Few names resonate as deeply as Audi when it comes to high-performance vehicles. Among its illustrious selection, the Audi S4 stands out as a true gem, particularly for car enthusiasts who value the luxurious performance and engineering excellence it delivers. At DarkLight Fabrication, we recognize the importance of the S4 in the automotive world, especially when it comes to custom fabrication like turbo exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and exhaust systems. In this blog post, we'll dig into the history of the S4 and why it remains a premiere platform among car enthusiasts.
A Brief History of the Audi S4
The performance-driven Audi S4 first appeared on the scene in 1991 as a souped-up variant of the Audi 100. Its engine was nothing short of glorious. The original S4, known internally as the B4, was loaded with a 2.2-liter, inline-five engine that was turbocharged, of course. That made for one blast of an engine that was good for an impressive 227 hp. Even more key to the S4's success was that its engine, along with the rest of the car for that matter, was usable on a day-to-day basis.
In 1997, the S4 became the B5 generation, which brought with it a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. This mill was a true performance engine, delivering 265 hp and an eye-popping 295 lb-ft of torque. Audis have always been known for their all-wheel-drive capabilities, but the B5 S4 took that concept to a whole new level, making it not just a good-driving car in adverse weather but a serious contender for track-day fun.
The B6 generation followed in 2003, featuring a more refined design and an upgraded 4.2-liter V8 engine that produced 340 horsepower. This model further solidified the S4's status as a performance icon, offering a perfect balance of power and luxury. The B7, introduced in 2005, continued this trend with similar performance specs but added more advanced technology and comfort features.
The B8 generation, introduced in 2009, represented a seismic shift in the lineup. Gone was the naturally aspirated V8 of the B7. In its place was a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produced 333 horsepower. Performance metrics were impressive, with sprint times from zero to 60 mph quoted in the low five-second range (which, of course, never gets old). And even better, fuel economy improved. The B8 S4 was rated at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; the V8 mustered only 15 mpg in mixed driving. Shifting duties fell to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The DCT was still a relatively new technology in 2009, and while older DCTs were criticized for being jerky and not tolerating stop-and-go traffic very well, the DCT in the B8 S4 never garnered such complaints. In fact, it was an utterly seamless, increasingly impressive transmission that made upshift shifts in 4-thru-7 mode at wide-open throttle that were downright exhilarating.
The most recent version, the B9 S4, came out in 2016 and has a more polished look and an even fancier tech suite. It keeps the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 but now makes 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque; the four-door retains the same performance figure of 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The B9 S4 reaches the big sedan's top speed of 155 mph with reasonable ease, owing to the Quattro all-wheel drive that gives the car better grip than most vehicles on this list.
Why the Audi S4 is a Sought-After Platform
1. Performance Potential
The Audi S4 has always had a strong reputation for performance. With every new generation, the S4 has taken the established formula of the luxury sports sedan and pushed it even further, combining powerful engines, advanced all-wheel-drive systems, and precise handling to give it the kind of exhilarating driving character that's always earned it an enthusiastic following.
2. All-Wheel Drive Mastery
Legendary is the all-wheel-drive system in the Audi Quattro, providing traction and stability in diverse driving conditions. This is particularly alluring for enthusiasts living in climates with extreme weather or who enjoy spirited driving in the sorts of twisty roads where you find lots of alternating turns that test steering precision as well as the grip of front and rear tires. In contrast to many competitors, the Audi S4 stands out as a vehicle that can easily maintain said grip while you direct it to deliver power to all four wheels.
3. Luxurious Interior
Although performance is the main focus, the Audi S4 is still a luxury car. The interior is not just thrown together; it is crafted with quality materials, advanced technology, and plenty of comfort. And the kind of people who buy S4s—who don’t necessarily live life on the edge but value a bit of weekend adventure—seem to appreciate the car's suitability for both daily driving and, you know, more exhilarating pursuits.
4. Tuning Community
The Audi S4 enjoys a vigorous tuning community that really gets into modifying and enhancing the performance of the car. From the custom exhaust systems that make the S4 sound like an angry beast to upgraded turbochargers, enthusiasts have access to a huge range of aftermarket parts and services. Here at DarkLight Fabrication, we specialize in the S4, making custom solutions that suit the unique needs of each owner. We want to help ensure that you get the most out of your already-amazing (and totally underappreciated) performance sedan.
5. Timeless Design
The evolution of the Audi S4's design is a consistent hallmark of the car. It has always maintained a look that is sophisticated and, dare we say, somewhat understated. But it has also always had an appearance that is undeniably sporty and aggressive, to the point where you might (rightly) get the impression that it is a vehicle capable of hanging with far more exotic machinery.
Conclusion
The history of the Audi S4 stretches over three decades and reflects the brand's dedication to performance, luxury, and innovation. For car enthusiasts, the S4 represents a platform with endless possibilities for customization and enhancement. At DarkLight Fabrication, we are passionate about helping S4 owners unlock the full potential of their vehicles. Using our expertise in fabrication and performance upgrades, we aim to help you achieve your automotive dreams, whether you're looking to enhance your turbo exhaust manifold, install a custom downpipe, or create a bespoke exhaust system.
Become a member of the group that loves the Audi S4 and feel the excitement of driving a car that performs like an icon and is beloved worldwide by all kinds of car enthusiasts.