autoevolution
 

All-New Audi S4 Sticking with Supercharged V6, But May Get 350 HP

The all-new Audi A4 was revealed by Germany's famous ringed automaker over two weeks ago, but the automotive press is still buzzing about it. It's not that people are blown over by the design, but the engines are impressive. Unfortunately, the S4 model and its S5 coupe sister won't be getting anything as spectacular as electric turbochargers, but they will be faster.
New Audi S4 coming in 2016 1 photo
Photo: Audi
Speaking to Car & Driver magazine, Audi officials let slip that the current model's supercharged V6 3.0-liter TFSI engine will be carried over. Some might consider this a bad move, but superchargers have always delivered superior response times to their turbo counterparts, so we're not going to complain.

Jaguar gives us 380 PS from its blown 3.0, but Audi won't venture that high. Instead, 350 PS or somewhere in that neighborhood is what we should expect. Naturally, torque will also go up compared to the previous model's 440 Nm (324 lb-ft).

Things become scary for Audi when you consider the updated CLA 45 AMG now delivers 380 ponies and a bit more torque from a much smaller 2-liter turbo engine.

We'd like to tell you there's a massive weight saving that will help the S4 do more with less. But V6 engines, luxury interiors and quattro all-wheel drive are never going to be made from polystyrene.

A new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will bang in the gears a little faster, but there might not be a manual option for the purists. Already, there are many performance models that are dropping the third pedal in the search for perfect lap times.

For ultra-hardcore experiences, Audi is already working on the new RS4, which will downsize to a turbo V6 and may be offered to Americans, either as an Avant or under the guise of an RS5 Sportback four-door coupe.

Expect the S4 to drop in Showroom during the third quarter of 2016 and be shortly followed by its racing cousins.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories