S4 $

[AMD2539@aol.com]

Angelo said,

"the Frankfurt Auto Show where Audi 
debuted the S4. They have it listed for $50,000!!! I did not realize 
that Audi wanted to price it above an M3. Are they crazy?!?!?!?! I do 
know that usually the prices do drop once they reach the States, but 
than again I do not know if this car will ever reach these shores. I 
think Audi  should rethink their prices."

I think the argument is more apples and oranges.  I believe the price of the
M3 by 98 model year is well entrenched on the 40's without 4 wheel drive or 6
spd gearbox or 5 valve engine.  Performance wise the S4 should have almost
identical power 265bhp with a better torque curve/table, peak available
1850-3600 RPM with published 0-100km/h at 5.6 sec.
With the biturbo setup, I would guess 300-350bhp is already in the works for
the tuners at reasonable prices.  IMHO At $50K it's price is within 10% of
the M3 with more than enough additional features to have the real enthusiasts
give it consideration as an M3 alternative.
Mike