The visible differences between the A4 and S4 are subtle. However, the performance differences are quite obvious.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)I was recently handed the keys to a fully loaded, brand-new Audi S4 sedan. So, I did what any motorhead would do in this situation and proceeded to put the sporty A4 variant through its paces on the open road, on an autocross cone course, and even on the track at Infineon Raceway at Sears Point.
Our adventure starts with a trip from an uncharacteristically sunny San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sonoma. While in the stop-and-go bustle of the city, the S-Tronic DSG double-clutch automated manual was so docile and the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine so even tempered, that I almost forgot that the S4 was the performance variant of the A4 sedan line. This is mostly due to Audi's Drive Select system, which gave me limited control over the suspension tuning, power delivery, and steering ratios, effectively making the S4 two cars in one: a comfortable boulevard cruiser and a rip-snorting canyon carver.
All systems set to comfort, I was able to focus on the third-generation MMI and it's absolutely beautiful Nvidia graphics. The hard-drive-based system featured traffic data map overlays, 3D building data, text-to-speech turn by turn directions and voice control. The system also integrates into the audiophile quality Bang & Olufsen audio system by allocating space on the hard drive for music storage. We've already seen this setup before in the recently reviewed 2009 Audi Q5, so be sure to check out that review for more info.
Even set up for comfort, the S4 quickly eats up the miles, and before I knew it I was at the raceway, ready to legally test the S4's limits.
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Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
The first test was an autocross-style, parking lot cone course, where I was able to test one of the newest additions to Audi's drive-train tech package, the active rear differential with torque vectoring. This new differential works with the S4's sport-tuned (40/60 rear bias) Quattro all-wheel drive system but actively sending power to the outside rear wheel during cornering to rotate the chassis through the turn, eliminating understeer.
Audi's Drive Select system allowed me to test the system with and without torque vectoring active for back-to-back comparison. On my first run, I found the S4 to handle neutrally, the Quattro system doing a good job of finding grip between its four corners. However, when pushed, the sedan defaulted to safe, predictable understeer. My second run, with torque vectoring active, allowed me to feel the rear axle step out a bit when pushed hard through a turn. This didn't translate into epic power slides or snap oversteer, but without fear of understeer, I was able to turn on the power much earlier and more predictably for faster lap times and, of course, more grins per lap.
The next portion of my S4 shakedown was a series of hot laps on the track. All systems set to their most dynamic, I donned my helmet and strapped myself in. Accelerating out of pit row, my first impressions of the V-6, DSG combination were pleasant. While the DSG was smooth and comfortable on the road, at the track, the transmission fired off lightning-quick upshifts, while the all-wheel-drive system made sure that as many of the 333 horsepower met the road as possible.
Tossing the S4 into the first corner, I was met with... understeer. Oh, crap! Lifting off of the throttle and allowing the Quattro system to reassert control over the chassis, I was reminded that the torque vectoring and all-wheel drive are not magic bullets that fix poor driving. However, as we navigated the next few corners with considerably more poise, I was surprised at how much control the active rear differential gives me over the attitude of the vehicle. It's almost as though the S4 behaves more like an RWD vehicle when you're in control, but reverts to AWD control when you run out of talent.
While the S4 makes short work of Infineon's short configuration, I'm hard pressed to call it a track car. The S4 just doesn't feel as comfortable on the track as it does on a twisty back road. While the new power train setup really make the S4 more capable than, say, the Audi A4 3.2 Quattro that we've recently tested, I can't help but feel that the sedan's limits are a little low to be taken seriously on the track. However, it's torquey power delivery and idiot-proof handling are exactly the sort of traits I look for in a good street car.
Prior to setting out, Audi informed me that the S4 was gunning specifically for the BMW 335i and the Mercedes C350, and that I should be keeping those vehicles in mind as I evaluated their sedan. With that in mind, I think I'd prefer the less powerful 335i for the track (with the manual transmission), but the car I'd want to drive home would definitely be the Audi.
When I'd completed my track session with the S4, I was tossed the keys to a 525-horsepower Audi R8 V10, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to hear about that beast. Stay tuned!
Senior Editor Wayne Cunningham reported earlier on Audi's A4 iPhone app and found that instead of being an innovative way to interface with your vehicle via iPhone, it was merely a game designed to market the newly updated A4 sedan. Recently, Audi updated the app with two new unlockable vehicles and some tweaks to the controls. Having recently purchased an iPod Touch, I decided to take Audi's app for a spin.
