2010 Audi S4 Las Vegas NV

October 15, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor
2010 Audi S4

2010 Audi S4
DriverSide Overview
Now in its fifth generation, the 2010 Audi S4 is ditching V-8 power and getting back to its forced induction roots. Two cylinders, 1.2 liters and seven horsepower are being lost. But 23 lb-ft of torque, a twin-clutch automatic, supercharger and six mpg on the combined cycle are being gained, as is a more lively rear differential. The end result is a car that’s more efficient, lighter, quicker to 60 mph and genuinely throttle-steery, making this the first fun-driving Audi S-car in recent memory. Considering we’re huge fans of every single aspect of the current A4 aside from its affinity for understeer and exciting-as-vanilla four-cylinder turbo, we think the S4 provides the kick of excitement the A4’s competent chassis was begging for. Not only does it have the ergonomics and creature comforts to go toe-to-toe with BMW’s current A student in the segment, the 335i, its new engine and sport rear differential now mean it has the dynamic resolve to match as well. Get behind the wheel, turn in hard and give the skinny pedal a prod; the S4’s ample torque will swing the tail onto the same arc as the front wheels, instead of plowing you off course. These dynamics used to reside exclusively in Audi RS territory, but not anymore. Plus the car looks great, has a terrific V-6 howl and comes with plenty of standard features. We’re not missing that lazy V-8 one bit, that’s for sure.  

The extra slug of torque provided by the supercharger gives the S4 a prodigious midrange, and with maximum torque coming at just 2,900 rpm, the engine hardly needs to be revved to be felt. Interior fit and finish are up to typical Audi standards, which is to say, phenomenal. A bump in fuel economy is also a great selling point, as is the new dual-clutch gearbox, which has the refinement of a traditional automatic with the efficiency and excitement of instantaneous shifts.

What's Not to Like
Why the sport rear differential is optional is beyond us. It’s arguably the largest mechanical upgrade over the previous S4 and a huge part of the car’s dynamic soul, yet it will set you back $1,100. The automatic S tronic dual-clutch transmission doesn’t come cheap, either.

The Drive: 
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Before the RS4 and R8 came to be, Audis were typified by relatively conservative handling that was heavy on mild understeer, meaning if you approached a bend on the limit you were constantly winding on more lock and letting off the power to regain front traction. The new sport differential has changed the game entirely, and by speeding up the rotation of the outside rear wheel in a bend, enables the rear of the car to be steered with the throttle.

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