No DSG And Supercharger: 2016 Audi S4 Goes Automatic And Turbocharged
By Paulo Acoba
Audi took to the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil its all-new 2016 Audi S4 and A4.
As is tradition, with model changes, the 2016 Audi S4 gains power but ditches a more sportier transmission in favor of an automatic. Earlier yesterday ( Sept. 15, 2015) Audi went ahead and unveiled its all new 2016 Audi S4 Sedan to a packed Frankfurt crowd. Those in the market for an Audi S4 can look forward to 21 more HP and a smoother driving experience. Gone is the supercharger and in its place is a single turbocharger that boosts power up to 354 HP and 368 lb-ft of torque with all that torque available low in the power band from 1,300 RPM to 4,500 RPM. In addition, the S-Tronic transmission has been ditched for the industry standard ZF- 8 Speed transmission.
0-60 MPH now takes 4.7 seconds and that giant turbo will bring you to a top speed of 155 MPH. And while Audi might tell you that it’s because the turbo’s extra torque has pushed them to using a ZF instead of a DSG, the fact of the matter is that Audi is a luxury car company first and it’s no denying that the ZF is much smoother at lower speeds where the majority of S4 owners will find themselves (creeping along in traffic.)
Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel drive returns and makes quick work of any dicey situation. In normal driving operation there’s a 40/60 power split between the front and rear axles. Under certain conditions that split can go 70/30 or 15/85 depending on the given situation.
Compared to the basic model, the S4 is .9 inches lower with adjustable suspension modes selectable by the driver.
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Typical of Audi design, the exterior is…Audi, but they’ll call it subtly understated. Audi’s front sports its all-new LED headlight system (but no laser headlights, that’s for the R8.) All around, it’s purely business. Red calipers do bring a nice contrast to the side profile. Outback, quad tailpipes underneath a subtle rear faux diffuser bring a sporty touch to an otherwise bland rear exterior.
Inside, there’s plenty of room for five adults and their luggage with all bottoms swaddled by fine Nappa leather and Alcantara. There are other interior details, but we’ll let you read up on that on their official press release.
