Audi is presenting the top sports model in the A4 range, the S4 with supremely powerful V8 engine and 344 bhp. Its permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sport-tuned high-performance suspension ensure that this power can be converted into maximum forward propulsion and driving pleasure. The car’s equipment, which covers virtually every requirement even in the standard version, is also in keeping with the exclusive nature of this high-performance vehicle. The new S4, like its predecessor, is available in both saloon and Avant versions.

The further refined V8 engine with chain drive at the rear and a displacement of 4.2 litres delivers 344 bhp and 410 Nm of torque. It consequently sets clear benchmarks in the B segment: a benchmark for a supreme and even development of power resulting from the large swept volume, and a benchmark for unmistakeable dynamic handling.

The power-to-weight ratio of the new generation has been further improved compared with the predecessor: this factor, which says so much about a car’s sporting character, has been improved from 5.8 to just 4.8 kilograms per horsepower. The eight-cylinder engine’s thrust thus enables the new Audi S4 with its new 6-speed manual gearbox to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. It takes just 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h, whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h.



The new S4 is the only car in its class to have quattro permanent four-wheel drive. It can therefore convert its engine output into propulsive power most efficiently at all times and reach new heights of superiority in practice through the handling potential of its aluminium chassis.

Steering with an extremely direct ratio means that the S4 can be guided absolutely precisely around all kinds of corners. In other words, driving pleasure in the purest sense, on the motorway as well as on challenging mountain passes.



The Audi S4 also offers other qualities that have already become a well-known feature of the S models with the four-ring badge.
S models are sporty and exclusive, but at the same time extremely high-performance top versions in their respective model lines. They bring together the brand’s technical highlights - such as quattro permanent four-wheel drive, powerful engines and suspension for the optimum in dynamism - to produce a synthesis of driving enjoyment and versatility.

The S4 is notable once again for its unique combination of unmistakeable style and sporting exclusivity, of individuality and versatility: available as both a saloon and an Avant, it also offers its owner distinctive everyday quality.



The S-line appeals customers who do not wish to define their liking for distinctive sportiness through aggressive and obtrusive design attributes, but who prefer clear and yet discreet visual signs.


The superiority of the new Audi S4 is therefore immediately reflected in its deliberately restrained appearance. The bodies of the S4 Saloon and Avant, which are sporty in terms of both their proportions and their basic shape, only differ subtly from the other members of the model line. It is the special details that identify the new S4 unmistakably as the sport version.

A typical situation that many drivers of the new Audi S4 will find themselves in when manoeuvring to overtake: a driver familiar with the Audi models looking in their rear-view mirror will see the more powerful, fully painted bumper with large air inlets, xenon headlights with contrasting titanium-coloured inner housings and aluminium-look door mirrors and immediately be aware that a very special Audi is approaching.



An awareness that is confirmed with a glance at the tail end when the S4 has driven past. Here the onlooker will notice the typically powerful exhaust tailpipes on both sides and - on the saloon version - a discreet rear spoiler as the characteristic features of the Audi S4.



S4 models can be identified from the side by sills in the same colour as the body, contrasting strips attached to the bottom of the doors and the characteristic "S" wheels of Avus design. 345 millimetre discs at the front are a visual indication of the brake system’s performance.



The new S4, like the other S models, can be ordered in a choice of exclusively offered exterior paint finishes: Imola Yellow, Brilliant Red, Nogaro Blue and Goodwood Green, pearl effect. The S4 can also be ordered in Brilliant Black, in the metallic colours Silver or Dolphin Grey and in Ebony Black or Moro Blue, both with pearl effect.




The Audi S4 is notable not only for its sporting exterior, but even more so for its inner values. This applies not only to its technology, but also to the interior. The principal attribute of this independent top-of-the-range model is its sporting character, which is clearly reflected among other things in its exclusive design and high-quality interior equipment.



The instrument cluster, for example, has the characteristic grey S dials and special needles. The three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with S badge also accentuates the vehicle’s particularly sporty character. If a 6-speed tiptronic is chosen, the gears can also be changed using shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel - an ergonomic concept that has already proven its worth on the multiple Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, and on the Audi RS6.

Recaro sports seats provide firm lateral support and excellent comfort on long journeys. Not only the driver and front passenger benefit from these qualities, but also passengers on the two rear seats.



Inlays in carbon fibre (standard version) or optionally in birch grey, aluminium grey or black piano finish are exclusive to the S4. Like the special upholstery and trim materials for the seats and surfaces, these add a touch of sporting elegance.



The S4 comes with seats in a leather/cloth combination as standard; a leather/Alcantara combination and the particularly exclusive Silk Nappa leather version are also available as an option. Depending on the choice of material, the interior can be designed in various black/colour combinations and alternatively in silver or dark green.


