The Audi S4, a high-performance variant of the A4, has been thrilling car enthusiasts for decades. One of the most significant upgrades to this iconic model was the introduction of a turbocharger, which dramatically enhanced its power and performance. But when did the S4 go turbo? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the S4, exploring the key milestones that led to the adoption of turbocharging and the impact it had on this beloved model.
The Early Years: The Naturally Aspirated Era
The Audi S4 was first introduced in 1991, as a 1992 model, and it was a breath of fresh air in the compact luxury car segment. Powered by a 2.2-liter inline-five engine, producing 220 horsepower, it was a force to be reckoned with on the road. For the next decade, the S4 continued to evolve, with engine displacements increasing to 2.7 liters and later 3.0 liters, but still relying on natural aspiration.
During this period, the S4 established itself as a formidable competitor to its German rivals, the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG. Its impressive power output, coupled with Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system, made it a highly capable and desirable car. However, as the competition continued to intensify, Audi knew it needed to up the ante to stay ahead of the curve.
The Dawn of Turbocharging
The introduction of turbocharging in the early 2000s marked a significant turning point for the S4. The 2003 Audi S4, released in 2002 as a 2003 model, was the first to adopt a turbocharged engine. This 3.0-liter V6 powerplant, dubbed the 3.0 TFSI, produced a remarkable 340 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharger, supplied by BorgWarner, was a single-scroll unit, which helped to reduce turbo lag and improve responsiveness.
The turbocharged S4 was an instant hit, offering a substantial power increase over its naturally aspirated predecessor. The 0-60 mph sprint was now accomplished in just 5.3 seconds, a full second faster than before. This newfound performance, combined with the S4’s already impressive handling and luxury features, solidified its position as a top contender in the compact luxury car market.
A New Era of Performance
The introduction of turbocharging in the S4 marked a new era of performance for Audi. The company’s goal was to create a car that could rival the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, while still maintaining its luxurious and refined demeanor. The turbocharged S4 achieved this and more, offering a level of performance that was previously unimaginable in a compact luxury car.
The turbocharger’s impact was not limited to power output alone. It also enabled the S4 to achieve improved fuel efficiency, thanks to the smaller engine displacement and advanced fuel injection system. This made the S4 a more appealing option for daily driving, as it could now deliver both exceptional performance and reasonable fuel economy.
The Evolution of Turbocharging in the S4
In the years that followed, Audi continued to refine and improve its turbocharging technology in the S4. The 2009 model, released in 2008, saw the introduction of a new 3.0-liter supercharged engine, which produced an astonishing 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. This supercharger, supplied by Eaton, was a more advanced and efficient unit, providing even quicker acceleration and better low-end torque.
The 2013 S4, released in 2012, marked another significant milestone in the evolution of turbocharging. This model featured a revised 3.0-liter supercharged engine, now producing 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The supercharger was once again supplied by Eaton, but with several key improvements, including a more efficient compressor wheel and improved intercooler design.
The Return of the Turbo
In 2017, Audi announced the return of the turbocharger to the S4, replacing the supercharged engine. The new 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, dubbed the 3.0 TFSI, produced an impressive 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This new turbocharger, supplied by BorgWarner, featured a more advanced compressor wheel design and improved turbine geometry, resulting in even quicker acceleration and better responsiveness.
The latest iteration of the S4, released in 2020, continues to employ this turbocharged engine, with several minor tweaks to improve efficiency and performance. The result is a car that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest compact luxury cars on the market.
Conclusion
The introduction of turbocharging in the Audi S4 marked a significant turning point in the model’s history. It enabled the S4 to compete with its rivals on a level playing field, offering exceptional power and performance without sacrificing luxury and refinement. As turbocharging technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that Audi will remain at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the compact luxury car segment.
| Model Year | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3.0 TFSI (turbocharged) | 340 | 310 lb-ft |
| 2009 | 3.0 supercharged | 333 | 325 lb-ft |
| 2013 | 3.0 supercharged | 333 | 325 lb-ft |
| 2017 | 3.0 TFSI (turbocharged) | 349 | 369 lb-ft |
| 2020 | 3.0 TFSI (turbocharged) | 349 | 369 lb-ft |
The S4’s turbocharged era has been a thrilling ride, with each iteration pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. As the compact luxury car segment continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the Audi S4 will remain at the forefront, with turbocharging playing a key role in its ongoing success.
