Audi S4 the Bank Vault on Wheels

When first hearing about how the supercharged Audi S4 performed so well, I was immediately skeptical of the 333hp rating and stated as much on April 29th, 2010. When owner Greg Helstrup of Collateral Resources contacted me asking if I wanted to check out his 2011 S4, I immediately made arrangements to get behind the wheel.

Greg’s impressions of the car are smooth, comfortable, solid, quiet and “go-kart”. It isn’t a “go-kart” like a Lotus, but compared to floaty and boaty sedan or an SUV, it feels like it.

This current generation referred to the B8, is significantly larger than the B7 visually and for the driver, most apparent in the driver legs area where more room was desperately needed. This is truly a proper sized sedan and the impression is that this is a do-anything automobile. It’s fast, practical, all-wheel drive and full of luxury and technology. With a long list of options and technical features that are covered in a 66 page brochure, a lot of time is really needed to fully review and appreciate what the Audi offers.

The 7 speed dual-clutch transmission shifts (not an “automatic”!) with a brief, audible “zzz” from the revving engine. I’ve stated before the car is undoubtedly underrated at 333hp despite the dual clutch transmission. The 3.0 liter supercharged engine is very responsive but a sudden start off the line has a momentary hesitation while the clutch engages automatically It’s not quite as fast as the BMW M3 but the interior is more inviting with its layout and features. Yet again the Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) makes for a an enjoyable experience with the logical controls, layout and features. It’s another capable car that can sell itself once you sit in it, instrumented test results quickly pushed aside.

The suspension is firm and even selecting various modes of the Audi Drive Select, the difference in ride was difficult to detect. The Audi Drive Select controls the vehicle’s adaptive suspension, dynamic steering, transmission shift characteristics and engine response. What was felt was the change in the throttle response. It felt very reactive to the right foot, maybe perfect. No complaint of the throttle-by-wire here. Steering effort is light but there isn’t a lot of feedback.

It’s claimed the 6-speed manual is quicker but unless the gear ratios are whack, I highly doubt it and the faster dragstrip results seem to be from the S-tronic (dual clutch transmission) cars. A performance oriented software tune, intake and exhaust for this car reportedly takes the horsepower up to about 430hp or so. With 114-116mph trap speeds, I’m guessing it’s a little higher than that, 450-460hp with 100 octane gas?

It has BMW M3 and 335i owners making various claims and proclamations but the Audi All Wheel Drive makes it a far more consistently performing car whether it is in the rain or off the line in the shine. The BMW 335i has AWD available but only as an automatic and isn’t as sport oriented.

As a solid and quiet bank vault, it isn’t wind noise that is noticed, it’s the tire noise with the 255/35/19 performance tires. That solid perception also applies to the doors, you have to close them with more authority than normal because the air seal is so tight. The seats are tall yet supportive but not quite as body hugging like the BMW M3. The headliner in black combined with the black leather interior makes for an intimate cockpit. It’s surprising how often dark interiors have light colored headliners. The backup camera is a little slow to show the rear view, but it stays on for a few moments while rolling forward. I would trade that funny quirk for an instant-on camera once reverse is selected.

The car isn’t visceral, it just wants to be and that makes for a nice compromise. Audi continues in its winning ways. The S4 is for those who are more about driving their fast, fun car everyday than going to the track. Adding in the benefits of all wheel drive and the spectacular interior layout and features, this is may be the best choice for a performance oriented daily driver in the price segment.

Audi S4 Undisclosed Horsepower article: http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-san-jose/2010-audi-s4-undisclosed-extra-horsepower

Audi MMI information page: http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/exp/innovation/mmi.html

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