AZ Feature Article: Two days, two uniquely different S4s

[Anthony]

Two days, two uniquely different S4s (http://www.audizine.com/features/article.php?tid=11)
September 3, 2009

http://www.audizine.com/images/featured/11_tuner_image_1252030266.jpg (http://www.audizine.com/features/article.php?tid=11)

Audizine reviews the 2010 S4 sedan

The hardest part about writing this article was figuring out where to begin. I sat there a day or so after I'd handed back the keys to a pair of brand-new S4 sedans with many memories and emotions still swirling through my head. OK wait, I take that back, the hardest part was handing those keys back over. I was already stricken with that longing feeling. They were like the children I never knew I had, that I never knew how much I wanted until they were gone. And now, like any good parent, can I really be asked to pick a favorite of the two?

These two S4s, while equally impressive and overall quite similar, did have a number of differences. One was a pretty basic (in relative terms) 6-speed manual, while the other was a very well equipped 7-speed automatic. Over the course of the next several paragraphs I'll provide my thoughts and feelings on the all-new S4 as a whole, both my likes and dislikes with the car. I'll attempt to do a little comparison of the two cars with one another, as well as to their competition and to their past. And yes, in the end I'll even pick a favorite between the two cars at hand. This should be interesting.

Day one began with me taking possession of the stick shift, a sparkly Sprint Blue model with black "Silk Nappa" leather seats, the 19 inch wheel package, and the only major option being navigation with the rearview camera. With a $45,900 starting point, the final sticker price on this one (which includes the destination charge) came in at $51,600. One of the big perks with the new S4 is an item that is actually missing from the sticker, something the past two V8-powered S4s had; the gas guzzler charge. I'm sure most of you know the basic stats by now. Audi dropped the 4.2 liter V8 (340 HP) in favor of a supercharged 3 liter V6 (333 HP). Sure we lose a few horses, but what's made up in gas mileage certainly outweighs that fact. The outgoing S4 was rated at 20 MPG on the freeway, while the new model comes in at 28 MPG. On top of that, Audi is still claiming a 0-60 run in 4.9 seconds. Now that's progress! More (http://www.audizine.com/features/article.php?tid=11)

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[collins123420]

AHHH the Sprint Blue makes a mess in my pants!!

[A4Ber]

Very nice write up, Anthony! Stick ftw...i think is too quiet from the inside!

[B6bomber]

Great article, well written. It gave me (the reader) the sense that I have already driven the car. AUDI did a great job with this car, but it still ain't got shit on my B6 S!

[sukebe]

sorry, but did i completely miss the portion of this write-up that compares driving dynamics of the 6 spd vs s-tronic?

not trying to be an armchair critic, but from your article the only thing i gathered that made these two vehicles "uniquely different" was how they were optioned [confused]

[L0U]

Great article, well written. It gave me (the reader) the sense that I have already driven the car. AUDI did a great job with this car, but it still ain't got shit on my B6 S!

I would have liked an A/B test of lap times on a track. I am hoping the Ibis with its helpers would have made the test driver look better with a few seconds off the times.

I vote Ibis, it is the same build that I ordered!

[adbender]

nice read...thanks!

[Obi_agent]

Nice write OP.....I like your style of showing emotions in the article.

[Anthony]

sorry, but did i completely miss the portion of this write-up that compares driving dynamics of the 6 spd vs s-tronic?

not trying to be an armchair critic, but from your article the only thing i gathered that made these two vehicles "uniquely different" was how they were optioned [confused]

Did you read the entire article, or just the first 3 paragraphs? I pretty much pledged my undying love for the 6-speed in this car. It's heaven. Sure the S tronic is great, and lighting fast, but if you're a "stick man" then there's only one logical choice. I didn't want the article to get too long and wordy, but thought I adequately touched on it.

Ultimately, the unique difference is that one is a pared down stick shift and the other is a computer controlled automotive wunderkind! Different strokes...

[sukebe]

Did you read the entire article, or just the first 3 paragraphs? I pretty much pledged my undying love for the 6-speed in this car. It's heaven. Sure the S tronic is great, and lighting fast, but if you're a "stick man" then there's only one logical choice. I didn't want the article to get too long and wordy, but thought I adequately touched on it.

Ultimately, the unique difference is that one is a pared down stick shift and the other is a computer controlled automotive wunderkind! Different strokes...

twice, on account i thought i must've missed something the first time around.

you did a wonderful job relaying all the sensations you experienced driving the manual, but all i got from your impressions of driving the s tronic version was that it came with more gadgets but you preferred the stick. you do realize the first mention of how fast it shifts (or at least the sensation of it) is in your response above? never got your take on how smooth the shifts felt, responsiveness when in drive mode, etc.

as i understand it, the 7 spd dsg is a new transmission that we've not seen before on these shores, so would've been nice to see you touch upon it more.