When did the S4’s turbo era begin?
The S4’s turbo era began in 1991, with the introduction of the Audi S4, which was a high-performance variant of the Audi 100 sedan. The first-generation S4 was powered by a 2.2-liter inline-five cylinder engine that produced 227 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its turbocharger. This marked the beginning of a new era for Audi, as it was the first time the company had produced a turbocharged engine.
The decision to go with a turbocharger was a deliberate one, as it allowed Audi to achieve higher performance levels while still meeting emissions and fuel efficiency requirements. The turbocharger also helped to improve the engine’s responsiveness and acceleration, making the S4 a formidable competitor in the high-performance sedan market.
What were some notable features of the first-generation S4?
The first-generation S4 was notable for its advanced technology and performance features, including its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive system, and sport-tuned suspension. The S4 also featured a range of luxury amenities, such as heated seats, automatic climate control, and a premium sound system. Externally, the S4 was distinguished from the standard Audi 100 by its unique front and rear bumper designs, side skirts, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
One of the most significant features of the first-generation S4 was its quattro all-wheel drive system, which provided improved traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. This feature, combined with the S4’s high-performance engine, made it a capable and confident handler on both paved roads and rugged terrain.
How did the S4’s turbocharged engine evolve over the years?
As the S4 continued to evolve over the years, its turbocharged engine underwent significant changes to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. In 1997, Audi introduced a new 2.7-liter V6 engine, which produced 276 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured a pair of turbochargers, which provided increased boost pressure and improved engine responsiveness.
In later years, Audi continued to refine its turbocharging technology, introducing new engine management systems, intercoolers, and exhaust systems. These advancements allowed the S4’s engine to produce even more power and torque, while also reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. Today, the S4’s turbocharged engine continues to be a benchmark for performance and sophistication in the luxury sedan market.
What role did the S4 play in Audi’s motorsports efforts?
The S4 played a significant role in Audi’s motorsports efforts, particularly in the world of touring car racing. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Audi campaigned a range of S4-based race cars in championships such as the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC). These cars were highly modified versions of the production S4, with engines producing upwards of 400 horsepower and advanced aerodynamics packages.
The S4’s success in motorsports helped to raise the profile of the Audi brand and demonstrate the performance capabilities of its turbocharged engines. Today, Audi continues to be involved in a range of motorsports activities, including endurance racing and Formula E, where it leverages its expertise in turbocharging and electrification to compete at the highest levels.
How did the S4’s turbo era impact the Audi brand?
The S4’s turbo era had a profound impact on the Audi brand, as it helped to establish the company as a serious player in the high-performance market. The S4’s combination of advanced technology, luxurious amenities, and exceptional performance helped to reposition Audi as a premium brand, capable of competing with established players like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Today, the S4 remains an important part of Audi’s lineup, with its turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel drive system making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts. The legacy of the S4’s turbo era can be seen in Audi’s current product lineup, which features a range of turbocharged engines and high-performance models like the RS4 and RS6.
What can we expect from future S4 models?
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, we can expect future S4 models to incorporate even more advanced technologies, including electrification, autonomous driving systems, and advanced aerodynamics. Audi has already hinted at the development of a hybrid S4 model, which could potentially feature an electric motor paired with a turbocharged engine.
Despite these changes, we can expect the S4 to remain true to its roots as a high-performance sedan with exceptional power, handling, and luxury amenities. The S4’s turbocharged engine will likely continue to play a central role in its performance personality, even as Audi explores new directions in electrification and hybridization.
What is the legacy of the S4’s turbo era?
The legacy of the S4’s turbo era is one of innovation, performance, and sophistication. The S4’s turbocharged engine helped to establish Audi as a leader in the development of high-performance engines and all-wheel drive systems, and paved the way for future models like the RS4 and RS6.
Today, the S4 remains an iconic model in the Audi lineup, with its turbocharged engine and advanced technology features making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the S4’s turbo era will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Audi’s history, one that helped to transform the brand into the premium player it is today.