Audi S4

The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan. All subsequent S4s since 1997 have been based on the Audi A4; and as the A4 has evolved from one generation to the next, so has the S4.

Like its regular A4 counterpart, all S4 variants have had

Factory production of the original Audi S4 (Typ 4A), usually known as Audi 100 S4, began in August 1991 to serve as the performance version of the newly updated, C4 platform, 100-series four-door, five-seat saloon. First shown to the public at the May 1991 Barcelona Show, it was designed to replace the outgoing C3-based Audi 200 turbo quattro 20V and retained its five-cylinder engine.^[6] The 200, Audi's first true sports-saloon, had been discontinued at the end of 1990.^[7][8] Being the first S4 model from Audi, it is commonly referred to as the Ur-S4, derived from the German: Ursprünglich augmentive word (meaning: original).

Audi mildly updated the C4-based model line in 1994 and dropped the 100 nomenclature; all variants of the former Audi 100 line were now

A more powerful, more expensive and more exclusive variant known first as the S4 Plus and later as the S6 Plus was available from October 1992 through to July 1994.[1] Built in very small numbers, the "Plus" models featured numerous performance enhancing upgrades; including the use of Audi's 4.2-litre V8 engine in place of the then current inline-five engine.

An all-new C5-based Audi A6 debuted for 1997, after which the S4 and S6 became distinctly separate models based on very different platforms.

The C4 variant S4 ended factory production after less than three years in July 1994.^[1]

One of its most renowned owners was Ayrton Senna who owned a silver Avant,^[9] not least because he was the Audi distributor for Brazil.

C4 powertrain

In standard form, the powertrain detail of the C4-based S4 was available with only one engine, a single

S4/S6 "Plus" models equipped with a 4.2-litre 206 kilowatts (280 PS; 276 bhp) all-aluminium alloy V8 engine (parts code prefix: 077, identification code: ABH) became available to European customers as an option from October 1992, only with the six-speed manual gearbox, in either saloon or Avant body styles.^[1]

C4 steering, brakes, wheels & tires

All C4 S4s' came equipped as standard with a conventional fixed-assistance rack and pinion

For wheel options, the standard five-arm "Fuchs" forged alloy wheels were 8.0Jx16H2 ET40, and were fitted with 225/50 R16 sized tyres. Several other tyre and wheel designs were optionally available: a 7.5Jx15H2 ET40 six-spoke with 215/60 R15 tyres, an 8.0Jx16H2 ET40 five-double-spoke, a 7.5Jx16H2 ET35 six spoke "Avus", and an 8.0Jx17H2 ET40 ten-spoke.^[1]

B5 (Typ 8D, 1997–2002)

The second generation S4 (Type 8D), also known as the Audi S4 quattro debuted in 1997, with factory production commencing October 1997,^[1] as part of the facelifted B5 platform Audi A4 line-up, although it was not available in North America until late 1999.

In addition to the saloon (sedan), an estate version (wagon)–the Audi S4 Avant–was introduced into the lineup from 1998. Production of the B5 S4 ceased in September 2001,^[1] although it was still sold together with the next B6 platform generation through 2002 in North America. Examples produced June 2001 to end of production are 2002 Model Year cars, the 10th digit of the VIN being the number "2".

Several years after it was sold new, the B5 S4 remains a potent enthusiast car, and as featured in the December 2007 issue of Sport Compact Car magazine, a heavily modified, Torque Factory tuned S4 won a comparison test against several other extreme performance cars.^[10]

B5 powertrain

The powertrain details

The B5 S4 claims acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0.0 to 62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), making it both the quickest saloon/sedan in the Audi model line, and among the quickest saloon/sedans in the world at that time.^[citation needed]

B5 suspension, brakes, wheels & tires

The B5 S4 is fitted with 4-wheel

The B5 S4 brake system

Standard wheels[1] were Audi's die-cast aluminium alloy six-arm 'Avus' 7.5Jx17H2 ET45 wheels, fitted with 225/45 ZR17 performance tyres.

