Audi S4 - B8 (Typ 8K, 2009-)

B8 (Typ 8K, 2009-)

From November 2008, the latest generation of the 'Audi S4 quattro' (Typ 8K) entered factory production. It is based on the current Audi B8 A4, built on the Volkswagen Group MLB/MLP platform. Unlike the previous B6 and B7 models, the new B8 version will only be available as a four-door five-seat saloon (sedan), or a five-door five-seat Avant (estate/wagon). The sport-performance two-door four-seat Cabriolet (convertible) mantle is now taken by the current Audi S5 Cabriolet and new Coupe. Unlike previous generations of the S4, only the sedan will be imported to the United States and Canada.

Compared to the previous B6/B7 S4 which used a 4.2 litre V8 engine, this latest B8 S4 utilises a smaller displacement 3.0 litre TFSI V6 engine, but now with the addition of forced induction via a Roots-style Eaton mechanical supercharger.

The previous B6/B7 S4s were the top-of-the-line models in North America, ahead of the 3.2L V6 and 4-cylinder 2.0T A4s, and competed with the BMW M3 which at the time had a high-rev 3.2 L inline 6. The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine replaces the 3.2 litre FSI V6 as the upgrade engine in the A4 and A6 lineups starting for 2009; both the 3.2 litre FSI and 3.0 TFSI were offered together until the end of the 2010 model year. The 3.2L V6 engine is no longer offered in the A4 lineup from the 2011 model year onwards, so the recently introduced B8 S4 is now priced 9% lower than its V8 predecessors, and slots directly above the 4-cylinder 2.0T base model. The S4 now compares more closely with the BMW 335i and Infiniti G37; since the discontinuation of the Audi RS4 (B7) Audi has not produced a direct competitor to the BMW M3 saloon.

Although still badged as an S model, the B8 S4 is now considered less of a hardcore sport sedan. Enthusiast driver aids are now optional rather than standard, such as active rear differential, active steering and ultra-quick electrically-adjustable shocks (both via Audi Drive Select Package). These trick differentials in the S4 are complex and heavy but they are key to solving the inherent flaw of high-horsepower front-drive vehicles, as the S4's weight distribution remains nose heavy like its predecessors which contributes to understeer. This allows the S4 to perform competitively with more balanced rear-wheel drive sport sedans such as the BMW 335i.

The S4 has sport suspension tuned for contributing to the vehicle's handling and braking. It is also meant for providing safety and comfort by keeping the vehicle's passengers relaxed and isolated from road noise, bumps and vibrations.

A new designed roadwheel is included on the B8 S4, an 8.5Jx18" '5-double-spoke S' design alloy wheel with 245/40 ZR18 high performance tyres. Optional 19 inch wheel and tyre packages are also available, sized at 8.5Jx19" alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR19 tyres. LED tail lights are standard fitment, along with Audi's now-trademark LED daytime running lights at the front.