2006 Audi S4 Review

Specifications

S4 Not Only About Performance

Seven years ago, I fell in love with the Audi S4. A 2.7-liter biturbocharged V6, manual gearbox and the inescapable grip of permanent all-wheel drive, it was an all-weather rush of blood to the head, wrapped in the beautifully understated stealth body of the Mk.II A4. In many ways, the old S4 is one of my favorite Audi S Cars, being one of the final Audi S-series vehicles to be equipped with a turbocharged engine. Audi has since adopted a new recipe for performance, constantly turning up the sizzle, the latest of which is evident in the new 420-horsepower RS4 (414.25 SAE hp) and the upcoming V10-powered S8.

Betwixt the gut-busting 8,000 rpm redline of the latest generation FSI powerhouses and the older, over-boosted turbos is a more mellow approach to performance, the current S4 powered by a relaxed naturally aspirated V8. Having worked well for the sedan and Avant, Audi applied the same theory to its only four-seat cabriolet, adding the go-faster goodies. Having skipped out the entire B5 generation, its safe to assume that this is Audis way of making up for lost ground, providing the ultimate open-topped cruiser. After all, a performance version of the 80s Audi Cabrio never appeared, even though it lasted the better part of the decade, resisting evolution.

Although the S4 Cabriolet is built off the B6 chassis A4 architecture, its body is completely different, the only thing in common being a familiar look. It is one of those transformations that is downplayed visually; every body panel is different and few components, such as the tail lights, and the entire rear end styling for that matter, are kept the same. Even the windshield is at a more raked angle giving the car a more flowing profile. Mind you, these little adaptations help make the S4 one of the most tasteful convertibles currently on the market, beautifully understated and elegant even in outrageously bright Sprint Blue Pearl. Credit should also go to Karmann. The German coachwork firm not only is responsible for the designing the roofs mechanism, but also for assembling the supermodel of the range.

As far as visual differences go, theyre few and far between with the S4 Cabrio. Itll be particularly hard to distinguish it from regular A4s, as both models feature chrome windscreen pillars, brushed metal cabin surround and a thin chrome surround on the upper grille. The S4 hints at its incredible power potential through shiny side view mirrors, larger 18-inch Avus alloy wheels and an egg crate grille accented by tiny S4 motifs. At back, the typical decklid spoiler and fancy rear valance are absent; the only visual sign of its power comes from two fat chrome-tipped exhaust pipes that jut from the uncluttered rear bumper. In the car world, this one speaks softly and carries a big stick.

Stick? 4.2 liters, eight cylinders, and 40 valves make for more of a baseball bat than a stick. Essentially, this is the same engine that you might find under the nose of the previous generation A6 4.2, A8 4.2, and allroad 4.2. The only problem is, with such a large engine, fitting it under the hood of a car normally built for a 1.8-liter or 3.0-liter V6 (now 2.0T and 3.2 liters) is a tall order. Audis engineers were faced with a length problem, which they conveniently solved by swapping the pulleys and belts at the front of the engine for chains, located in the back. With the engine now 2 inches shorter in length, it fits.

Tweaked horsepower ratings a by Quattro gmBh, the engine now makes 340 horses backed by a sportier disposition than that of its comfort-tuned siblings. It also trumps the M3 by 7 horses and is within battle distance of the CLK55 AMG. Interestingly, in Europe wherere slightly different (ps versus hp), the S4s edge over the M3 diminishes to exactly one horsepower. Coincidence? No, but before any 344>343 ps (or, more relevantly 340 > 333 hp) thoughts get into your head, lining up the M3s shrill-revving inline-six to the S4s relaxed V8 is like comparing apples to oranges. Not only is the entire engine a full liter larger than the Beemer, but its enormous bore and stroke give it a plateau of torque thats nearly as flat as any smaller displacement turbocharged engine, sans the peakiness or lag.