B5 colors & optional equipment

Available exterior colors included Brilliant Black, Laser Red, Light Silver, Cactus Green, Santorin Blue, Hibiscus Red, Casablanca White, Pearlescent White, Imola Yellow (spicy mustard), and Nogaro Blue. The last two colors were exclusive to the S4 model. Interior leather was available in Onyx or Silver. Available options included:

• Bose premium sound system
• Audi Navigation System
• 6-disc CD changer
• Hands free Motorola cellular telephone
• Premium Package: Sunroof, HomeLink transmitter, Auto dimming mirrors
• Cold Weather Package: Heated front seats, Heated outside mirrors, Expandable ski sack
• Enhanced Sport Package: Alcantara seat inserts, Silver aluminum belt line trim or Carbon Fibre trim (on late 2000-2001 models), Aluminum mirror housings (on 2001 & 2002 models)

The Sport Package replaced the wood-grain belt line trim with silver aluminum trim, and the wood grain finish around the shifter with black plastic. The Alcantara seat inserts were silver (on Onyx leather). With the black, white, or blue exteriors, the inserts were also available in blue Alcantara. On the early 2000 models, the Alcantara inserts in the rear seats did not fully extend forward to the front edge of the seat.

B5 motorsport

A motor racing version of the car achieved great success in the

Don Istook, with Istook's Motorsports, built and campaigned several B5 S4's in first the Motorola Cup, and then the Grand Am Cup. The S4's were even raced by Istook's Motorsports in the Rolex GT category for several races to help fill the field. Of note, one of the S4's, racing against true GT cars, even ran as high as second place (in the rain) at Barber Motorsports Park.^[citation needed] These S4's were built using existing S4, not RS4 engines, but used the B5 Audi RS4 K04 turbochargers.

B6 (Typ 8E/8H, 2003–2005)

The third generation Audi S4 quattro (Type 8E — saloon: 8E2, Avant: 8E5, and Cabriolet: 8H7) debuted its saloon and Avant bodystyles in Europe in March 2003,

The B6 S4 saloon and Avant variants ceased factory production in December 2004, with the Cabriolet ending twelve months later at December 2005.[1]

B6 powertrain

Replacing the 2.7-litre '

Bosch Motronic ME 7.1.1 electronic engine control unit (ECU), using a Bosch 'E-Gas' drive by wire electronic throttle, and powering eight individual spark coils with longlife quad-electrode Bosch spark plugs. Ignition timing is a mapped direct ignition, with cylinder-selective knock control with the aid of four knock sensors. The exhaust system includes vacuum-operated valves in the twin rear silencers (mufflers), finished with chrome plated

tail-pipes.

Like its predecessors, the B6 S4 was standard with a

tiptronic automatic transmission

(parts code prefix: 09L, identification codes: GUR, HHU) (ratios - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691, with a final drive (identification code: GDF) ratio of 3.539) was included as an option.

An unusual sight in the engine compartment was the addition of

alternator,^[1] along with two additional thermostatically-controlled side-mounted radiators.^[1]

B6 steering, brakes, wheels & tyres

The B6 S4 came equipped with electronically controlled, variable assisted '

servotronic' rack and pinion power assisted steering (PAS) as standard.^[1]

B6 S4 brakes

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) - also known as traction control system, coupled with a dual-rate tandem vacuum servo

provided the brake actuation.

Standard wheels[1] were 'Avus-III' die-cast aluminium alloy, 8.0Jx18H2 ET45 in size, and fitted with 235/40 ZR18 95Y XL (eXtra Load) high performance tyres, with factory supplies being either Continental SportContact2 or Michelin PilotSport PS2.

B6 body & interior

Discrete lower door trims, along with the now trademark

door mirrors, and S4 badging front and rear are all that visually distinguish the S4 from its related A4 brethren. In the interior, front and rear Recaro

seats (fronts fully electric with the option of heated seats), as well as S4 logos in the instrument panel and door sills complete the detail.

