2009 Audi S4 supercharged V6
September 23, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Audi will update the powerplant inside the S4 and the S4 avant with the introduction of an all new model at the Paris Motor Show next month.
Interestingly, engine size and capacity has decreased. Going from a 4.2-litre V8 (253kW – 410Nm) in the current S4 to a 3.0-litre V6 unit which generates 245 kW and 440 Nm at 2,500 rpm.
Although we will miss the V8 roar, the new S4 is actually quicker, with 0 to 100 km/h taking just 5.1 seconds (Avant in 5.2 seconds), compared to 5.8 seconds in the outgoing model.
Best of all though, it’s the average fuel consumption which will see many current S4 owners shed a tear. The new V6 manages to deliver an outstanding fuel usage of just 9.7 litres – compared to 13.3 litres for the current model.
However the best bits are still there, Audi’s famous quattro permanent all-wheel drive system will still deliver that Audi road feel that we’ve all come to crave.
Another new addition will be the optional seven-speed S tronic gearbox as well as the new sport differential which distributes the torque as needed between the rear wheels.
So why has Audi swapped from a V8 to a supercharged V6? Is it better fuel economy? A sign of the times? Perhaps, but looking at it from another perspective, Audi has managed to achieve better results out of a smaller engine which ultimately uses less fuel and delivers better performance.
The 3.0 TFSI is the latest all-new engine from the brand with the four rings. Despite the ‘T’ which generally means turbo, the new unit is equipped with a supercharger. Audi says the T means “the concept of supercharging in general” and not necessarily a turbo.
The company also says that supercharging the big V6 in conjunction with direct injection is superior in both performance and responsiveness compared to twin turbochargers.
There is currently not confirmed arrival date for the new S4 in Australia, but we suspect the supercharged V6 models will be in Australian dealerships early next year.
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cant wait to hear one at full throttle, and the supercharger whining like there’s no tomorow…
it amazes me how Germans can produce powerful and in the same time economical cars….I thought that Holden and the rest would learn by now
Interesting route taken by Audi to go with supercharged V6, can’t wait to see how this car will fair against 335i. both 3L 6 cylinder, but twin turbo vs supercharged. However i wonder what the next RS4 will use, most likely V8 still i assume. S4 has always being competent and sure footed but bit dull and not very well rated by the press, bring on the RS4!!!
The v6 is probably lighter and will aid handling.
I agree with Mitch. This thing will handles heaps better than the last A4 due to less weight in front of the front axle and less weight overall I’d think.
I might be outdated, but I’d sacrifice a little speed for the sound of a V8. To me, it is a beautiful noise. I have gone from a 5 cyl turbo which was slightly faster than my current V8. Couldnt be happier, except when I am at the servo!
Pious: Go read this http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0.....soundtrack
I’m sure if you channeled that noise through your internal speakers you would be happy.
Classic! that proves how much of a thoughtful driver I am – I tend to hold it in gear to keep the revs up, just so that sight impaired people know to stay off the road, of course…
‘3.0-litre V6 unit which generates 245 kW and 440 Nm at 2,500 rpm’.
OMG does any other engine of equal or smaller capacity put out more (standard) power and torque? Masarati bi-turbo?
Evo or STI? hmmmmmm have to research that…
Volvo s60R – 2.5l 5 cyl high pressure turbo, 220KW, 400Nm (though those stats were at very cold temps). Not as high, but given the capacity and the fact the engine came out in 2003, pretty good going.
DanMan: Yes of course. There is nothing impressive about the outputs – the economy and the way it delivers power will probably be the interesting part.
The 3.2L M3 motor (naturally aspirated) has been putting out similar power figures since 1994.
DanMan Says:
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
‘3.0-litre V6 unit which generates 245 kW and 440 Nm at 2,500 rpm’.
OMG does any other engine of equal or smaller capacity put out more (standard) power and torque? Masarati bi-turbo?
Evo or STI? hmmmmmm have to research that…
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Both the new STi and EVO put out more power per litre than that.
The EVO is actually king at 108.5kw per litre. You would be hard pressed to find a better output than that.
Also to the person that said they will stick with a V8 for the RS4. I doubt it very much. Traditionally you will find Audi just enhance the S4’s engine to produce the RS4. The RS4 is an enhanced S4 not a different car with a different engine. History will tell you that also. So expect the same engine in the RS4 with stronger internals and more boost (via a pulley change on the supercharger).
pious Says:
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Volvo s60R – 2.5l 5 cyl high pressure turbo, 220KW, 400Nm (though those stats were at very cold temps). Not as high, but given the capacity and the fact the engine came out in 2003, pretty good going.
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What V8 have you changed to that it’s slower than an S60R? I’ve driven two S60R’s and the latest V8’s from both Ford and Holden will hand it’s arse to it easily. The S60R is a nice car but no light weight.
I wonder if the SC V6 engine will make its way into any VW cars like the R series Golf, Passat, and Touareg?
A supercharged R30 Golf or Passat would be rather nice….
Kyle, had the ecu remapped in the R, which made it an absolute weapon with the manual, enormously better than stock, supposedly 260KW, 480Nm but never dyno’d (although probably really only delivering around 5 – 5.5 secs, depending on weather which really affected it). Much better once rolling coz it tended to bog down on launch, esp with “advanced” mode. Gone for XF Jag 4.2 litre, published stats from 6.2 to 6.5 secs, though it feels faster and is very quick from 40 – 140. I dont even try to take on the local V8’s in the Jag (I pretend that I have too much class, but really I think I will be shamed).
3.0-litre V6 unit which generates 245 kW and 440 Nm at 2,500 rpm.
It’s Sir isaac’s meters at 2000 rev’s above idle that i love. This is like a 6 litre v12 making 490 kw and 880nm or, if you prefer, a 1.5 ltr making 122kw and 220 (which is close to the VW 1.4 TSI motor) Hmmmm coincidence?
I think the new RS4 should have both a supercharger and a turbo charger, much like VW’s TSI engines. But it probably won’t, it might however surprise us and be a supercharged V8, now that sounds alluring! I think a lighter, more kw per litre, and more fuel efficient engine though is the logical choice for the future though.
My sister picked up one of these yesterday from the Audi dealership in Arncliffe and they are absolutely gorgeous. I love the V8 RS4 but this v6 version is just as good. Brilliant car and highly recommended.