Im in love with the gearbox that the motor is connected to, a performance six-speed manual designed by Getrag and the perfect mate for this engine. The transmission is well oiled and the throws are short. Smooth forward progress is only hampered by a finicky clutch which is difficult to modulate, requiring utmost skill and concentration to smoothly slip out of the friction point. With so much torque available so low down in the rev range, first gear is almost too short. On the far end, the sixth cog is perfect for lazy highway cruising; the engine hushed to within 2,500 rpm at around 75 mph. Its to be expected that a high percentage of S4s will be ordered with the six-speed automatic, but Im a traditionalist and a manuals a must for me.

Like all other S4s, the Cabriolet rides on a performance-tuned version of the B6 chassis that features multi-link suspension setups in front and back, comprised of lightweight forged aluminum. The S4 differs by featuring stiffer springs and dampers as well as uprated anti-roll bars. The former lower the ride height by approximately an inch, while the entire setup further works to reduce body roll and keep lateral movements in check.

Brakes receive an upgrade to 13.6 inches (345 mm), ventilated discs in front and equally impressive 11.9 inches (300 mm) units in back. The pedal is firm and progressive - exactly how a sports car should be, always delivering consistent, fade-free stops, even after hours of spirited driving. If sensors detect water present, the brakes automatically sweep themselves dry for equal performance no matter the weather.

But before we get into the dynamics of the car, theres one issue that must be brought up: the A4 Cabriolet was designed as a cruiser, not a sports car, even though it is a capable machine. The transformation to convertible has left its mark on the A4s curb weight as it now bears additional bracing, body reinforcements, the convertible tops high-power electric motor and a pair of solid steel hoops which spring up if a rollover accident is detected. Whats more, the little convertible piles on even more weight with Audis rather heavy 430 lb V8 hanging over the front wheels, as well as the extra weight of the Quattro all-wheel drive system to lug around. If you count up the kilos, the cab weighs 300 lbs more than the four-door version.

The driving experience is nevertheless fun, similar if not more distant than the regular S4. The extra weight that the Cabriolet hauls around has a negative effect, adding nearly a second to its 0-60 mph acceleration time (now 5.9 seconds), and blurring the crispness of the ZF Servotronic variable-assist steering. Mind you, its still leaps and bounds ahead of previous Audis in terms of steering feel and crispness. Overall the S4 feels bigger than its dimensions suggest; it also feels less agile, and less willing to change direction during brisk cornering than its lighter sibling or its main rivals. Progressively, the car transfers to understeer in heavy cornering, but never losing composure or control.

Gratification comes, instead, from long, sweeping curves and flat out stretches, where the S4 shines due to its rock-solid stability and unshakable grip. After all, this vehicle was born and bred on the autobahn, so conquering countryside is its forte. Drop the top, but leave the windows and wind deflector up, and open skies can be had without an impromptu hairstyling session or subjecting you to too much draft. A strong heater relayed through a two-zone digital climate control interface and heated seats with six settings on all four cushions keep occupants toasty even on cool autumn days. Its hard to be anything less than impressed with the S4 in these conditions.

Audi has done a great job in keeping the ride quality high, even with the cars sport-tuned suspension and 40-profile tires. Over all but the most pothole-cratered streets does the S4 ride supply, and it does so with zero body flex and minimal scuttle shake. Joy also comes from the exhaust note, a soft, fluttery mechanical warble - music to the ears. Unfortunately, with the convertible top down this refined melody disappears, drowned out by the wind and traffic noise. For once, were talking about a car that could actually use more engine noise.

Should early morning lows, wet weather, or a general dislike of the hot ball of gas we call the sun occur at any time, the cloth top roof can be raised in just 24 seconds. Like a true luxury car, there are no latches to clasps to fiddle with, the entire roof raises and lowers at the touch of a button located beside the hand brake. And once upright, the three-layered cloth top makes it as if the cabrio were really a coupe, with wind and road noise suppressed to levels nearly as quiet as the regular sedan. Just make sure that rear seat passengers duck when operating the roof, as they might get the unpleasant surprise of being whacked upside the head.