B7 (Typ 8E/8H, 2005–2009)

Motor vehicle

Fourth generation (B7/8E/8H)
tiptronic automatic[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,648 mm (104.3 in) Cabrio: 2,654 mm (104.5 in)
Length	4,586 mm (180.6 in) Cabrio: 4,572 mm (180.0 in)
Width	1,781 mm (70.1 in) Cabrio: 1,778 mm (70.0 in)
Height	1,415 mm (55.7 in) Cabrio: 1,392 mm (54.8 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Audi B6 S4
Successor	Audi B8 S4

The Audi B7 platform Audi S4 quattro, based on the Audi B7 A4, debuted in late 2004. Although Audi classifies it as a new car, the differences between it and the outgoing B6 S4 casually appear to be primarily cosmetic, and is still classified by the internal designation: Typ 8E (although with revised sub-designations - saloon: 8EC, Avant: 8ED, and Cabriolet: 8HE).^[1] It has the same 4.2-litre V8 engine (identification code: BBK) as the B6 S4, producing a power output of 253 kW (344 PS; 339 bhp) at 7,000 rpm, and 410 N⋅m (302 lbf⋅ft) torque at 3,500 rpm.

There are a few mechanical changes, such as revised springs and dampers and, from

brake calipers.^[1] The 'Avus-III' wheels now became an option, and were replaced by a standard offering 8.0Jx18 inch 'S-design' 7-spoke forged alloy wheel.^[1]

Bose sound system is now standard, whereas it was optional on the B6 S4, and an enhanced optional DVD-ROM-based RNS-E satellite navigation system replaces the previous CD-ROM-based RNS-D option.

The new trapezoidal single-frame grille, Bi-Xenon high-intensity discharge lamp (HID) headlamps, L-shaped tail-lamps, quad exhaust tail pipes, and discrete V8 badging below the side repeater indicators help distinguish the B7 from the previous B6 model.

Audi S4 25quattro

In June 2005,

carbon fibre boot lip spoiler and lower front splitter, a rear functional red tow hook, and a high gloss Phantom Black painted grille with the "quattro" emblem. 15-spoke DTM alloy wheels, along with optional dealer-fitted 'Audi four-rings' decals for the front doors complete the exterior makeover. Black and grey contrasting interior leathers, along with "quattro" embossed into the Recaro

seats, together with a "1 of 250" exclusive quattro gear shift knob for the manual-only gearbox define the interior changes and act as a subtle reminder of the exclusivity that the limited numbers command.

On the mechanical side, the S4 25quattro was the second Audi, after the

B7 RS4 to be fitted with the latest Torsen

T-3 asymmetric ATB centre differential for its quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. Under normal grip conditions, this is set with a default rearwards torque distribution bias of 40:60 front to rear, and a maximum of 100% torque can automatically be apportioned to the rear axle (and up to 80% to the front) as conditions warrant. The final drive ratios are 3.889.

B8 (Typ 8K, 2009–2016)

Motor vehicle

Fifth generation (B8/8K)
Kerb weight		1,650–1,735 kg (3,638–3,825 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Audi B7 S4
Successor	Audi B9 S4

From November 2008, the fourth generation of the 'Audi S4 quattro'

convertible) mantle is now taken by the Audi S5

Cabriolet and new Coupe. Unlike previous generations of the S4, only the sedan was imported to the United States and Canada.

Compared to the previous B6/B7 S4 which used a 4.2-litre

V6 engine, but now with the addition of forced induction via an Eaton mechanical supercharger.^[2]

The previous B6/B7 S4s were the top-of-the-line models in North America, ahead of the 3.2L V6 and 4-cylinder 2.0T A4s, and competed with the BMW E46 330 and E90 335 respectively. The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine replaced the

3.2-litre FSI V6 as the upgrade engine in the A4 and A6 lineups starting for 2009; both the 3.2-litre FSI and 3.0 TFSI were offered together until the end of the 2010 model year.^[17] The 3.2L V6 engine is no longer offered in the A4 lineup from the 2011 model year onwards, so the recently introduced B8 S4 is now priced 9% lower than its V8 predecessors, and slots directly above the 4-cylinder 2.0T base model. The S4 now compares more closely with the BMW 335i

.