[Anthony]

twice, on account i thought i must've missed something the first time around.

you did a wonderful job relaying all the sensations you experienced driving the manual, but all i got from your impressions of driving the s tronic version was that it came with more gadgets but you preferred the stick. you do realize the first mention of how fast it shifts (or at least the sensation of it) is in your response above? never got your take on how smooth the shifts felt, responsiveness when in drive mode, etc.

as i understand it, the 7 spd dsg is a new transmission that we've not seen before on these shores, so would've been nice to see you touch upon it more.

Understood. I suppose I was being a bit biased towards the manual. In fact I'll go back and add a paragraph about the S tronic as it does deserve it. It's an even better version of the dual-clutch transmission than I'd driven on a few A3s in the past.

[sukebe]

Understood. I suppose I was being a bit biased towards the manual. In fact I'll go back and add a paragraph about the S tronic as it does deserve it. It's an even better version of the dual-clutch transmission than I'd driven on a few A3s in the past.

lol. it's funny, because the thought did cross my mind that you may have glossed over the details because no matter how advanced the new s tronic was, it never could quite produce the same satisfaction from rowing your own gears -- in fact think i just paraphrased your last paragraph.

but yes, thank you...that would be greatly appreciated and i very much look forward to it. my fiancee sees no point in the added motions of driving a manual because it brings her none of the pleasures it bestows upon me.

truthfully, i'm not even sure why i'm asking for a more detailed comparison because the decision has already been made...suspect it's nothing more than a bit of solace [;)]

[ibiski]

Understood. I suppose I was being a bit biased towards the manual. In fact I'll go back and add a paragraph about the S tronic as it does deserve it. It's an even better version of the dual-clutch transmission than I'd driven on a few A3s in the past.

Great writeup and photos, but I also think there should have been a paragraph about the adaptive suspension and other gadgets not found on the lesser model.

[zillmc]

It's funny that the Sprint Blue S4 in this article/picture spread is the exact car I test drove on the day of the photo shoot. I went into Audi last weekend and one of the guys was kind enough to let me test drive it even though it was going to the Audizine shoot a few hours later. This exact car in the pics is what I drove and what made me decide to place my order. Thanks again Stevens Creek Audi (and Radek), you guys have been great for years!

[mitbackwards]

Great article Anthony! Very much enjoyed your write up!

[naveen]

the blue is nice. ummm, on second thought, the blue is nice![hail]

[Anthony]

It's funny that the Sprint Blue S4 in this article/picture spread is the exact car I test drove on the day of the photo shoot. I went into Audi last weekend and one of the guys was kind enough to let me test drive it even though it was going to the Audizine shoot a few hours later. This exact car in the pics is what I drove and what made me decide to place my order. Thanks again Stevens Creek Audi (and Radek), you guys have been great for years!

Radek's a good guy. [up]

Glad you guys are enjoying the article and photos. I'm working on another paragraph or two and will update this thread when done.

[Anthony]

I would have liked an A/B test of lap times on a track. I am hoping the Ibis with its helpers would have made the test driver look better with a few seconds off the times.

I vote Ibis, it is the same build that I ordered!

Nice avatar, L0U! [:D][up]

I also wanted to address your comment about the timed lap testing...well OK I won't really address it but I will offer a tease that big things are in store here at Audizine. [race]

[AeroSmith]

Thanks for the nice write up.

I'm a Chill fan myself. [cool]

[Anthony]

Thanks for the nice write up.

I'm a Chill fan myself. [cool]

Wow, good eye! [up] Love that channel.

So I've just added a few desktop wallpapers to the Audizine Gallery (http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=657). Enjoy!

For Smart-Phones: 320x480 (http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=658)

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/658/b8s4_review_wp_320_01.png http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/658/b8s4_review_wp_320_02.png

For Laptops/Desktops: 1280 x 1024 (http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=659), 1440 x 900 (http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=660), 1600 x 1200 (http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=661), 1680 x 1050 (http://www.audizine.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=662)

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/662/medium/b8s4_review_wp_1680_01.jpg

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/662/medium/b8s4_review_wp_1680_02.jpg

[DanS4]

Nice write up.


You can "replicate" the feel of a manual all you want, with paddle shifters or pseudo shift knob movements, but there is still nothing like rowing your own gears


I never drove a clutch-less manual car but i couldn't agree more. I don't think i could handle it.

Can u put it into neutral?

[blmlozz]

'fap fap fap fap fap fap fap'

[Anthony]

Nice write up.

I never drove a clutch-less manual car but i couldn't agree more. I don't think i could handle it.

Can u put it into neutral?

While driving? I don't know that I'd be brave enough to try that...

[DanS4]

While driving? I don't know that I'd be brave enough to try that...

lol. Definitely not for me then.

[Anthony]

lol. Definitely not for me then.

