The Audi S4->ke1088 is the German automaker's sport tuned version of their entry level sedan, adding a bit more exhilaration and extravagance to the A4->ke1087 with a high output power plant and exotic materials used for the interior. For 2010 Audi went away from the 4.2 Liter V8 and opted for a more economical supercharged V6 that makes 333 HP, more then enough to scoot the all wheel drive sport sedan around corners while the Alcantara seat inserts holds the occupants in place. 2010 S4 went on sale in the fall of 2009 and is only available as a four door in the U.S. with the European market receiving an Avant as well.

The 2010 Audi S4 is powered by a 3.0T V6 FSI combining gasoline direct injection with forced induction to deliver a total of 333 HP and 325 lb-ft of torque, when equipped with a manual transmission the 2010 S4 sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in only 4.9 seconds while its top speed is limited to 155 MPH. The S4 is a sports car offering an impressive driving experience, leading technologies, and every day suitability. The luxury sport sedan comes equipped with performance features like: adjustable engine/throttle mapping, suspension damping, rear differential, dynamic steering and Quattro with new optional Sports Rear Differential in order to enhance the performance vehicle's agility.

The 2010 Audi S4 will be offered in two trim levels: Premium Plus and the S4 Prestige, with prices starting at $45,900 and $52,000 respectively. However you might want to spring for the Audi Drive Select Package priced at $3,950 as well, after all it includes all those adjustable bits that takes the S4's handling from impressive to outstanding.

UPDATE 06/09/2010: Check out our review of the amazing Audi S4 by clicking here.

Full details after the jump.

2010 Audi S4 Sedan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Audi S4 Sedan
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Faster, further, more agile: the new Audi S4 sedan well-trained athlete. Its new engine, the 3.0 TFSI, combines the power of 333 hp with an astonishingly low fuel consumption of 18 mpg city/27 highway. The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system ensures practically loss-free transfer of this power to the road; a sports suspension and a high-performance brake system control it reliably. The dynamic look outside and in, together with the generous range of standard equipment, underline the exclusive character of both new S models from Audi.

The S4 its extending its lead even further with a package of optional performance technologies. The seven-speed S tronic changes gears with lightning speed without any interruption in the power flow and the new sport differential distributes the torque as needed between the rear wheels. With Audi drive select the driver can alter the working mode of the engine, S tronic and the sport differential as desired; dynamic steering and adaptive damper control round off the system.

The Audi S4 looks 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 light-alloy wheels in the S design, the sill trims, the restrained spoiler at the rear and the quadruple exhaust system. The xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights are further distinctive features.

The interior also underscores the sporty expertise that is the hallmark of both new S models. The sports seats in Alcantara/leather combination come as standard with electrical adjustment. The leather sports steering wheel, the key and the instrument cluster – featuring gray dials and white needles – bear the S4 logo. The interior is in black, with matt brushed aluminum inlays. Carbon and birch wood inlays are also available, as is a new stainless steel mesh inlay. The seats are also available in a choice of styles and materials.

The S4 sedan features technological advancements as available features that enhance both interior and performance luxury.  The 3G MMI (Multi Media Interface) with 3D map graphics and SIRIUS traffic displays the latest evolution of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination finding, updated graphical clarity, SIRIUS® artist/title preview, and SIRIUS traffic-based navigation.  The S4 sedan features voice-based destination input control, and voice inputs such as “I’m hungry,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee” that will point to the closest options.  The unique Audi drive select option available in the S4 sedan  also helps the driver customize steering, suspension, and acceleration characteristics.  The available performance-oriented Sports Rear Differential package with torque vectoring is reserved for the S4 sedan and S5 coupe/Cabriolet.

