2016 Audi S4 officially unveiled

Audi has unveiled the S4 and S4 Avant (wagon in Audi speak) at the Frankfurt Motor Show today.

The performance-focused model of the A4 range (until the RS 4 comes along) is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine developing 260kW of peak power and 500Nm of torque, available from just 1,300rpm and hangs on until 4,500rpm.

Driving all four wheels through Audi’s quattro AWD system and eight-speed tiptronic transmission, the S4 storms from rest to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Forced induction and direct injection slashes the S4’s average fuel consumption to 7.4L/100km.

The quattro system offers permanent all-wheel-drive, where during normal driving, the self-locking centre differential funnels 60 percent of engine torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. Depending on the operating situation, it can distribute up to 70 percent to the front axle or up to 85 percent to the rear.

Torque Vectoring brakes the inside wheel in tight cornering, improving agility and handling. A sport differential available as an option improves the handling further by actively distributing the forces between the rear wheels.

The new S4 styling is subtly understated. At the front, the Singleframe grille and the accentuated horizontal lines underline the width. The bumpers and air inlets are prominently profiled. Many of the add-on parts are painted in finely graduated matt grey tones, accentuated with chrome trimming at selected points.

The standard 18 inch wheels in 5?twin-spoke star design roll on 245/40 size tyres all round. A 19?inch alternative is available as an option.

Inside, the S sport seats are covered in a combination of pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara in the colors ebony, rotor grey and magma red. They have adjustable side sections, integrated headrests, and a pneumatic massage function.

Audi virtual cockpit also made its way to the S4 interior. The fully digital instrument cluster displays all key information on a high?resolution 12.3-inch screen using detailed graphics. The driver can choose between three views – one of them is an exclusive Sport screen, which moves the rev counter into the centre.

The Audi S4 sedan and Avant will arrive in Australia at the end of 2016.