The heart of the new Audi S4 is quite clearly its engine - a further refined V8 with a displacement of 4.2 litres and a five-valve cylinder head. This engine is notable not only for its dominant power output (253 kW/344 bhp), but also for its impressive and unbeatably short design.



Its compact dimensions - especially the length of only 464 millimetres - enable installation for the first time in what is also an extremely slim engine compartment for a vehicle in the B segment.

To make this compactness possible, the Audi engine developers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the engine output side. This made it possible to reduce the length of the engine by no less than 52 millimetres.

The engineers designing this new engine also made a saving in terms of weight. They succeeded, for example, in reducing the weight of the pistons by 70 grams each to 392 grams, whilst the connecting rods have been reduced in weight by 66 grams to 501 grams. These measures provide the basis for low frictional losses in the engine and a high maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm.



An additional benefit: the entire V8 at only 195 kilograms total weight is just as light as its predecessor in the previous S4, a 2.7-litre V6 biturbo engine. This results in major benefits for the weight balance and handling characteristics.

The new 4.2-litre engine delivers its maximum power of 253 kW or 344 bhp at 7,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 410 Nm is available at 3,500 rpm. Even at just 1,100 rpm the large V8 produces almost 300 Nm, and between 3,000 and just under 4,500 rpm the peak-torque range is always above 400 Nm.



Clearly more impressive than such figures is the combination in practice of the engine’s spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal (drive-by-wire throttle control), its astonishing free revving and hefty torque that is characteristic of a V8. And then there is the experience of an equally characteristic V8 sound - reserved and practically free of vibration in the low speed band and with a sonorous tremolo under load - that makes no secret of the engine’s potential.

Power on the one hand and low emissions on the other are not contradictions for the Audi S4. Thanks to efficient emissions control with primary and main catalytic converters, it remains clearly within the EU IV limits.


At launch all S4 models will be supplied with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This latest-generation gearbox with closely spaced ratios characteristic of a sports car is noted for its extremely precise, short shifts. Thanks to a special mount for the selector forks, the gear lever is effectively protected against driveline vibrations; the driver does not feel the gear lever trembling at all.

Internal friction reduced by a series of measures increases the efficiency of the manual gearbox. This means that engine power can be converted even more efficiently into forward propulsion.

A newly developed 6-speed tiptronic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program DSP and sport program will extend the range in the second half of 2003.



This automatic transmission is designed specifically to meet demanding handling requirements: weight reduction, rapid shifts and an optimised shifting strategy make sure that the convenience of the automatic transmission is combined with the sports performance specific to the S4.

The new 6-speed transmission is 21 kilograms lighter than its predecessor; it has a total weight of just 115 kilograms. The spread of ratios has increased by 25 percent compared with a 5-speed automatic. This means a much improved accelerating performance in the low gears and a clear reduction in engine speed and consequently a reduction in both noise level and fuel consumption at high speeds. These qualities make the Audi S4 the ideal vehicle for long journeys.



The shifting speed of the new 6-speed tiptronic has been significantly optimised. The driver benefits from more spontaneous gear changes particularly when downshifting. In addition, the fact that the engine automatically double-declutches further increases agility.

Both in position D and the sport program S, the shift program responds to influencing parameters such as lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the type of accelerator pedal movement. This means that irritating upshifts when cornering, for example, can be prevented if necessary.


The lightweight aluminium suspension, based on the much-praised axle design of the A4 series, provides the ideal basis for maximum agility and, consequently, sheer driving pleasure.

Four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension enable maximum steering precision and clearly defined handling with excellent cornering stability. Ride comfort also benefits from this ingenious axle design because a low unsprung mass makes for a particularly sensitive response from the suspension. The wheel carriers on the new Audi S4 are made from aluminium for the same reason. Compared with a conventional steel construction this means a reduction in the unsprung mass of almost two kilograms per wheel.



The Audi development engineers have tuned the springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars even more consistently in favour of sports performance. And they have lowered the chassis - and therefore the centre of gravity - by 20 millimetres compared with standard A4 series.

The new S4 generation comes as standard with one of the most elaborate and efficient rear suspension systems currently available: the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear axle, specially designed for quattro drive. Newly tuned toe-angle kinematics optimise the directional stability and the precision of the steering response even further.



Compared with the basic version, the new S4 has a much more direct steering ratio: as far as the driver is concerned, this is a contribution to the sports-oriented handling of the agile eight-cylinder version that can be experienced in all situations. The S4 can be guided extremely precisely around all kinds of corners. A standard feature on both the saloon and the Avant is the speed-dependent servotronic which enables precise steering at high speeds as safely as effortless manoeuvring and parking.

