Audi S4 2007

By Bruno Bouchard

The current S4 has not evolved much since its unveiling in 2004. The efficient 350 horsepower, 4.2 litre, V8( it gained 10 hp from FSI technology), stays. This engine, an all-wheel drive middleweight (about the weight of an all-wheel drive Cabriolet V8) makes driving the S4 a lot of fun. Power remains constant. A touch on the pedal and a sublime sound accompanies your melding into the backrest. The exhaust music is one of the sweetest in the industry. Often, I would forsake up shifting and rev the motor just to hear the melody. As to handling, the S4 does very well: stable in the turns, very little roll and precision steering.

There are small changes to this year’s model. The S4 now wear’s the new Audi look; the long grille dominates the front end and small style adjustments have been made to the rear. Weather permitting, you can go convertible and enjoy the admiring glances.
The cabin now sports two tones. The red and black seats not only offer comfort and support but rank among the prettiest.

Since no major changes for the year 2007, here is a quick look at our latest full review of the S4 Sedan.

 The perfect sleeper !

A sleeper is a vehicle with electrifying performance hidden under a modest body belying any notion of superiority. The Audi S4, and especially the S4 station wagon, epitomize the sleeper.

A V8 under the hood

Contrary to the preceding generation of S4s powered by a V6 turbo, the 2004 model uses a 4.2 litre, V8 borrowed from the A8. This all aluminium engine carries five valves per cylinder and develops 340 hp at 7000 rpm with 302lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. This motorization is matched to an easy to handle and precise six-speed gearbox .The six- speed automatic Tiptronic transmission makes an attractive option. One appreciable feature of this manual box is the absence of very short shifts (save the first one) which cuts down on gearing time.

Imagine the performance of such an engine in a car this size! Indeed, the car is of modest size, fact driven home by sitting in the back (more about that later). Its weight, however, at 1730 kg really tips the scales given the size; the price to pay for V8 all-wheel drive

Don’t despair! Acceleration amazes, whether in gear or not, and the top speeds would impress anyone: 0-100 in 5.2 seconds 400m in 13.71 seconds at 169 mph, and a maximum of more than 250 kph.
The acceleration speed impresses mightily in good conditions and bad (rain and snow). I exaggerate not when I say the standing starts rate with those of rally cars. The V8 never tires and the exhaust music remains sweet. The torque does not inspire but picks up at 2500 rpm, thus allowing muscled in gear acceleration. If you’re always in a hurry, just downshift one and take off. Then, you will fully appreciate the soundproofing in this speedy German.

The S4 is very comfortable with urban driving, adjusting well to the slower rhythm but the fuel pedal becomes difficult to modulate resulting in jerks felt by the driver and  passengers alike. Though one gets habituated, Audi should make the necessary adjustments. By the way, the S4 is not the only Audi with this problem.

Regardless of the vehicle, minuses can always be found. I’ll focus on two of them.
The constant growling emanating from the Quattro system (differential or transmission) becomes very irritating, more so on long distances. I can’t be certain that the problem doesn’t come from my test vehicle but it remains noteworthy.
Secondly, the term “uneconomical” aptly describes the S4’s fuel consumption. Going easy on the pedal will consume an average of 17 litres of supreme per 100 kilometres,
so imagine the pump bill if you were pushing the pedal and driving aggressively! The mixing of V8, superior weight and the Quattro system does not produces fuel efficiency.