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The new Audi S4 is either Ingolstadt’s idea of a bad joke or a stroke of genius. If you follow the former line of thought, then you’re from the camp that thinks the economy has jumped off a cliff, gone into freefall and the last thing the world needs is a grunty super-saloon.

But if you side with the latter then Audi’s timing with the S4 couldn’t be more apt – the company has replaced its old 4.2-litre V8 with a new, smaller, supercharged V6. This car is potentially very in tune with these downsizing times.

And while the headline power figures might be down, they still surpass the equivalent Mercedes or BMW. The torque figure also bests both (and the old S4), while mpg figures are 26 percent better that before. The new S4 will even cost a few grand less than its predecessor. Time to find out if the drive is as good as the stats...

Start me off with the Audi S4’s new engine – any good?

The big V8 lump from the old car has been dumped, and in comes the direct-injection 2995cc supercharged V6 from the recently revised A6. Only here the 3.0-litre gets a tweak to lift power from 286 to 329bhp, while torque is up from 310 to 325lb ft.

Compared to the old S4’s 344bhp, you might be disappointed that the power figure is down, but then the new car has more torque (versus the old car's 302lb ft) spread across 2900-5300rpm, rather than peaking at 3500rpm. And the new S4 weighs 10kg less, too.

However, this engine doesn’t scream and shout about its power – even Audi’s own PR team admit the S4 is a bit of a whisperer. Personally we’d prefer a more exciting base tune, some more supercharged whine and something to tell us about the top-end fury. Because unlike other blown engines, this S4’s 3.0-litre keeps on going right up the rev range.

That muted sound actually serves to make the S4 seem even more quicker than it already is. Tickle the throttle and you’re away – speed is effortless, responses are immediate. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint is dismissed in 5.1 seconds, half a second quicker than the old car, while 50-75mph in fourth gear takes a mere 4.4 seconds.


Full Story: New Audi S4 saloon (2008) CAR review | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online


M

Wow the 0-62 time is a fast as E93 with DCT

I would expect the M3 weights more thanks to that big heavy metal roof slapped on the back... Not to mention there is more to driving then how quickly you can get a speeding ticket.

Great car. This is going to sell well and is better than the 355i IMO. Can't wait for the RS4 to kick M3s ass too.

Ferrari stopped building their 355 many years ago

Yep true plus quattro really gives great starts for this gorgeous S4

LOL - Swedes do have a sense of humour! It's as dry as a scorched salt pan after 7 years of drought but hey, it's a sense of humour nevertheless.

Wellll... We've yet to be given the full story on the character and emotional appeal of this new supercharged V6. But, technically speaking, I find the idea of a twin-turbo'd straight six to be far superior to a supercharged V6.

One thing about that N54 engine - it isn't short on character. Despite the scant commentary on the S4's V6, I nevertheless am starting to get the impression that it's going to be more underwhelming when compared with the outgoing V8 engine - which was mighty sounding.

The S4 has a lot of virtue but I suspect that a nicely specced 335i Sport will be better value for money. It all depends, of course, on where Audi position the S4 from a pricing perspective.

Amen brother.

True that!! Hahaha...post of the month!!