autoevolution
 

Listen to the 2017 Audi S4 Engine for the First Time: V6, But What Kind?

The all-new generation of A4 is likely to make its debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The RS4 will take a while longer to develop, so us performance freaks will just focus on what the S4 offers.
Listen to the 2017 Audi S4 Engine for the First Time: V6, But What Kind? 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
This video was taken recently at the Nurburgring and shows how a prototype for the S4 pushes hard into the carrousel cornel. What can we tell from this? Not much other than the fact that it's powered by a V6 engine.

The one major demand placed on the S4 sedan is that it needs to be faster than the S3. Otherwise, Audi will have egg all over its face. There are two or three major options for what's under the bonnet.

The first would be to offer the same 3.0 BiTDI as the SQ5 performance SUV. This twin-turbo mill has already been pushed to 327 PS, just enough to outgun the S3. It's true that the car in this video doesn't sound like a diesel, but the BiTDI knows a few tricks. The exhaust system is fitted with a couple of sound amplifiers. Basically, they're like speakers located in round bellows installed ahead of the mufflers.

However, we think the best solution possible would be for Audi to stick with its supercharger tech. It's virtually lag-free and thanks to a decouplable flywheel, efficiency isn't a problem either.

Of course, the 3.0 TFSI is used by every major Audi model, from the A6 to the Q7. But it would need at least 360 horsepower to compete with Mercedes' new C 450 AMG. The turbocharged petrol also exists, but it needs to be ruled out without any evidence to support it.

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