A Sporty Model Designed for Driving Pleasure

Audi has been on a roll lately, with a string of impressive new models and strong sales. It appears they have more new cars planned for 2009. Announced and released on March 25th was the S4, the flagship of the A4 series. It arrived in two forms: the four-door sedan 'S4' (¥7,850,000) and the wagon 'S4 Avant' (¥8,030,000).

What kind of car is the S4? In a word, it's a sporty model designed to pursue the joy of driving.

The engine is a newly developed 3-liter V6, featuring direct fuel injection combined with a supercharger. It boasts a maximum output of 333ps and a peak torque of 440Nm. The drivetrain is a full-time 4WD system utilizing the quattro technology.

18% Fuel Economy Improvement Through Downsizing

While the previous S4 was a substantial model equipped with a 4.2-liter V8, Audi has achieved an 18% improvement in fuel economy by opting for a V6 this time. The concept behind Audi's current car development is to achieve both high power and low fuel consumption by using a compact engine with forced induction.

Furthermore, this model incorporates a new system called 'Audi hold assist.' This, along with Audi's first rear sport differential, which varies the distribution of driving force between the left and right rear wheels according to road conditions, enhances the car's agility in corners and other maneuvers.

Visually, it's set apart from the A4 through the use of exclusive parts such as an integrated front spoiler bumper, a distinctive single-frame grille emphasizing vertical lines, and unique door mirrors.

In essence, the S4 is a car that stirs the soul just by its appearance.

BRAND HISTORY
Audi's emblem is the 'Four Rings.' As you may know, each ring represents one of the automotive manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were pioneers of the German automotive industry in the early 20th century. However, the four companies, hit hard by the Great Depression after World War I, formed Auto Union in 1932 to survive. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-size cars, Audi in premium mid-size cars, and Horch in luxury cars.

However, following Germany's defeat in World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union dissolved. Anticipating this, a new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany. Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union faced a challenging start without existing factories, but gradually built its strength through the production of vehicles like the DKW delivery van.

Auto Union, acquired by Volkswagen at the end of 1964, soon introduced new models bearing the Audi name. In 1969, it merged with NSU (known for its development of the Wankel engine), based in Neckarsulm, becoming Audi NSU Auto Union, and since 1985, has continued as Audi to the present day. Audi's popularity is driven by its technology, including quattro, its dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finish.