Though the S4 Cabriolet shares the B6 A4 architecture, its interior is slightly different to distinguish it from the four-door and five-door models. The upper dashboard is unique, featuring five chrome-ringed circular air vents as opposed to the standard rectangular units, and a modified centre console that features a dash-top cupholder and a storage cubby for sunglasses. Because of its convertible status, the S4 also features a single button which lowers and raises all four windows at the same time. Interior volume has decreased for rear-seat riders, and capacity drops from five to four, but what space is available is capable of carrying people, not just expensive shopping bags and small dogs.

Trunk space too is actually quite reasonable at 10.2 cu-ft, which is about the same size as a compact four door sedan; the cargo area outlined by the soft tops storage bag. A pass-thru allows longer objects to be carried, while the trunk itself is capable of swallowing a set of golf clubs even when the roof is retracted.

The S4 Cabrio is definitely more business-executive with its dark-as-the-Black-Forest ambience, the complete opposite of regular A4 Cabriolet. Light beiges, browns, and neutral tones complemented by light woods have given way to an all-black theme, applied to seats, carpets and dash. Aside form the optional ultra-glossy dark chocolate wood trim, only the understated white piping on the Recaro seats provides contrast. Silver or red hides are the two other options, but their availability is limited to certain exterior paint colors. At night the cabin shows Audis traditional array of speckled red instrument lighting, and theres no arguing with the top-notch fit and finish, both of which are to be expected with any Audi. One minor ergonomic flaw: the positioning of the cupholder is awkward. When in action, its difficult to switch between tracks on the CD player.

On a more serious note than cupholders, theres one drawback that proved to be quite alarming - the rate at which it slurps down premium unleaded. With 340 horses and a sensuous soundtrack, the car goads you to let it all loose through your right foot and more often than not, this is a temptation thats hard to resist. Likewise, steady urban driving, even on a light foot, yields around 15 mpg, and about 23 mpg on the highway. Should you do a lot of relaxed highway cruising, you can actually return respectable figures, such as my 20 mpg weekly average. Also, keep in mind that the S4s tank is no larger than any regular A4, meaning fuel-up stops will be more likely than V6 or 1.8T A4 models.

You might have noticed that my tester didnt feature the new and updated look that other A4 models have. While the A4 sedan and Avant have evolved with a host of new features, engines and mechanical changes, the A4 and S4 Cabriolet wont adopt these until model-year 2007 (summer, 2006) rolls around. An explanation? Perhaps the odd timing can be explained by the one year delay between the original A4 and the A4 Cabriolet - and the simple fact that the Karmann manufacturing facilities must adjust. Nevertheless, look for the new open-topped models to feature improved handling and ride, as well as swiveling xenon headlamps, and a new ultra-quiet roof. For those partial to the current generations appearance, you had better act quickly - this is the final call on Audi vehicles of this style.

An S4 identical to my tester featuring pearl effect paint, heated rear seats, wood trim and the Premium Package, which includes the air deflector, wont be cheap. Its the single most expensive A4 bar the new RS4, and will you back a cool $59,640 when fully loaded - $55,870 base. Like many other top end Audis, the option list is long and detailed, including the 9-speaker Bose AudioPilot stereo with noise compensation, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and others. But, concerning the vehicle as a whole, in base form its cheaper than its drop top rivals at BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Sure, I can think of many different ways to spend 86 large, but I cannot name a single other vehicle like it; one that delivers as much performance potential, combined with great looks, an open roof and the ability to be driven every day of the year. Nor can I think of one that stirs all the senses as well as the souls of its four occupants without jerking, crashing and shaking all inside when on less than perfect roads. Frankly, theres no better way to enjoy the final fleeting days of autumn, or cool breezy summer evenings - or any day of the year, for that matter - than in this zero-compromise sports convertible.