Previously unavailable enthusiast driver aids were now optional, such as Audi's Sport Rear Differential, active steering and adaptive damping suspension (part of the Audi Drive Select Package). The front axle was moved by 6.1 inches to the front, which improved the weight distribution of the B8 Platform. Combined with the Sport Rear Differential Audi was able to greatly improve the weight balance and dynamics of the S4 over previous models.[18]^[19][20]

A new designed wheel was included on the B8 S4, an 8.5Jx18" '5-double-spoke S' design alloy wheel with 245/40 ZR18 high performance tyres. Optional 19 inch wheel and tyre packages were also available, sized at 8.5Jx19" alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR19 tyres. LED tail lights were standard fitment, along with Audi's now-trademark LED daytime running lights at the front.

The S4 along with the other B8 models received a facelift in early 2012 for the European market and early 2013 for the Australasian market. This included a revised front-end with new headlights and grille, an updated interior, and upgraded MMI options. Mechanically, the facelift B8 (known colloquially as the B8.5) was upgraded with electromagnetic steering and a lighter crown gear center differential.

B8 powertrain

At the heart of the B8 S4 powertrain is an all-new, all aluminium-alloy 3.0-litre TFSI

Roots-type positive displacement compressor.^[21][22] This new supercharger features twin four-lobe rotors, which are axially twisted 160 degrees. It is mounted on top of the engine, within the 'Vee', pumping air directly into the inlet manifold, and incorporates two separate water-cooled intercoolers. This new design of supercharger is said to reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness

(NVH) of the engine.

This engine is mated to either a six-speed

tiptronic

gear selection, which replaces the Tiptronic automatic transmissions found in the B6/B7 iterations. The 'Audi quattro Sports differential' fitted in the rear axle final drive unit is available as an option.

Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 5.1 seconds

gas guzzler tax. The B8 S4's 3.0 TFSI engine also gets only 1 m.p.g. less than the base 2.0 TFSI engine.^[28] This is one of the most important reasons for Audi to downsize their engines, while keeping the output equivalent better, by using forced-induction such as supercharging or turbocharging.^[2]

The 3.0-litre TFSI Supercharged (TFSI) V6 engine is shared with the Audi S5 Cabriolet (though the 7-speed S Tronic is the sole transmission) and the 2013 Audi S5 Coupe. The 2012–2015 Audi A4 3.0 TFSI quattro has a lower-output version of this engine making 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) @4780-6500 and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) @2150–4780.

Detuned versions of this engine making 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) are found in the 2009-11 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI (C6) mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the 2012 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI (C7) and 2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI, the latter two which are paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic.

Motorsport

In

Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Grand Sport (GS) class.^[29]

B9 (Typ 8W, 2017–present)

Motor vehicle

Sixth generation (B9/8W)
Kerb weight		1,750 kg (3,858 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Audi B8 S4

Audi announced the B9 S4 in 2015, with the official unveiling of the European-spec model at the

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Noticeable changes to the B9 included a modern, more angular exterior, newly designed wheels, and a new turbocharged V6 engine co-designed by Porsche.^[30] Unlike the pre-facelift B8 S4, the announced European-spec model is only available with an eight-speed torque converter automatic (ZF 8HP55a

).

The new model uses LED main-beam and LED daytime running lights as standard, alongside dynamic turn signals and LED tail-lights. Like other Audi models, the notable feature in the new S4 is Virtual Cockpit which has Classic Layout and Sports Layout in displaying speedometer and tachometer.

The B9 S4 features standard 18-inch 5 double-spoke wheels with summer tires, or optional 19-inch 5 V-spoke wheels.

The B9's brakes use multi-piston calipers, replacing the single-piston sliding calipers of earlier models. LED headlights are standard while a flat-bottomed steering wheel, "S" embossed seats, and quad tailpipes differentiate the S4 from the B9 A4.

B9 powertrain

The current generation S4 is powered by a 3.0 L V6 with petrol direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbo powering the EA839 engine with 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp) and 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft). The engine uses a hot inside V layout, which places the cylinder head exhaust ports, exhaust manifolds, and turbocharger inside the V of the engine; this is a similar arrangement to the twin-turbo V8 engines used in Audi's C7/C8 RS6 and RS7 (including C7 S6/S7).

As a result of the powertrain upgrades in the new S4, it now can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds.^[31] It is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).^[32]

In European markets, the facelifted B9 S4 - launched in 2019 - is now powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 with 347 PS (255 kW; 342 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lbf⋅ft), mated to a ZF 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive. For outside of European markets, however, it still retains the 3.0-litre petrol turbo V6.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Audi S4.

