Audi S4 to make Paris debut

Audi is planning to debut its new S4 at the Paris Motor Show in October, with the big selling point being a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The car will have a new six-cylinder TFSI engine that is designed to outperform its V8 predecessor, but with a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The new S4 and S4 Avant will be available for pre-order in November, priced at £36,000, with the first models reaching UK customers in April 2009.

The completely new 3.0-litre V6 shares its ‘TFSI’ designation with the six engines in the Audi range that combine single turbo charging with FSI direct injection, but the new engine uses an alternative method of forced induction – a compact supercharger chosen because it delivers keener response than even two turbo chargers could achieve.

The supercharger’s ultra-compact dimensions enable it to fit easily inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, and as a result the gas paths to the cylinder are extremely short, resulting in throttle response that even a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement can’t match.

With the compressor’s help, the new unit generates 333 PS and 440 Nm torque peak available from 2,500 rpm right through to 4,850 rpm, enabling an appropriate 0-62 mph sprint time of 5.1 seconds for the manual Saloon (Avant manual 5.2 seconds). Top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph.

The S4 Saloon offers the potential to cover up to 29.1 mpg – a 27 per cent improvement over the V8-powered S4 – while emitting 225g of CO2 – 30 per cent less than its predecessor.

Another departure for the new S quattro flagship is the addition of the S-tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission, developed specifically for Audi models with longitudinal ‘north-south’ engine installations, to its options list.

Thanks to advanced electro-hydraulic controls and the alternate use of two clutches, the new seven-speed transmission, which made its debut in the Q5 SUV, delivers a fast manual shift with virtually no interruption of the engine’s power delivery.

The new S4 will ride 20 mm lower than standard versions on specially tailored ‘S’ sports suspension and 18-inch ‘S’ design alloy wheels.

Other familiar hallmarks of the series will include the aluminium-look door mirrors, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, special ‘S’ front and rear styling treatments and black painted brake callipers bearing the S4 logo.

For the first time in an Audi model at this level, the S4 is also enhanced visually by distinctive LED rear lights.

Inside, the ‘S’ theme is conveyed by sports seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara, and by ‘S’ embossing for the exclusive silver-faced dials and the multifunction sports steering wheel.

The specification in the cabin can be augmented by options such as a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, the Audi Music Interface with iPod connectivity, adaptive cruise control, the Audi side assist lane change assistant, the Audi parking system advanced and adaptive light swivelling headlamps for improved corner illumination.