New Cars 2010/2011: Audi S4

When the subject of current high-performance mainstream Audis is brought to the table, two "trims" immediately come to mind: S, and RS. While the RS cars are more than enough car for the ordinary person to handle, the S cars are badass in their own right. The S4 is Audi's cheapest "S" car in the states.
Since its mainstream introduction in the states in 1999, the car has gone through a variety of changes, mostly to do with the powertain. The B5 cars (Our 1999-2002 model) had a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 coupled with. AWD. The B6s, which came in 2003, had the all-too-famous 4.2 V8, which was again coupled with AWD. This configuration would carry over to the B7 cars, as well, lasting through 2009.
However, the 2010 B8 model reverts back to six-cylinder power. Instead of carrying the famous 4.2L V8, instead the car makes do with a 333 horse supercharged version of Audi's 3.0L V6. This change brings a change in competition, too. Unlike the previous three generations of S4 sold here, the new car competes more in line with the BMW 335, rather than the much-fabled M3. Also, unlike the previous car, the new car falls right in the sights of the Ford Taurus SHO. How's that for times-a-changin'?
All hope is not lost, though. Available with a six-speed gearbox, or Audi's 7-speed S-Tronic trans. With the lighter engine, the new car out-accelerates its' predeccesors both to 60 MPH, as well as to 100 MPH. Sadly, the BMW M3 is more than a second faster at 4.2seconds to 60 MPH. The BMW 335 is more a close match to the new car, not only in performance, but price as well. Around $54,000 buys you a six-speed car with quattro, versus about $65,000 for the outgoing model.
I guess we'll have to wait for the RS4 if Audi wants to take one BMW's legendary M3. Till then, have fun challenging 335 drivers to a race. With quattro and supercharger versus RWD and a turbo on the BMW side, it's up to the drivers to see who wins; let the battle of boost begin!