The new S4 features more performance and technology than ever and now enters a hotly contested competitive set that includes the BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350 at a very attainable price.  Now equipped with a 3.0T V6 FSI direct injection supercharged engine with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the 2010 S4 with a manual transmission offers a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, compared to a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds for the previous generation S4 V8 manual. The 2010 S4 also provides greater fuel efficiency (2010 S4 manual achieves 18 mpg city/27 highway, compared to the previous-generation 2008 S4 V8 manual ratings of 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway).

The 2010 S4 now is available with Audi’s brilliant seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, which allows the driver to enjoy the power from the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 in nearly uninterrupted bursts – thereby providing the perfect marriage of speed and comfort. The system works using dual clutches and twin input shafts, that permit the computer to “predict” which gear the driver intends to use and prep the gear for action before it is selected.

Also available on the S4 is quattro with Sport Rear Differential. It gives the S4 a new level of road holding ability by actively controlling the distribution of torque between the two rear wheels, effectively overdriving the outside wheel in corners. This “forces” the front end of the vehicle into the corner, thus eliminating understeer and creating more attainable excitement for the driver. In addition, the Sport Rear Differential works with ESP during accident avoidance maneuvers to keep the S4 stable and composed in emergencies.

The S4 sedan will also provide more performance and standard features over its German luxury competitors.  Using a continual focus on attention to detail, S4-specific features include distinctive standard S4-embossed heated front sport seats, front/rear bumpers, front grille, wheels, LED tail lights and front xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.  Other unique standard features include rear-biased 40:60 quattro® all-wheel drive, 18” wheels, heated front sport seats with S4 logo embossing, stainless steel and carbon fiber interior trim, contrast stitching on steering wheel / shifter / seats, Bluetooth®, SIRIUS satellite radio, Homelink®, and iPod® Interface.

Audi drive select – the unique high-tech package


The quattro driveline with active sport differential is part of Audi drive select, the innovative dynamic driving system premiered on the new Audi A4. As part of an optimal combination with Audi dynamic steering and electronic shock absorber control, the permanent four-wheel driveline and the sport differential demonstrate their immense capabilities with regard to driving dynamics. Audi drive select integrates the technical components that determine the quality of the driving experience: engine, transmission, steering, shock absorbers and the sport differential. Drivers can adjust the characteristics of these systems at any time to suit their personal preferences. Audi drive select is a successful synthesis of comfort and convenience with dynamic sportiness at a previously unattained level.

Buttons on the centre console enable drivers to vary the operation of Audi drive select in three stages ranging from comfortable to sporty, or to put together a profile that suits their personal preferences. The engine’s throttle response characteristic can be determined first, followed by that of the servotronic speeddependent power steering and, if the car has automatic transmission, its shift points.

Three operating modes for the sport differential


The functions of the sport differential can also be varied to suit the driver’s individual wishes. In the ‘comfort’ mode, driving safety and the car’s stability have absolute priority, with optimal damping of load reversals. In the ‘auto’ mode the program achieves a harmonious balance between all the functions. Finally, the ‘dynamic’ mode emphasizes the functions contributing towards agility, so that the dynamic effect of the sport differential is most easily felt. In this case, response to load reversals is both agile and easily controllable.

Electronic damper control


Audi drive select with the sport differential can be combined with electronic damping control. The gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers have an additional valve with a continuous opening action. The control unit computes the optimal damping force at a cycle frequency of 1,000 per second. The electromagnetically controlled valve selects a damping characteristic to match the current driving situation at any given moment. Higher damping force may be needed to resist body movement when cornering rapidly or braking, whereas a lower damping force will be appropriate on potholed roads and a moderate setting on poor country roads.

14 sensors, 1,000 calculations per second


The central element in electronic damper control is the new high-performance control unit. It has the imposing data spread of 32 bits and operates at high speed. The computer analyses the signals from 14 sensors continuously, and calculates the current for the electrically controlled shock absorbers at each individual wheel a thousand times a second.

The so-called CDC shock absorbers (CDC = continuous damping control) are gasfilled hydraulic units based on the twin-tube principle, featuring an additional external valve and a connecting pipe.

