AUDI S4 2008-2012 Photos, engines & full specs

The 2008 S4 was the top-performer model in the Audi A4 range. It was introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model and it lost the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a supercharged 3.0-liter V6.

The horsepower battle took a rest for the Audi with the introduction of the S4. The German car-maker took for granted the “less is more” saying and tried it on its A4 range. By installing a lighter V6 instead of a V8, the car-maker aimed a better weight distribution and more torque. Its main rivals, the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG kept their V8s, with a 4.0-liter and a 6.2-liter respectively. But Audi tried to be a better daily driver.

Its exterior look was based on the 8th generation of the Audi A4. The chromed rim on the singleframe grille, with a lower silver splitter. In the rear, a quad exhaust system was peaking under the rear diffuser. On a short notice, it take a trained eye to distinguish an S4 from a standard A4.

Inside, there were also minimal differences when compared with a standard A4 model. The dashboard featured more aluminum panels and the sport-bucket seats made a small difference.

Under the hood, the Audi engineers installed a supercharged V6 engine that offered less power and more torque than the outgoing V8 unit. The main advantage was a better fuel-efficiency, with a stated economy of 24% when compared to its predecessor. The quattro all-wheel-drive system featured a Torsen center differential and an Audi Sport Rear Differential. The torque distribution for normal condition were 40/60 but up to 100% could be sent to the rear or up to 80% to the front, depending on road conditions.