German Car Zone

If there’s one thing most lamented by Audi cognoscenti, it’s the demise of the late, great turbocharged B5 S4. The normally-aspirated big displacement B6 and B7 S4s since the original hot-rod B5 have been entertaining, but there was just something about Audi’s best-selling sedan with a V6 and forced induction that lit fire in the souls of the performance-minded. A big V8 is too grand touring, and befitting of a coupe like the S5. What of the driver who longs for the tuning potential of an STi or an EVO but wants something more refined? For these people, Audi has heard your call. The next generation B8 S4 has already begun its gratuitous Nurburgring testing and we have it on extremely reliable word that a forced induction six beats under the car’s contoured hood.



With the addition of the A5/S5 models to the Audi lineup, the role of the S4 has changed slightly. While the S5 remains more of a GT, with its big and torque-laden 4.2-liter FSI V8, the S4 will capture a different following. An all-new forced-induction 3.0 V6 FSI, expected to make use of Audi Valvelift design, has been rumored to be a biturbo much like its 2.7T B5 predecessor. We’ve heard mention of a mysterious turbocharged offering in the past, though multiple current sources have suggested that this engine might mark Audi’s first use of a supercharger in modern history. Either setup is possible and Audi parent Volkswagen AG even has proficiency in turbo/supercharger or “twin charger” TSI applications. Our money, though, is on the supercharger. One source at Audi AG has suggested VW’s TSI approach likely wouldn’t go much higher in displacement, and still others are holding fast to the idea of a supercharger. Regardless of configuration, we're positive that a return to forced induction in the S4 will be well-received.

How much power can we expect from the new S4? One source says it’ll be slightly more than that of the BMW 335, conservatively rated at 300 hp. The BMW’s motor is obviously the target, though Audi is expected to go a bit higher in order to make up for the added weight and friction losses of all-wheel drive.




Speaking of all-wheel drive, we fully expect the S4 to make use of Audi’s Sport Differential quattro system announced last September. With more control over torque split front to rear, the dynamics of an Audi fitted with this setup can be much more neutral. Even better, an Audi driver with the Sport Differential might even be able to dial in some hooliganism as these German schematics for the S5 with Sport Differential clearly show variable settings controlled via the Audi Drive Select system available on upcoming models like the S4.




Based on established S-car styling cues and prototype S4s seen testing at the Nurburgring, we expect the our mockup images to be very close to what will be offered. Like the S5, the S4 is expected to share the same ground effects as the A4 S-line on which our images are based. A subtle grey grille with chrome vertical slats and 19-inch wheels based on the same design seen on the S8 (also the European winter wheel on the S5) are expected to further differentiate the S4 from the A4 S-line. Inside, sport seats with optional Alcantara trim like those available in the S5 are also expected, along with grey gauges with S badging.



Don’t be surprised either to see the new forced-induction 3.0 V6 used in other applications. It likely won’t do time in the A5, though fitment in the A6 or even Audi’s upcoming Q5 SUV are expected.

At this time, we don’t have any indication of when the S4 will be launched, other than expecting it at an auto show in the next twelve months since it’s been spotted testing already. That the B8 A4 Avant hasn’t yet been introduced and isn't even expected before the Geneva show next spring, our best guess would put the S4 at Paris in September. If that’s the case, Audi could have the S4 sedan and Avant on the market almost immediately in Europe and still as an ’09 model next fall in the USA.



Source Fortitude: Forced Induction Set to Return in Next-Gen B8 S4

Look at that wheel! Goodness.

I have mixed feelings on a S4 with a turbo V6 at this point, but I guess that will make the next RS4 all the more exclusive with a V8.

M

Audi going FI
MB went NA
BMW will go for Supercharger now...

Why wouldn't they want this engine in the S5? If it performs on par with the current larger engine yet uses less fuel and is obviously lighter and hence a better fit for the sporty coupe?

It seems that world is going upside down,atleast in this case..

S4 B5 were using a Bi-turbo

Mercedes is only going to n/a for a hot second, turbos are the next step.

M

The emission standards are forcing all of them to use FI (maybe smaller engines as well) and weight reduction (body & engine).

oh yes yes

My 2006 S4 V8 will become a collector