The Audi A4 Driving Challenge 2.0, which is a free download from the iTunes App Store, is played by holding the iPhone in landscape orientation. Thumbs are used to press the gas and brake buttons in the lower corners, while steering uses the iPhone's accelerometers and is handled by twisting the device like a car's steering wheel. Players race the Audi A4 2.0T Quattro against the clock in a time trial style on any of five courses of increasing difficulty. Once all five courses have been cleared in the allocated time, the player is given the option to upgrade to the 3.2 Quattro model and subsequently the R8.
The game's top-down view doesn't offer much in the way of scenery.
(Credit: Audi of America Inc.)Driving in the game isn't by any means realistic and every race can be completed without ever lifting off of the throttle or tapping the brakes. The top down view and horizontal screen orientation means that you won't be able see what's coming, resulting in more than a few frustrating off-track excursions. Additionally, every course is essentially a corridor of cones and the only scenery you'll get is gray asphalt whizzing past.
Here's a peek at the game's most difficult track.
(Credit: Audi of America Inc.)The odd thing was that in spite of the game's flaws, I couldn't stop playing. While it's no Gran Turismo, Audi's little iPhone app is a pretty fun distraction during a boring commute on the train. The steering is a little touchy, but once you get the hang of it, the game is quite easy to play. Ghost car data of your fastest lap adds replay value, allowing players to try to beat their best time. Couple that with the can't-be-beat price of free and we've got a winner.
Of course, at it's core, the game is a marketing app for Audi's vehicles, but it's not an overt one. At no point did Audi make me sit through a commercial or a sales pitch. The link to the iPhone optimized site sits quietly on the main menu screen for you to click or ignore. I think this minor amount of advertising is well worth being able to play a cool, free game.
In this new version, the player is able to unlock two vehicle upgrades, including the R8 halo car.
(Credit: Audi of America Inc.)For those wondering, I did eventually unlock the R8. While it was fun to drive on my iPod Touch, I'm fairly certain that driving on a twisty mountain road would be infinitely more fun.
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CNET Networks)
Audi's big news from this year's Geneva auto show is the release of its updated A4 Avant. The all-wheel drive wagon is six inches longer than its predecessor, giving it more than 50 cubic feet of storage space. The Avant comes with a choice of two direct-injection gasoline and three diesel engines: the top-of-the-range V-6 is good for 265 horsepower. The Avant is based on the same layout as the updated A4 sedan that we saw in Frankfurt last year, and features the same suspension configuration and the same Audi drive select system, which lets drivers influence how the engine, automatic transmission, and steering system respond.
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CNET Networks)
Onboard tech options are also similar to those in the sedan, including an available 505-watt Bang and Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers. That option puts its audio on par with higher-end Audi models such as the S5 coupe and the R8.
Curiously, we noticed that the updated MMI interface on the Avant, which controls its GPS navigation system and multimedia options, appears to be available in one of two configurations. On one of the display cars, the MMI wheel was mounted on the central console between the two front seats, while on another one it was mounted vertically on the central console. Audi makes a reference to "MMI basic plus" in its media kit, which leads us to believe that it might be offering several versions of its technology package with the A4 Avant.
Audi has released photos and some spec info on its new A4, which will officially debut at the 2008 Frankfurt auto show in September.
Most notable to tech enthusiasts may be the optional xenon headlights that include 14 . These are "daytime driving lights," aka LED bling, for your car. Audi refers to them as "wings." I think they look more like eyelashes. You can see what they look liked turned on below.
As for the goodies for the driver who's into automation, the new A4 will include lane departure warning, blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control.
The A4 also has a an electro-mechanical parking/emergency brake button in lieu of a parking brake lever. With more room in that area, Audi offers an armrest with two 12-Volt power sockets beneath it as an extra. A new radio-operated key can store car settings, lock and unlock the car, and start the ignition with a button push.
Audi A4 in Silver with LED headlights
(Credit: Audi)
Audi A4 Interior
(Credit: Audi)The car will come with five different engine options, including a turbo-charged diesel, in keeping with Audi's efforts to turn its Le Mans win into diesel cash. The A4's gas engine will also come in a turbo-charged version.
Audi A4
(Credit: Audi)The transmissions available include a six-speed manual, an automatic and a multitronic continuously variable. You can also choose whether you want the A4 in front-wheel drive or Audi's "quattro" permanent all-wheel drive.
Audi A4
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