Yes it's certainly not that much like a manual trans. [:d]

[ibiski]

I haven't yet driven the manumatic S4, but owned an M3 with SMG. I'm not going to go as far as to say that I'll never buy a standard "caveman tech" manual, but I was a skeptic at first as well, until I experienced it firsthand. Given the choice, I'd take it over a standard 6-speed hands down. There's a reason why we see more manufacturers offering these transmissions- they perform better and on top they're more practical. BTW, just like with standard 6-speed, you can put it neutral.

[Anthony]

BTW, just like with standard 6-speed, you can put it neutral.

I believe he meant when in motion/coasting.

[HobbesA5]

There's a reason why we see more manufacturers offering these transmissions- they perform better and on top they're more practical. BTW, just like with standard 6-speed, you can put it neutral.
That doesn't make me want to give up working my own gears. [drive]

[DanS4]

I believe he meant when in motion/coasting.

Yes in motion. I like to skip gears too. 5th is useless in the b5.

I just couldn't do it as a DD. Its still an auto. AS a dedicated track car i could see the functionality, especially with the lightning fast shifts.

[Mr. Corey]

AHHH the Sprint Blue makes a mess in my pants!!
Me too!!!

[ibiski]

Its still an auto.

Wrong. It's a manual with an electronically operated clutch (dual clutch in this case). True automatic has a torque converter, not a clutch. To be honest, I miss rowing the gears sometimes, but gotta progress with new technology. There's a reason why world's top sports, exotic, and race cars use it- performance.

[HobbesA5]

Wrong. It's a manual with an electronically operated clutch (dual clutch in this case). True automatic has a torque converter, not a clutch.

It's an auto. The transmission automatically changes the gears. It's different from automatics of the past, but it's still an auto.

[GramCracker]

I love how, from the right angle, the B8's look like they have a subtle widebody. It's really appealing.

[Anthony]

I love how, from the right angle, the B8's look like they have a subtle widebody. It's really appealing.

You know, when the white S4 was in my garage, it did actually look wider and more aggressive than our white A4. I think it's just the lower side blades though, which ours doesn't have...yet.

[AUDITOPGUN]

great pictures i agree the 6sp is the way to go the torque and the handling is awesome the ibis white is so hot in Audi's. what did you think about the sound of the engine -exaust, i wish it was louder.

[Sharkfin]

Anthony I have a question, you mentioned the optional CF trim for the S4, but you were just explaining that it is indeed an option and neither of those had it right?

[Anthony]

Anthony I have a question, you mentioned the optional CF trim for the S4, but you were just explaining that it is indeed an option and neither of those had it right?

That is correct.

[Sharkfin]

thanks! Those interiors are really growing on me, awesome seats

[steve k]

I really enjoyed that read anthony. Thanks for that!

Quick Q's. Is there any ride difference between the car with/without Audi's Drive select? Is the one without the drive select firmer?

How is the steering in a car without drive select? Is it firm? Loose?

[blmlozz]

Wrong. It's a manual with an electronically operated clutch (dual clutch in this case). True automatic has a torque converter, not a clutch. To be honest, I miss rowing the gears sometimes, but gotta progress with new technology. There's a reason why world's top sports, exotic, and race cars use it- performance.

The exotics use it because the people that buy those cars like to show off that 'hey I have a flappy padel gear box just like an f1 driver!" and because it's new and cool. The 'real' hyper exotics only come in Manual or at Least have the option, like.. The carerra gt, ford gt, v10 lambo, 911 f1,.. Ect. Normaly they do offer quicker shifts, but they also normaly weigh more and are Less reliable, not mentioning are horrificly complex and expensive to upgrade.

[Anthony]

I really enjoyed that read anthony. Thanks for that!

Quick Q's. Is there any ride difference between the car with/without Audi's Drive select? Is the one without the drive select firmer?

How is the steering in a car without drive select? Is it firm? Loose?

Thanks and you're welcome. [:)]

The manual transmission without ADS was more in line with the S tronic and ADS on "dynamic", but perhaps a bit less firm in both suspension to steering feel. For me the manual felt nearly perfect for everyday driving yet sporty enough when you need/want it.

If I had the ADS I'd probably always have it on "dynamic", while my fiance would probably flip it to "comfort" when she was driving. Therefore ADS is perfect for those of us that have significant others that drive the car or prefer the ride to be "softer" on trips. The difference is quite noticeable.

[Sharkfin]

Anthony,
would you compare it at all to an air suspension as far as ride height? Or is it mostly other factors and not the drop itself?

[Anthony]

Anthony,
would you compare it at all to an air suspension as far as ride height? Or is it mostly other factors and not the drop itself?

I believe it only controls the dampening, not the height.

[Sharkfin]

Gotcha. If you could do it all over again, would you got the extra dough and get an s4?

[Anthony]

Gotcha. If you could do it all over again, would you got the extra dough and get an s4?

If the B8 S4 was available back when we needed a new car, then yes, absolutely.