, and speed-sensitive steering depending on whether the driver selects “comfort,” “auto,” or “dynamic” mode. Cars equipped with Audi’s MMI system offer a fourth, custom-programmable Drive Select setting as well.
In addition to the usual array of safety equipment, the 2010 Audi S4 offers features such as adaptive cruise control, a Side Assist blind-spot monitoring system, and a braking guard that warns of potential rear-end collisions. Tech goodies include Audi’s MMI infotainment interface along with two different navigation systems, an iPod adapter, Bluetooth hands-free interface, and several audio systems topping out with a high-end Bang & Olufsen stereo. The new Audi will begin reaching showrooms in March 2009, and while it doesn’t exactly measure up against the go-fast offerings from BMW, Mercedes, and Cadillac, with an increase in torque, improved dynamics, and better gas mileage, enthusiasts should find the 2010 S4 a very pleasant high-speed companion. And if you insist on a brawnier Audi that can take on AMG, M, and the CTS-V head-to-head, you can always hope for the arrival of a new RS4.
