Audi has unveiled its next-generation S4 in saloon and Avant forms at the Frankfurt motor show. The S4 arrives with a new lightweight 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which adds power and torque while improving economy and reducing emissions over those of the old car.
The car's styling is understated, remaining consistent with the rest of the S car range. The S4 has a new single framed front grille, 18in alloy wheels and revised front bumpers with more prominent air inlets. The rear bumpers have been restyled for the S4 with four tailpipes protruding from underneath. Mirror housings keep their trademark chrome look.
Drive is delivered through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive set-up. A self-locking differential sends 60% of the power to the rear axle and 40% to the front. The differential can send up to 70% of all power to the front axle and up to 85% to the rear, as required to achieve best traction.
The new lightweight 3.0 TFSI engine delivers 349bhp and 369lb ft of torque. The S4 sprints from 0-62 in just 4.7 seconds, putting its performance between that of a BMW M3 and a Jaguar XE S. Fuel economy is quoted as 38mpg, while CO2 emissions are 170g/km.
A sports differential is available as an option, further improving handling while actively distributing power between the rear wheels. Audi’s Drive Select handling system comes as standard, enabling the driver to adjust the suspension set-up.
The S4 also features newly developed five-link suspension to aid high-speed stability and improve handling.
The car will appear in showrooms in 2016, with prices yet to be announced. There is likely to be a small price increase over the last S4, which was priced from £39,610.
Matthew Griffiths
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