German Car Forum

Mallorca, Spain — The world economy is not the only thing on a downward trend. So too, it would seem, is the size of the engines available in more upscale and/or higher performance models of cars: The next-generation BMW M5 will sport a twin-turbocharged V-8 instead of a V-10; word is that the next Chevrolet Corvette will be a smaller, lighter car with a smaller-displacement V-8, but likely to have an improved power-to-weight ratio. At this point, I fully expect the next Porsche Boxster/Cayman to be powered by a hi-po version of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected 4-cylinder engine; the flat-6 would belong to the S models.

Due to regulations to improve fuel economy — not to mention the inevitability of higher gas prices in the future — the robust 4.2-liter 340-bhp V-8 engine found in the last Audi S4 model is gone, replaced by a new, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. While the horsepower figures are down slightly (333 bhp versus the former S4's 340), torque figures have improved and are available across a wider rev range — the boosted 6-cylinder offers up 324 lb.-ft. of torque from 2900 to 5300 rpm against 302 lb.-ft. at 3500 rpm. This new unit feels peppy, but just not outright powerful like the last-generation car's larger-displacement V-8. What cannot be denied is the new engine's huge jump in fuel efficiency: Audi says the 2010 S4 should achieve around 24 mpg on the highway compared to the old car's 20 mpg.


Full Article: Road and Track - First Drive: 2010 Audi S4


M