Finally! New Audi S4

[Ti Kan]

Rave Racer writes:
>     As for the new A4/S4, I think I'll pass for all the same reasons as
> Brett, but more for the obvious increase in weight, and the terrible balance
> imposed by a massive V8 ahead of the front wheels.
> ...
>     I guess it would be to much to ask Audi to bring back the 5cyl?

Just thought I would refute this point a bit.

Audi's all-aluminum V8 might make big power and torque, but that doesn't
equate to a massive engine.  It is indeed quite light (on par with the
I5!), and its compact length means that it doesn't hang quite as far
out front as the older I5 Audis, improving the balance.

This particular belt-less 4.2 V8 in the B6 S4 is the latest generation,
even shorter than the previous 4.2 like those found in the A6 4.2 and A8/S8
models.  In fact, the motivation for the new belt-less design (now with a
chain driving the valve gear and all accessories at the back of the engine,
at the flywheel) is to make this V8 fit in engine bays designed originally
for I4 and V6 engines.

For comparison, the belt-less Audi 4.2 V8 is 464mm in length, compared to
the BMW 540i V8 at 656mm.  This engine is also 52mm shorter than the
previous Audi 4.2 V8 due to the elimination of the front poly belt and
related components.

The new V8 is also ULEV certified.

-Ti
2003 A4 1.8T multitronic (soon)
2001 S4 2.7T
1984 5000S turbo
1980 4000 2.0
--
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
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