Considering the portly S5 clocks in around 4300 lbs, it's about time Audi looked itself in the mirror and noticed those love handles and double chins. Michael Dick, global head of product engineering for Audi said recently the multi-ringed brand is looking to dramatically decrease the weight of upcoming models by increasing the use of aluminum, magnesium, and high strength steel while downsizing engine displacement by 30% and increasing their specific output. The future S4 and S5 will step back from the supercharged V6 and utilize a turbocharged four which will be no doubt direct injected. To give you an idea of what we're talking about here, Audi claims to be testing a next-gen S5 weighing in at 880 lbs less than the current model. This is definitely a plan we can get behind. [Car und Driver]

The last 2009 Audi S4 ad we saw was of a skier skiing down the streets of San Fransisco, all done in the tube and with a green screen of course. Our resident Audi-lover, Mr. Wojdyla, questioned Audi's usage of mystical special effects and we're wondering if they in fact listened to him.

They've now produced this killer clip of the S4 racing a downhill skier through a snowy slalom course. How cool its that? Of course they had to throw in the; "Look, a pair of skis fit in the trunk" moment, but we forgive them although we wonder why the S4 couldn't beat the skier. If you're listening Audi, next time, make the car win. Remember, that's what you're trying to sell here. We still love ya.
(Hat Tip to Mobilehavoc!)

[via YouTube]

We're not going to say the commercial isn't cool, it's actually a pretty slick one, but it certainly doesn't make any sense. Why not just shoot the actual car bombing down the streets of San Fran weaving in and out of construction barrels and diving between cable cars instead of using the red-festooned green-screened downhill skier as a metaphorical stand-in? Who are we kidding, that wouldn't be nearly artsy enough for an Audi ad. [Youtube via LuxVelocity]

The new Audi S4/S4 Avant
- Three-liter V6 unit generates 245 kW (333 hp)
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds
- Average fuel consumption of just 9.7 liters

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Sep 22, 2008 - Audi is introducing its new sporty top models in the midsize class – the S4 and the S4 Avant. Their engine, a three-liter V6 with direct fuel injection and mechanical turbocharging, delivers a powerful 245 kW (333 hp). It accelerates the S4 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, but on average only uses 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg). The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers its power to the road in style, which is then converted by the sport suspension into dynamic handling. Upon request, Audi can equip the new S4 and S4 Avant with innovative technologies that further increase their lead over the competition. The seven-speed S tronic changes gears with lightning speed, and the new sport differential distributes the torque as needed between the rear wheels. The new Audi S4 will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Paris Auto Show from October 2 to 19.

The heart of the new S4 and S4 Avant is a completely redesigned engine. The 3.0 TFSI, the newest member of the Audi V-engine family, is an outstanding example of how the brand with the four rings blends performance and efficiency. The V6 generates its power from a displacement of 2,995 cc, is equipped with a supercharger, and delivers 245 kW (333 hp). The sedan sprints to100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.1 seconds, and the Avant in 5.2 seconds: they both have an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

The “T” in the 3.0’s TFSI nomenclature no longer merely stands for “turbo”, but rather for the concept of supercharging in general – extensive testing on the big V6 has proven the superiority of mechanical charging. In conjunction with direct injection it is far superior to twin turbochargers, both in terms of packaging and of starting performance and responsiveness.

The compressor is so compact that it easily fits inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, in place of the intake manifold. Two four-vane rotary pistons counter-rotate inside the turbocharger at up to 23,000 rpm. Two charge-air coolers are integrated into the housing and are connected to a separate coolant circuit. An impressive array of measures keeps the noise generated by the compressor to a minimum.

The engine-driven belt that powers the mechanical charger provides full thrust right from idling speed. The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) at 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm. In fourth gear, the vehicle accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the extremely short gas paths, the sonorous, supercharged V6 responds spontaneously to the throttle, even more so than a naturally aspirated engine of the same displacement.

Furthermore, the new 3.0 TFSI achieves exemplary fuel efficiency. On average, the sedan uses 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg), and the Avant 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.76 US mpg) – an improvement of 3.4 liters (26 percent) compared with its predecessor. The Audi technology of gasoline direct injection was what made this great efficiency possible in the first place. Unlike conventional concepts, it allows the compressor to be located behind the throttle valve. In view of the low density of the intake air at loads below supercharging level and when coasting, its rotors are free-running and the amount of power required to drive them is low.

Dynamism and efficiency: The new seven-speed S tronic

The V6 power in the new S4 and S4 Avant flows into a six-speed transmission, fitted as standard, which shifts quickly and precisely. As an option, Audi offers a state-of-the-art dual-clutch transmission – the seven-speed S tronic is extremely dynamic and highly efficient. The driver has the option of driving in fully automatic mode or selecting the gears with paddles on the steering wheel or directly with the shift lever – all of which provide impressively quick gearshifts. The gearshift feel is dynamic, comfortable and very precise – typically Audi.