An electromagnetically energized proportional-action valve opens against the force exerted by a spring and regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the inner and outer shock-absorber tubes. A smaller flow cross-section makes the damping characteristic firmer, a larger one makes it softer. The control unit applies adaptive operating characteristics within the mode the driver has chosen via Audi drive select. Even from the comfort mode, the shock absorbers switch to a firmer setting at lightning speed if required. The control unit sets the optimum damping power for every driving style and for every type of road.

Dynamic suspension


The dynamic suspension of the new Audi S4 is based on the layout that has made the A4 the sportiest car in the midsize class. Numerous suspension components made of aluminum reduce unsprung masses. The five-link front suspension can handle longitudinal and lateral forces separately; a firmly mounted subframe ensures exceptional rigidity for the front section. The springs and shock absorbers of the self-tracking trapezoidal rear suspension, which permits a wide luggage compartment thanks to its compact design, are aligned separately to improve response.

In keeping with the dynamic performance of the S4, the suspension has been retuned. Stiffer bearings for the control arms guarantee elastokinematics for a sporty performance; lateral and camber rigidity are clearly enhanced. The minimal body movements lend the S4 and the S4 Avant maximum stability, even when braking. The shock absorbers have firmer settings and the body has been lowered by 20 millimeters (0.79 in).

Equipment packages


The S4 is available in two equipment packages, the S4 Premium Plus and S4 Prestige. The S4 Premium Plus enjoys the same equipment as the A4 2.0T Premium Plus, with a few changes. A new S4 Sport Suspension calibration gives the sedan a sharper edge on track or on the road, and quad exhaust ports help to distinguish the S4 from its tamer brothers. Inside, a three-spoke steering wheel with audio controls replaces the four-spoke unit on the A4, and shift-paddles are standard if the buyer has opted for the S tronic dual clutch transmission. New Alcantara leather seats with extendable thigh bolsters replace the units found in the A4. The S4 Premium Plus also benefits from ventilated rear disc brakes, and for buyers looking for the utmost in luxury.

The 2010 S4 Prestige adds enjoys auto dimming mirrors with memory function, advanced key keyless start, stop and entry, as well as a memory function for the driver seat. Audi MMI® Navigation plus also is standard and is an updated third generation system with hard drive navigation and voice control.

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Specifications

Key Messages

  • The A4 product line is critical to Audi of America’s growth in the USA, and the S4 supports this by expanding the line’s sportiness.
  • The new S4 is a sports car offering an impressive driving experience, leading technologies, and every-day suitability.
  • Audi Drive Select (adjustable engine/throttle mapping, suspension damping, rear differential, and dynamic steering) is a benchmark in the segment and industry.
  • All-new version of the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 provides excellent acceleration and efficiency in all driving situations.
  • New 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission for faster precise gear changes.
  • quattro with new optional Sports Rear Differential enhances agility and control.
  • S4 will be offered exclusively as a sedan in the USA.


Design

  • S4-specific interior and exterior distinctive features include:
  • New rear LED lighting
  • Front/rear bumpers, including unique front grille
  • Trunk lid with integrated spoiler
  • Aluminum optic mirrors
  • Special 18” wheels standard with high performance tires
  • S4 brake calipers with logo
  • Sport seats with unique interior color offerings
  • Black interior headliner
  • S4-badged steering wheel, aluminum door sill inlays, key fob, and gauge cluster
  • Brushed aluminum interior trim with available carbon fiber, wood, and stainless steel options
  • Typical Audi interior design is modern and sophisticated, with clear attention to detail.
  • S4 Aluminum-optic exterior accents include front and rear diffuser blades, mirror housings, and four exhaust pipes.