The Audi S4 is being launched with standard-fit 8x18-inch alloy wheels produced exclusively for this vehicle. These are fitted with tyres of size 235/40 R18 which unite good road grip with direct steering properties and defined directional stability. Size 7x17 wheels, with the same Avus design that characterises the other S models, are also available with 225/45 R17 winter tyres.


The braking system is also matched to the powerful potential of the Audi S4.
The ventilated discs measure 340 millimetres in diameter at the front, 300 mm at the rear. The system is operated via a new dual-rate servo. This gives the driver a sporty, firm feel at the brake pedal when low to medium rates of retardation are needed, but retains excellent controllability.



In the comfort braking range of up to around 0.5 g deceleration, the brake servo’s ratio is on a par with the other A4 models with a factor of 5.5 and thus ensures especially good control. Above 0.5 g the ratio is raised to the factor 12. This means that deceleration increases at a disproportionately high rate compared with brake actuating force - a clear advantage for a sporting style of driving.

The S4 thus achieves full deceleration with comparably low pedal force and with less pedal travel than on a conventional system. The Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP 5.7 including hydraulic brake assist ensures active driving safety.

Engine
Type of engine....	V8 spark-ignition engine, two-stage variable intake manifold, DOHC
Valve gear / number of valves per cylinder....	Intake camshaft adjustment, roller cam followers with hydraulic adjustment / 5
Displacement in cc / bore x stroke in mm / compression....	4163 / 84.5 x 92.8 / 11.0
Max. power output in kW (bhp) / at rpm....	253 (344) / 7000
Max. torque in Nm / at rpm....	410 / 3500
Engine management....	Motronic: fully electronic sequential injection, hot-film air mass measurement, drive-by-wire throttle control, mapped ignition with solid-state high-voltage distribution, cylinder-selective adaptive knock control using four sensors
Exhaust emission control....	Two close-coupled primary and two underfloor main catalytic converters; adaptive lambda control with two heated oxygen sensors before and two after the converter
Emission category....	EU4
Alternator in A / battery in A/Ah....	190 / 450/95
Drive / transmission
Type of drive....	Permanent four-wheel drive with Torsen centre differential, ESP
Clutch....	Single-plate dry clutch; dual-mass flywheel
Gearbox type....	6-speed manual gearbox
Gear ratio in 1st gear / 2nd gear....	3.667 / 2.050
Gear ratio in 3rd gear / 4th gear....	1.462 / 1.133
Gear ratio in 5th gear / 6th gear....	0.919 / 0.778
Reverse gear / final drive ratio (automatic: constant ratio)....	3.333 / 3.889
Running gear / steering / brakes
Front suspension....	Four-link front suspension, upper and lower wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar
Rear suspension....	Independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear suspension, anti-roll bar
Steering / steering ratio / turning circle in m (D102)....	Maintenance-free rack-and-pinion steering with power assistance / 14.5 / 11.5
Brake system....	Dual-circuit brake system with diagonal split, ABS/EBD and ESP, tandem brake booster, frontand rear: ventilated discs
Wheels / tyres....	8 J x 18 cast aluminium wheels; 235/40 R 18 Y tyres
Performance / consumption / acoustics
Maximum speed in km/h....	250 (governed)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in sec....	5.6
Fuel grade....	Super unleaded, 98 RON
Fuel consumption: urban/extra urban/overall, l/100 km....	19.5 / 9.8 / 13.3
CO2 mass emission, g/100 km....	321
Standing / drive-past exterior noise level in dB (A)....	87 / 74
Weights / loads
Unladen weight (excl. driver) / gross weight limit in kg....	1660 / 2210
Axle load limit at front / rear in kg....	1230 / 1100
Trailer load limit unbraked in kg....	not applicable
Trailer load limit on 8% / 12% gradient, braked in kg....	not applicable
Roof load limit in kg / permissible nose weight in kg....	75 / --
Capacities
Cooling system capacity (incl. heating) in l....	12.2
Engine oil capacity (incl. filter) in l....	10.7
Fuel tank capacity in l....	66
Body / dimensions
Body type....	Fully galvanised, unitary steel body; crumple zones in front and rear
Number of doors / seats....	4 doors with additional side protection / five seats
Drag coefficient cD / frontal area A in m2....	0.30 / 2.15
Length (L103)/width excl. mirrors (W103)/height (H100), mm....	4575 / 1781 / 1415
Wheelbase (L101) / track at front/rear (W101/W102), mm....	2651 / 1516 / 1512
Height of loading lip in mm (H195)....	674
Luggage capacity in l, acc. to VDA block method (V210)....	445 (with rear seat folded down: 720)