What It Is?
2003 Audi S4
What's Special About It?
When the current Audi A4 debuted at the 2001 New York Auto Show, most suspected that it was only a matter of time that a new high-performance S version showed up. Those thoughts were confirmed at Paris when Audi unveiled its newest S4 sedan and Avant wagon.
Most importantly, the 2003 S4 is equipped with a 4.2-liter V8. It makes 344 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque over a broad range. Being normally aspirated, the engine should respond more quickly than the previous S4's 250-hp twin-turbo V6. Though extra weight was originally a concern, Audi says that weight-saving measures have made the V8 no heavier than the turbo V6.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic will become available in the second half of 2003. Quattro all-wheel drive is also standard. As for the running gear, it's all pretty standard high-performance stuff: sport-tuned suspension components, larger brakes, quicker steering and standard 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/40R18 tires.
Why Should You Care?
When you think about it, it's pretty outlandish that a smallish car like the A4 will be packing a V8 when every other car in the class has six cylinders or less. Audi has used the formula that made American muscle cars so popular in the '60s: small car, big engine. It should make for a rather entertaining drive. — Brent Romans
2003 Audi S4
What's Special About It?
When the current Audi A4 debuted at the 2001 New York Auto Show, most suspected that it was only a matter of time that a new high-performance S version showed up. Those thoughts were confirmed at Paris when Audi unveiled its newest S4 sedan and Avant wagon.
Most importantly, the 2003 S4 is equipped with a 4.2-liter V8. It makes 344 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque over a broad range. Being normally aspirated, the engine should respond more quickly than the previous S4's 250-hp twin-turbo V6. Though extra weight was originally a concern, Audi says that weight-saving measures have made the V8 no heavier than the turbo V6.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic will become available in the second half of 2003. Quattro all-wheel drive is also standard. As for the running gear, it's all pretty standard high-performance stuff: sport-tuned suspension components, larger brakes, quicker steering and standard 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/40R18 tires.
Why Should You Care?
When you think about it, it's pretty outlandish that a smallish car like the A4 will be packing a V8 when every other car in the class has six cylinders or less. Audi has used the formula that made American muscle cars so popular in the '60s: small car, big engine. It should make for a rather entertaining drive. — Brent Romans
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