The Audi S4 is a high performance sport version of the popular Audi A4.

First generation

The first generation S4 was introduced into the US in 1992. It had a 2.2 liter turbocharged inline 5 cylinder engine, developing 230 hp (172 kW). The car shared a large C4 chassis with the Audi 100. This model ran until 1994, and then in 1995 it was called the S6 when the 100 became the A6. This model was in the US for only 1 year, but was sold in Europe through 1997. The urS4 (ur = original) and urS6 shared the same engine, chassis and mostly everything except a few body parts. The 1995.5 S6 also had a manual transmission with a hardened first gear.

Second generation

The B5 S4 was introduced in 2000 and taken out of production in 2002. It had a 2.7 liter twin-turbocharged 5-valve V6 engine with a cast-iron block and aluminum alloy heads, developing 250 hp (186 kW) at 5800 RPM and 258 ft.lbs. at 1850 RPM. Both a 6-speed manual and 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission were available. It shares a chassis with the Audi A4 manufactured between 1996 and 2002.

This car was available in the following colors: Brilliant Black, Cactus Green, Hibiscus Red, Imola Yellow, Laser Red, Light Silver, Nogaro Blue, and Santorin Blue.

Third generation

The 2005 S4 is instantly recognisable: the front end is dominated by the new face of the brand, the single-frame grille, in this case with S-specific grid pattern, and newly styled headlights. The shoulder line sculpts the sides of the car body in a most eye-catching way. And, finally, the most prominent feature on the new tail end, apart from the newly styled light units, are four oval tailpipes on both saloon and Avant models - a clear indication of just what the Audi S4 is capable of.

The power-to-weight ratio of this model is just 0.2 hp/kg (155 W/kg). The V8 engine's power thus enables the new Audi S4 with its new six-speed manual gearbox to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. It takes 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h, whilst its top speed is a governed 250 km/h.

The new S4 is the only car in its class to have Quattro permanent four wheel drive. It can therefore convert its engine output into propulsive power most efficiently at all times and enter a new dimension of superiority thanks to the handling potential of its aluminium chassis.

Audi S4

Fan websites: www.s4forum.com