Car and Driver reports that the Audi S4 will ditch its normally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 for a 3.0-liter V6 in the name of fuel economy (of all things). The uber A4's new six will feature some form of forced induction. "At the very least, we expect the new V-6 to be supercharged," C/D says. "Although what will allow the S4's version to generate 50 or so more horsepower is still a mystery." Twincharger? I just met her! Seriously folks, the brainy boys at C/D add that the new Audi mill "will generate something close to the 340 horsepower found in the outgoing S4's 4.2-liter V-8." Ya think? Apparently, the new S4 will get 23.3mpg, compared to a V8-powered S5's 19.4mpg. So the S4's reduced cylinder count not only improves S4 fuel economy (this does matter for CAFE) AND it makes the V8 RS4 and S5 that much more special. The bad news? The S4 will shed only "20-100 pounds" to make up for the cylinder envy.
Find Reviews by Make:
Read all comments
Will this be built on the 2009 A4 platform? That would make it less nose-heavy too.
If you can’t beat them, join them!
The S4’s mission has always been to dethrone the M3, at least historically. When the prior S4’s turboed 6 cylinders weren’t enough to match then M3’s 333hp inline-6, Audi decided to adopt the American/Benz way by dropping the A8’s 4.2 V8 with 340hp into the tiny A4 platform to make the S4. The results? Even with more displacement, cylinders, torque, and horsepowers, the nose-heavy (almost 60-40) S4 could not touch the M3’s performance.
Their recourse was to trot out the uber 420hp RS4 against the M3. While that did the job (although BMW has since answered), the S4 was relegated to the status of competing with regular 3 series. And even then, BMW came out with the supposedly 300hp (more like 340 according to the dynos) TT I-6 in the regular 3 series, which outpowered and outperformed the S4. So now, even the S4 can’t match its counterpart in the regular 335.
So, it’s going back to 6 cylinders and forced-induction, just like the 335. Perhaps it should have continued with this all along rather than taking the easy way out by dropping a big engine in a package where it does not belong. Now, it’s back to square one, only losing about 5-6 years of development to BMW.
@Teekay: So, it’s going back to 6 cylinders and forced-induction, just like the 335. Perhaps it should have continued with this all along rather than taking the easy way out by dropping a big engine in a package where it does not belong. Now, it’s back to square one, only losing about 5-6 years of development to BMW.
what he said!
Its fine really, the current horsepower war is a little rediculous in light of the current price of gas, here its nearly 4 bucks for premium, which im sure these engines require.
It’s not like a turbocharged V6 won’t require premium either. And last I knew the twin-turbo S4s were quite thirsty. Who buys these high performance cars for fuel economy again?
I’m all for saving gas and “adding lightness”, and even though I own a B6 S4, I know that a forced induction V6 is the right engine for that car. But man, that V8 is a blast to rev up. There’s no replacement for displacement…
1) Isn’t the RS4 presently doing battle with the M3>
2) If you are willing to pay this much for a car and obviously love high performance vehicles, do you really care if gas hits $4/gallon???
These are the end times, my friends. The dreadful 70’s have returned.
Claude, about fuel prices…
Most people I know with spiffy cars like the S4, RS4, or M3 drive ’em for just a few years and give them back when the lease expires. The problem comes in with the 2nd or 3rd buyer who is looking to spend $30k on the vehicle. To that buyer, 15 MPG doesn’t sound so go (after all, it’s a $30k car, not a $70k car at this point). Result: resale value is lower than it would be with low gas prices. This makes the car expensive for the original buyer as well because they lose more in depreciation.
335i really changed the game in this segment and Audi is doing the best it can. But Audi’s platforms have always been wrong from the git-go, you cannot compete in the sport-luxury segment with fwd based nose heavy awd cars with perfect 50/50 rwd platforms.
I don’t see a problem in Audi’s switch to a turbocharged V6 in place of the V8 in the S4. Remember, the previous gen S4 was a turbocharged 2.7 V6 and was quite fun back in the day. If Audi can get close to the V8’s output and maintain a performance edge with Quattro then, IMO, it makes a pretty good option if you like a go-fast vehicle without approaching the hyper-speed RS4’s price tag. All the better if you don’t want to take a big hit on your wallet with gas prices. Hmmm…sounds more and more like a Euro-ed version of Ford’s EcoBoost strategy.
Some excellent comments here.
The Audi V8 is the best part of the current S4 because of the wonderful noises it makes. But it’s certainly thirsty, by all accounts.
Shame this new engine won’t be taking much weight off the nose.
The 3.0 twin turbo V6, when modded, should put out an easy 400 HP. Actually it should be a fairly easy 500, as the B5s are putting out around 425-450 with a stage III set up. Just a chip should get you about 375 or more. I have an UrS4, 2.2 liter, with RS2 gear, FMIC, 300 hp at the wheels and will have more when the Garrett goes in. The TT V6 will be an absolute blast. The V8 has a great exhaust ote, but at altitude they are a bit anemic, and the 2.7 B5s (modified) are WAY faster. This will not be a step back. Unless you want to put a 23K MTM SC on the V8, you are left with only a fairly fast car. As for mileage, don’t drive too much, and get a fuel efficient car for commuting. If you are worried about warranty issues, wait and buy a used one. May be able to get away with a chip upgrade. Anyway, hope the 3.0 TDI comes out soon in the A4, will be fast when the tuners get a hold of it, and should have great mileage, although I read the six speed manual will not be offered in the U.S.