• Audi S6 (C4)
• Audi S and RS models

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq} ETKA official factory data^{[clarification needed]}
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} Dyer, Ezra (11 March 2010). "Behind the Wheel - 2010 Audi S4 - Less Motor, More Grip, and It All Makes Sense - Review". nytimes.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
3. ^ AudiWorld.com North American S4 Model Guide - historical S4 specifications, prices, and options
4. ^ "Audi".
5. ^ "2018 Audi S4 and S5 First Drive Review: S is for "Smoove"". 24 April 2017.
6. ^ Johansson, Claes, ed. (13 June 1991). "Toledo och S4 i Barcelona" [Toledo and S4 in Barcelona]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 12. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 16.
7. ^ Thompson, Stephen L. (March 1992). "Preview: Audi S4". Car and Driver. pp. 79–80.
8. ^ Gato, Rodrigo (April 1992). "Magnum Force". Car and Driver. pp. 47–56.
9. ^ "Senna: aceleramos os carros do campeão" (in Portuguese). Car and Driver (Portugal). 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
10. ^ Sport Compact Car magazine 2007 Ultimate Street Car Challenge Archived 14 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine "The Audi S4 ... showed its capability with consistently strong finishes in the acceleration, dyno, braking and driveability tests"
11. ^ Audi Self-Study Programme SSP198 - The 2.7-litre V6 biturbo
12. ^ Audi.com - Glossary five valves per cylinder Archived 22 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine
13. ^ Audi Technical Data sheets - 2003 S4 quattro - saloon, Avant, and Cabriolet
14. ^ "Sports Car Comparison: 2004 Audi S4 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG". Motortrend.com. 26 February 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
15. ^ Audi.co.uk Audi S4 Archived 18 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
16. ^ AudiWorld.com News Performance Preview: exclusive look at the B8 S4 18 November 2007
17. ^ "2010 Audi S4 - Test drive and new car review - 2010 Audi S4". Cars.about.com. 11 June 2010. Archived from the original on 22 January 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
18. ^ "Four-Door Firepower — page 3 - Comparison Test". RoadandTrack.com. 16 March 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
19. ^ Wiesenfelder, Joe (6 November 2009). "2010 Audi S4 Review by Joe Wiesenfelder". Cars.com. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
20. ^ "2009 BMW 335i vs 2010 Audi S4". Automobile Magazine. 13 November 2009.
21. ^ Parks, Jim (17 July 2008). "Audi Selects Eaton TVS Supercharger To Power Fuel Efficient V6". eaton.com. Eaton Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2009. when paired with direct injection and enhanced transmission ratio, the TVS supercharger helps the engine achieve 290 hp with an average fuel economy of nearly 24 miles per gallon
22. ^ Parks, Jim (6 November 2008). "Eaton TVS Supercharger Featured On 2010 Audi S4/S4 Avant". eaton.com. Eaton Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2009. When combined with direct injection, the TVS surpasses twin turbochargers in packaging, starting performance and responsiveness
23. ^ "The Audi S4". hillsideimports.com. Hillside Imports. 9 August 2014. Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
24. ^ ^{a b} "Audi Germany". Audi.de. 29 April 2010. Archived from the original on 26 September 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
25. ^ "2010 Audi S4". Road & Track. 12 October 2010.
26. ^ "The 2010 Audi S4 is finally here". audisite.com.
27. ^ "2010 Audi S4 Review". automoblog.net.
28. ^ Ulrich, Lawrence (27 December 2009). "A Holiday From Wishful Thinking". The New York Times.
29. ^ Grand-Am.com Fresh From Florida 200, entry list Archived 16 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine
30. ^ "Porsche and Audi to build new V6 and V8 gasoline engines". Quattro World.
31. ^ "2018 Audi S4 First Test: So Quick! But…". www.motortrend.com. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
32. ^ "Review: the 349bhp Audi S4 Avant". www.topgear.com. 18 January 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.

External links

• Audi.com - international corporate portal
• Audi UK - S and RS models
• Audi USA - S4