The seven-speed S tronic consists of two separate transmissions and uses two multidisk clutches that control the various gears. The large K1 clutch guides the power via a solid shaft to the pinions for gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. A hollow shaft rotates around the solid shaft; it is connected to the compact K2 clutch, which is integrated within its larger counterpart and controls the pinions for gears 2, 4, 6 and reverse gear.

Both transmission structures are continuously active, but only one is powered at a time by the engine. For example, when the driver accelerates in third gear, the fourth gear is already engaged in the second transmission structure. The shifting process takes place as the clutch changes – K1 opens and K2 closes with lightning speed. This process takes only a few hundredths of a second and is completed without interrupting traction. It is so comfortable and smooth that the driver hardly notices it.

The seven-speed S tronic is designed for maximum efficiency. It operates with very high efficiency and its intelligent control system maximizes fuel economy in automatic mode. With its wide gear ratio spread of 8.0:1 the seven-speed S tronic easily exploits the tremendous power and superior torque of the 3.0 TFSI.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers power to the road with
supreme ease. Under regular driving conditions, it sends 40 percent of its
torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels – a slightly rearbiased,
sporty characteristic. Where necessary, it can vary distribution within
fractions of a second.

The quattro drive system ensures safe self-steering characteristics, high stability and excellent traction in comparison with rear-wheel-drive competitors.

Customized torque distribution:
The sport differential with Audi drive select

The new, active sport differential ideally complements the quattro drive system and lends it even greater fascination. When the steering wheel is turned or the car accelerated in a corner, power is redirected in a controlled manner to the outer rear wheel, literally pushing the vehicle through the corner. The system intervenes to counter any signs of understeer or oversteer. For the driver, this means reduced effort at the steering wheel and even higher lateral
acceleration.

The active sport differential is a new type of rear-axle differential. A superposition gear was added to both the left and right sides of the classic differential; it rotates ten percent faster than the wheel’s drive shaft.

Both components can be connected through a multidisk clutch, which runs in an oil bath, and is operated by an electro-hydraulic actuator. In most driving situations, the clutch can divert almost the complete input torque to one wheel in this way.

Controlled by an array of sensors and a high-speed computer, the active sport differential needs less than 100 milliseconds to redirect power. Drivers can adapt their manner of driving, along with characteristics for the load changes, to three performance maps. Unlike competitors’ systems, the Audi sport differential is just as effective when the engine is driving the wheels as it is on the overrun or when the car is coasting freely.

The new Audi S4 and S4 Avant are well-trained athletes. Their five-link front axle and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear axle are of a highly sophisticated design; both axles are made almost entirely of aluminum and are therefore very lightweight. The low-mounted steering gear transmits the steering forces to the wheels without any lag time and gives the driver a precise and sensitive road feel.

The spontaneity of Audi’s new midsize athletes is fascinating, and they possess the precise reactions of a thoroughbred sports car. In these transmissions, the differential is positioned in front of the clutch, which made it possible to move the engine 154 mm (6.06 in) forwards compared with the predecessor model. This unusual layout perfectly evens out the axle loads, and also affords the long wheelbase of 2,811 mm (9.22 ft) exceptional stability.

The chassis of both new S models received stiffer axle bearings, and the sporty tuning with stiff shock absorbers puts the chassis 20 mm (0.79 in) closer to the road. Huge high-performance and fade-resistant brakes sit behind the 18-inch and optional 19-inch cast aluminum wheels. The black-painted brake calipers – at the front with the S4 logo – grip the ventilated disks with newly developed brake pads.

Audi drive select: The driving dynamics system

The Audi drive select driving dynamics system is a further high-end technology featured on the new S4 and S4 Avant. It accesses the throttle response characteristics, the shift points for the seven-speed S tronic and supports the speed-dependent servotronic steering. With the press of a button, the driver can decide whether these systems should operate in “comfort,” “auto” or “dynamic” mode. If the vehicle is equipped with the MMI operating system, a fourth mode is available which the driver can program according to his own personal tastes and preferences.

Audi drive select can only be ordered in combination with one or more of three additional technologies – the sport differential, adaptive control for the shock absorbers, or dynamic steering, which is an additional high-tech solution. Its zero-play superposition gear, which is driven by an electric motor, varies the ratio by almost 100 percent depending on the speed being driven. In terms of driver safety, the dynamic steering assists the ESP stabilization program by using steering intervention to keep the new S4 and S4 Avant on track when cornering at the handling limits. In many instances, the system renders ESP intervention superfluous.

For the adaptive damper control system, hydraulic gas-pressurized shock absorbers are used which operate by means of additional, electrically actuated valves. They control the flow of hydraulic liquid, thus regulating the shockabsorbing characteristics. A high-performance control unit analyzes the signals it receives from 14 sensors, and calculates the damping power for each individual wheel 1,000 times per second.

An athletic look: The design

Both the Audi S4 and the S4 Avant look athletic and muscular on the road. Some of the most striking modifications to the exterior design are the special aprons, the aluminum-look exterior mirrors, the 18-inch S-design light-alloy wheels, the side rocker panels, the restrained spoiler at the rear and the quadruple exhaust system. The xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights and the rear lights are further distinctive touches.

