REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A lesson in letters

The S label from Audi is like the M series from BMW, acting like an avant-garde designer that offers something different from mainstream fare. For the Europeans, the 19th letter of the alphabet, discreetly placed in the Audi ’ s grille, suggests a prostigious link that goes back to the S1, the extraordinary Group B Quattro Sport. In North America, this tradition was little known until the company presented its S4, a souped-up sedan based on the 1992-94 Audi 100 (known today as the A6). Then the S4 gave way to the S6 before definitively leaving our shores. Enough background information! Since 2000, Audi has brought back an S4 that is based this time on the A4. It ’ s almost enough to make you want to relearn your alphabet!From the start, it is important to note that the S4 is first and foremost a limited edition. In fact, only a few hundred of these sporty cars will be brought to this country. They can be identified by the S4 emplem placed on the left side of the grille, the modified lower body that promotes maximum oxygenation for the motor, and the 17-inch rims that completely cover their wheelwells whose lips are wider than usual.

The interior design sticks closely to the A4 models, although the S4 has exclusive sport seats, a full instrument panel (only an boost monitor is missing) on a white background and numerous accessories to justify both price and prestige. Besides its sporty touches, which are subtle but still apparent, the S4 combines the best and worst of the A4, which means it has been manufactured to irreproachable standards, with ergonomics that are constantly being revised (the radio controls are now more tactile) except for limited headroom (especially when there is a sun roof), rear seats that are not very roomy, and a trunk with similar space limitations.In a category where performance is everything, Audi was compelled to offer an S4 with exceptional mechanical features. Without completely starting over, the Ingolstath engineers have taken their solid V6 (2.8 liter) engine, reduced the bore by 1.5 mm as well as the compression ratio (from 10.3:1 to 9.3:1) and added a pair of turbocompressors and intercoolers. There you have it! This means 250 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 258 lb-ft. at only 1,850 rpm. This would seem to indicate that the motor is rather powerful.

Audi proudly claims that its superpowered S4 takes less than 6 seconds to reach 100 km/h and less than 15 seconds to reach 250. Even though these statistics are impressive, they say nothing about the how smoothly the motor runs and the generous way the car handles, which separate the S4 from the rest of the pack. The field of use is certainly broad enough but you ’ ll remember the thrust of the S4 ’ s motor when it reaches 1,850 rpm. Just one disappointment : the wimpy sound of the V6 engine. On the plus side, we would note that the motor is well backed by a 6-speed manual transmission whose only defect is an imprecise shift handle. Audi also offers a no-cost semi-automatic transmission with dual command controls on either side of the wheel.

Beyond the healthy thrustof its motor, the S4 offers incredible handling on the road. The steering seems to lack the surgical precision of, for example, the old BMW M3, and the slight feeling of imprecision when the wheel is pointing straight ahead is somewhat annoying –and somewhat disconcerting– considering the clear advantages usually associated with full traction. But generally speaking, the S4 leave quite an impression because it handles better in daily use than its closest rivals. The stiffness of the chassis keeps it from any unwanted movement (sliding on turns, jumping during acceleration or braking) and although the suspension is firmer than on the A4, it handles well on road imperfections. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Overall, the S4 has lots of character. Fast, comfortable and nicely finished, it comes with quite a pedigree. Clients of the 13th letter know what it ’ s like to occasionally find themselves blinded by headlights from a car bearing the 19th letter coming from behind them!
PROS
Solid performance
Quality manufacturing
Sporty 4-season vehicle

CONS
Skimpy interior
Driving feeling could be improved