Photo: CarPix
We’re always struggling to bring you the newest spyshots of upcoming cars around the world. Managing to release the first shots every time is rewarding but sometimes you meet with cars that are simply so new that you don’t have any info about them. It’s the case of the upcoming Audi S4.
We saw the B9 A4 and its Avant version out testing before. As a matter of fact, the Avant was caught out testing for the first time just yesterday but we never saw the S4 so far. And yet, the car in the photos below has to be it as it has too many dead giveaways on it.
For example, the front bumper has massive air intakes to the sides while the rear one houses no less than four tailpipes that point to a big, powerful engine.
That’s what’s going to make the biggest difference between the standard A4 and the more hardcore S4 version. Chances are the 3-liter V6 supercharged plant will be kept on as the Volkswagen Group didn’t develop a new one in the meantime.
At the same time, Audi has a certain way of doing things and using the 2.5-liter plant from the RS3 doesn’t seem possible if you look back at their history. On top of that, creating a brand new engine for this car alone (and the S5) doesn’t make sense.
That’s why we think the new model will use the old plant that was upgraded in one way or another. Most likely, it will migrate to a turbocharged setup, the output probably going up to around 350 HP without breaking a sweat.
Rumor has it that the upcoming models in the A4 range will adopt the new 9-speed ZF gearbox, and if that turns out to be true, the S4 should use it as well. That’s if Audi doesn’t decide that the current 7-speed DSG layout is better.
In terms of performance, a lower body weight and the quattro all-wheel drive system coupled with the extra grunt should make this new model a threat to its eternal rivals, the 3 Series and C-Class.
Think of the Audi SQ5 and then some. With such a layout, power would be limited to around 313 HP out of a bi-turbo mill along with 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.
The best news is that it seems like Audi is preparing an S4 Avant model too, as our spy photos seem to show. That’s definitely exciting, especially for the family man that also wants to have some fun. Expect both of them to be unveiled next year, a couple of months after the A4 line-up is revealed.
For example, the front bumper has massive air intakes to the sides while the rear one houses no less than four tailpipes that point to a big, powerful engine.
That’s what’s going to make the biggest difference between the standard A4 and the more hardcore S4 version. Chances are the 3-liter V6 supercharged plant will be kept on as the Volkswagen Group didn’t develop a new one in the meantime.
At the same time, Audi has a certain way of doing things and using the 2.5-liter plant from the RS3 doesn’t seem possible if you look back at their history. On top of that, creating a brand new engine for this car alone (and the S5) doesn’t make sense.
That’s why we think the new model will use the old plant that was upgraded in one way or another. Most likely, it will migrate to a turbocharged setup, the output probably going up to around 350 HP without breaking a sweat.
Rumor has it that the upcoming models in the A4 range will adopt the new 9-speed ZF gearbox, and if that turns out to be true, the S4 should use it as well. That’s if Audi doesn’t decide that the current 7-speed DSG layout is better.
In terms of performance, a lower body weight and the quattro all-wheel drive system coupled with the extra grunt should make this new model a threat to its eternal rivals, the 3 Series and C-Class.
There’s a diesel twist possible too
As we were telling you yesterday, the S4 could also come out with a diesel engine under the bonnet. That would imply a V6 and some electric turbochargers that would help out with turbo lag.Think of the Audi SQ5 and then some. With such a layout, power would be limited to around 313 HP out of a bi-turbo mill along with 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.
The best news is that it seems like Audi is preparing an S4 Avant model too, as our spy photos seem to show. That’s definitely exciting, especially for the family man that also wants to have some fun. Expect both of them to be unveiled next year, a couple of months after the A4 line-up is revealed.
Google News