Dynamics

  • Modular Longitudinal Chassis architecture is the foundation for a benchmark sport sedan.
  • Extensive use of new ultra-high-strength steels increase rigidity of the body while also reducing weight.
  • Repositioned clutch / torque-converter allows more forward position of front axle.
  • Better agility and turn in
  • Better axle load distribution
  • Shorter front overhang
  • Longer wheelbase = more comfortable ride
  • Repositioned steering rack, lower and closer to the wheel carriers lowers center of gravity and provides more direct steering control/feedback.
  • Sporty proportions and muscular stance enhanced due to longer, wider, and lower dimensions.
  • Reduced front overhang adds to visual sportiness.


Powertrain and Performance

  • Standard power train will be the new 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 mated to quattro® all-wheel drive
  • Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual gearbox and a new 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.
  • 3.0 TFSI V6 specifications:
  • FSI direct injection with intercooled supercharger
  • 333hp – 325 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph 4.9 sec (USA est.)
  • Top speed 155 mph
  • Latest generation of quattro® all-wheel drive is employed, with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40% front / 60% rear under nominal conditions).
  • New available quattro with sports rear differential dynamically varies torque between the rear wheels.
  • Fuel economy is significantly improved over previous generation S4 (approx. 25% on European tests)
  • Braking system is upgraded specifically for the S4.


Innovations

  • MMI operating logic standard (with central display screen)
  • Audi Drive Select – varies the engine, transmission, steering, rear differential, and suspension damping characteristics to suit the driver’s preferences
  • Audi music interface – full iPod integration with the MMI system
  • Audi Intelligent Key – stores service information in the key
  • Advanced Key keyless entry and starting
  • Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface
  • Bi-xenon headlamps with Audi’s signature LED daytime running lights
  • Rear parking sensors with rearview camera
  • Electromechanical parking brake
  • New 3rd Generation MMI with hard-drive-based Navigation system, including voice control
  • Audi Side Assist lane change assistant
  • Bang & Olufsen 505W 14-speaker sound system
  • Standard 6-speed manual and optional 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles


Dimensions

  • Interior is 20mm longer, rear knee room increased by 36mm, leg room, headroom and shoulder room also increased.

 

 

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Prices

Trimline

Engine

Price

Premium Plus

3.0 TFSI® Premium Plus with six-speed manual transmission and quattro

$45,900

Premium Plus

3.0 TFSI® Premium Plus with seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro

$47,300

Prestige

3.0 TFSI® Prestige with six-speed manual transmission and quattro

$52,000

Prestige

3.0 TFSI® Prestige with seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic® transmission and quattro

$53,400


Packages

Package

Description

Price

Audi MMI® Navigation Plus Package

The Audi MMI® Navigation plus features a seven-inch, full-color LCD screen and MMI® control logic. The Audi Q5 comes equipped with the latest generation of MMI®, powered by a 40-gigabyte hard drive and an NVIDIA® chip to enhance graphics. This generation of MMI® offers 3-D topography, including the buildings in many cities. The package includes a color driver information system, real-time traffic, and navigation through audible route guidance and graphics. Also included is the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera

$2,500

Sports Rear Differential Package

The S4 offers the optional quattro® with Sport Rear Differential which dynamically varies torque between the rear wheels for enhanced cornering agility

$1,100

Audi Drive Select Package

Audi drive select controls the vehicle’s adaptive suspension, dynamic steering, transmission shift characteristics and engine response. The system offers your Audi four distinct driver configurations: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic and Individual. On the S4, the package also includes the new quattro® with Sport Rear Differential, which dynamically varies torque between the rear wheels

$3,950

Driver Assist Package

The Driver Assist Package enhances the driving experience with convenience technology including Audi side assist, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera

$900


Options

Option

Description

Price

Silk Nappa Leather

The use of high-quality Silk Nappa leather in the interior of the S4 adds to the elegant, dynamic and sporty driving experience. Available in full black or black with inserts in the following colors: Tuscan Brown, Magma Red, or Pearl Silver

