By: Jason Woosey
Frankfurt Motor Show - Shortly after introducing the new A4 to the world's media in Venice, Audi used Frankfurt's IAA to present the Deputy Head of the new line-up.
Presuming, of course, that there will be another RS4, which there surely should be.
Nonetheless, the new S4 is rather potent in its own right, with the ability to pounce from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, Audi says, which makes it 0.4s quicker than its predecessor.
Under the bonnet is a brand new 3-litre V6 turbopetrol with direct injection, which replaces the previous supercharged engine of the same size. Outputs are up from 245kW/440Nm to 260kW and 500Nm, the latter available from 1300rpm, while fuel efficiency has improved "significantly", at least according to Audi's clamed combined consumption figure of 7.4 litres per 100km.
An eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro transmit the urge to all four wheels, with 60 percent going to the back wheels under normal conditions, although the centre diff can channel up to 80 percent to the back or up to 70 percent to the front if deemed necessary. The S4 also boasts wheel-sensing torque control that lightly brake the wheels on the inside of the corner before they break traction.
The S4 has a newly-developed five-link suspension at both ends, but sits 23mm lower than the regular A4s. For those wanting more control over the damping forces, Audi offers a variable damping system called CDC. Road glue comes courtesy of 18-inch rubber on twin-spoke alloys but buyers can opt for 19-inch rims too.
True to Audi tradition, the exterior design mods have been kept on the subtle side, as they have inside, where you'll find a predominantly black cabin brightened up by sport seats available in three colours and upholstered in a pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara combo.
A highlight for many will be the optional Audi virtual cockpit, which is a fully digital instrument cluster offering three unique views, and your inner geek is also likely to appreciate the redesigned MMI interface, with an operating logic similar to that of modern smart-phones.
Expect the new S4, which will rival the Mercedes C450 AMG and perhaps even the new BMW 340i , to hit South African streets in late 2016. Regular A4s should be available here early in that year. Grab a copy of The Star, Mercury or Cape Times this Thursday to read our verdict on the new A4 from its recent world launch.
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