The interior also underscores the sporty expertise that is the hallmark of both new S models. The sports seats have electric lumbar supports and pull-out thigh supports, and the instrument panel features gray dials with white needles. They also bear the S4 emblems, as do the multifunction sport steering wheel and the key. The interior is in black, with brushed aluminum inlays. Carbon and birch wood inlays are also available, as are stainless steel mesh inlays.

Optional assistance systems provide the driver with even greater control on the road. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) regulates the distance to the vehicle in front, and braking guard issues warnings regarding possible rear-end collisions. The Audi side assist makes changing lanes safer; the Audi parking system advanced makes backing into a parking space easier.

With regard to multimedia, Audi offers an attractive technology package. The communications and entertainment technologies portfolio includes the competition-beating MMI operating system, various types of radio and sound systems all the way up to the high-end solution from Bang & Olufsen, two navigation systems, an iPod interface, and a highly convenient Bluetooth car phone.

Luxurious features such as the three-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning and the dynamic cornering light system known as adaptive light round out the optional equipment.

Audi will begin delivery of its new S models in March 2009.

[Audi]

If this rumor proves true, it finalizes the last piece of the engine puzzle we got a peek at with the Audi engine plan leak a while ago. Hopefully when Audi waves its wand over this version of the V8, they'll fix its thirst; then it would be truly perfect. [Fourtitude via Autofiends]

What else? The twin-clutch system is a kissin' cousin of VW's DSG, swapping cogs in 200ms and weighing just 40kg more than the 6-speed manual. Of course, despite being less fun for those of us who enjoy a real stick-shift, it performs faster than the human-shifted 'box and offers benefits in CO2 emissions as well, a key selling point for our European brothers and sisters who actually have to worry about greenhouse gasses. Suckers. We just have to worry about whether it'll bankrupt our automakers. Damn you, Socialist Euro-trash and your filthy stinking government subsidies and tax exemptions. [World Car Fans]

Well, if you simply must have the extra two cylinders, you can wait for the 2010 Audi RS4 which apparently is being designed to "better stand out" with distinct sheetmetal, bulging fenders and of course the bigger, longer and more uncut engine. What that also means is you shouldn't expect the new S4 to use different sheetmetal from it's lower-powered brother. Nope, instead expect differentiation between the new A4 and the new S4 to occur with "distinct cladding." Ah, yes, cladding works every time — they'll never know the difference. We're assuming we'll have full details on the new Audi S4 when it's expected to be revealed later in the year after the Paris Motor Show. Perhaps we'll even see the reveal first-hand at the LA Auto Show a month or so later. [via Car & Driver]

What does a classic overachiever, ex-Microsoft employee of the month, entrepreneur, mountain climber and creator of an insanely popular board game drive to the grocery store? Right, any damn thing he wants. But this particular individual who fits that profile, Richard Tait, chose a 2004 Audi S4 Avant that's been worked over by a motorsports firm from the Pacific Northwest. Funny, it's the exact car we'd have picked for him.

Altered Estate: Supercharged S4 by the Creator of Cranium [Fourtitude]

Related:
Official Audi RS4 Avant and Cabrio Pics [internal]

Related:
Audi Unveils New A4 Cabrio for Europe [internal]

Oh, but to be a single-brand site like Fourtitude — no distractions, just one model line, for good or ill — copious attention lavished by one team of PR folks yearning for a friendly face, a kind word and an eager hand into which to toss the keys of exclusive product. We're not sure all that's true, but it sounds good. Anyway the 4titude gang got to drive Audi's new, limited-edition 25quattro, a $60,000, DTM-themed, factor tuner version of the S4. Is it a mere (heh! mere) toyed-up S4, or is it a Gestalt experience? Check it.

Driven: 2006 Audi S4 25quattro [Fourtitude]

Related:
Audi to Offer Commemorative-Edition S4 [internal]

Audi will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the introduction of its quattro all-wheel-drive in the US with a special edition of its S4. It's mainly an academic exersize in option-package tweaking, but it may offer some value to collector types of a particular Touring Car bend.

The company will build only 250 of its new Audi S4 25quattros, which comes with a package that includes a six-speed manual transmission, a custom interior — including carbon fiber inserts and Recaro seats — special badging (S4 badges deleted), and a number of standard chachkes that are optional on the base S4 (i.e., Premium Package — sunroof, homelink, rain sensor, heated front seats; Audio Package — Sirius satellite radio, bluetooth phone prep, and voice control, and Audi Navigation plus System with glovebox six-disc CD changer).

25quattro models will also sport the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) body kit supplied by quattro GmbH, along with and 18-inch 15-spoke DTM wheels with high performance tires. Each of the 250 built, priced at around $62,000-$64,000 (including gas guzzler tax and destination charge), will receive sequential VIN numbers, and will hit dealerships late October/early November 2005.

[Thanks to Dubspeed Racing]

Related:
On a Wing: Mattig Tunes the Audi TT [internal]