$1,000

Carbon Atlas Decorative Inlays

In door belt line, rear seat belt line and surrounding shifter control

$500

Gray Birch Wood Decorative Inlays

The quality of materials and craftsmanship of the Audi S4 interior are highlighted by the Gray Birch genuine wood decorative inlay

$500

Rear Side Airbags

Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all accident circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age

$350

Stainless Steel Texture Inlays

The quality of materials and craftsmanship of the Audi S4 interior are highlighted by the Stainless Steel decorative inlays

$750

Wheel Lock Kit

$80

Bang & Olufsen® Sound System

This unrivaled sound system combines state-of-the-art technologies that include proprietary Digital Signal Processing and ICEpower digital amplification with a detailed study of the Audi interior. The system boasts 14 speakers for an output of 505 watts. More than a sound system built into a car, the system is the ultimate driving and listening experience, a virtual concert hall on wheels.

$850

Electric Rear Sunshade and Manual Rear Side Window Sunshades

The window shades help reduce the intensity of sunlight and heat build-up in the vehicle interior. That means more comfort and driving safety, particularly in the summer

$500

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control monitors distance to the vehicle in front via radar sensors and automatically reduces speed, as well as resumes speed, to maintain the driver-selected safe distance

$2,100


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Competitors and press reviews

"For North America, buying preferences for manual transmission versus S tronic is surprisingly 50/50, the Audi people tell us. After both tearing it up and cruising meekly using both, we give the six-speed manual the ever-so-slight edge. With the manual, the car loses a noticeable 77 pounds mostly off the front end, reducing overall weight to 3,638 pounds (some 231 pounds less than the previous S4). The shifts catch quickly, and we could hear the supercharger just enough to feel like a badass. We could do with less throw on the shift lever, but we cannot slight the shift action itself." (InsideLine)

"Not only does the Audi blower -- similar to the units Eaton supplies to GM for the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V -- help the S4's direct-injected 3.0-liter V-6 crank out 333 linear horsepower at 5500 rpm and 325 progressive pound-feet at 2900, but it does so without the shrilling whine normally associated with superchargers. In fact, only under wide-open throttle does a faint hum emanate into the cabin." (MotorTrend)

"Once we were hustling through those perfect two-lane roads that span most of rural Northern California, we started to play more and more with the adjustable rear differential. It’s an option worth checking since, in comfort mode, it acts like a standard open rear differential that, in conjunction with the stability control, will keep you out of trouble. Select “Dynamic” mode and, suddenly, it allows for the kind of tail-out drifting in hard corners that will have you questioning the drive wheels. Nope: Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system is, of course, standard here." (LeftLaneNews)

Competitors

Acura TL

For 2010 Acura will offer two distinct versions for the TL: a luxurious 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering a total of 280 hp, front-wheel drive TL, and a powerful 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 305 hp TL paired with Acura’s exclusive SH-AWD. Prices will range from $35,105 and $43,385.

Infiniti G37 sedan

The 2010 G37 sedan is powered by a 3.7 Liter VVEL V6 engine that delivers 328 HP and 269 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a seven speed automatic transmission with auto blip Downshift Rev Matching, Drive Sport Mode and Adaptive Shift Control. Prices for the G37 sedan will range from $33,250 to $37,000.

BMW 335i xDrive Sedan->ke290

The 335i xDrive Sedan is powered by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 300 horsepower. The sedan is also equipped with xDrive and intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Prices start at $42,600.

Conclusion

While out choice will definitely be the BMW 335i, there are people who would prefer instead Audi's quattro system. Equipped with the Audi drive select system and the quattro system, the S4 is a very happy car: it will handle well and cornering will be easy to take.

Audi says the base price for the S4 is $45,900; but equipped with all you will need you will have to pay around $60,000. By comparison any of the competitors will be cheaper, even the BMW.

But besides all that, the S4 is a high-performance German sports sedan. If its the right one for you, you will find out only after taking it for a test drive.