New Car Modification

Vehicle Tested:
2010 Audi S4

Base Price (MSRP including destination charge):
$46,725

Price as Tested (MSRP including destination charge):
$59,150

Engine:
3.0-liter supercharged V6

Gearbox:
Six-speed manual

Power:
333 hp @ 5,500 rpm

0-60 mph:
4.9 seconds

Fuel Mileage:
15.9 combined

What Works
Responsive and powerful engine; all-wheel-drive confidence; roomy backseat.

What Needs Work
Lacks the feedback of its competition, but does it matter?


Specs & Performance

Vehicle
Make 2010
Model Audi
Model year S4
Style Premium Plus Quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 6M)
Base MSRP $46,725
As-tested MSRP $59,150
Options on test vehicle Prestige, Driver Assist Package, Audi Drive Select Package, Silk Napa Leather Seats, Metallic/Pearl Effect Paint.
Drive type All-wheel drive
Transmission type Six-speed manual
Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) I=3.667:1, II=2.158:1, III=1.520:1, IV=0.133:1, V=0.919:1, VI=0.778:1
Engine type V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in) 2,995cc (183 cu-in)
Block/head material Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain Double overhead camshaft
Compression ratio (x:1) 10.3
Redline (rpm) 7,000 rpm
Horsepower (hp @ rpm) 333 @ 5,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 325 @ 2,900
Brakes, front Ventilated disc
Brakes, rear Disc
Steering type Electric speed-proportional power steering
Steering ratio (x:1) 16.5:1
Suspension, front Multilink
Suspension, rear Multilink
Tire size, front 255/35R19
Tire size, rear 255/35R19
Tire brand Dunlop
Tire model SP Sport Maxx GT
Tire type Performance
Wheel size 19-by-8.5 inches
Wheel material Alloy
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) 3,847
Curb weight, as-tested (lbs.) 3,984
Weight distribution, F/R (%) 56/44
Fuel type Premium unleaded (recommended)
Fuel tank capacity (gal) 16.9
EPA fuel economy (mpg) 18 city/27 highway
Edmunds observed (mpg) 15.9

Conditions for Testing
Temperature (°F) 70.56
Humidity 67%
Elevation (ft.) 1,121
Wind (mph, direction) 1.62 mph headwind

Performance
0 - 30 (sec.) 1.9 (2.2 with stability control on)
0 - 45 (sec.) 3.3 (3.6 with stability control on)
0 - 60 (sec.) 4.9 (5.2 with stability control on)
0 - 75 (sec.) 7.2 (7.5 with stability control on)
1/4 mile (sec. @ mph) 13.2 @ 106.1 (13.4 @ 106.0 with stability control on)
0-60 with 1-ft rollout (sec.) 4.6 (4.8 with stability control on)
30 - 0 (ft.) 27
60 - 0 (ft.) 109
Braking rating Excellent
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft (mph) 68.8 (67.2 with stability control on)
Skid pad, 200 ft diameter (lateral g) 0.90 (0.92 with stability control on)
Handling rating Excellent
Sound level @ idle (db) 36.3
Sound level @ full throttle (db) 76.4
Sound level @ 70 mph cruise (db) 63.0
Acceleration comments Turning off stability/traction control also removes launch rev limiter. However, electronics still protect drivetrain once the clutch comes out through throttle manipulation and clutch damping. Very respectable numbers with stability control on or off. Incredibly responsive engine. Good shifter.
Braking comments Solid pedal has more mechanical feel than some competitors. Loud ABS. Consistent, fade-free stops.
Handling comments All handling tests with Drive Select in Dynamic mode. Somewhat erratic front grip (perhaps due to varying torque split?) makes driving around the skid pad more difficult and less predictable than some RWD competitors. With stability control on , however, it works awesomely on skid pad. Requires neutral throttle or acceleration with stability control off through slalom. Otherwise, it will go backward -- probably a useful trick on the track or back roads.

Specifications
Length (in.) 185.2
Width (in.) 71.9
Height (in.) 56.2
Wheelbase (in.) 110.6
Front Track (in.) 61.6
Rear Track (in.) 61.1
Turning circle (ft) 37.4
Headroom, front (in.) 40.0
Headroom, rear (in.) 37.5
Shoulder room, front (in.) 55.5
Shoulder room, rear (in.) 54.3
Seating capacity 5
Cargo volume (cu-ft) 12.0
Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) 34.0

Warranty Information
Bumper-to-bumper 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 12 years/Unlimited miles
Roadside assistance 4 years/Unlimited miles
Scheduled maintenance 1 year/5,000 miles

Safety Information
Front airbags Standard
Side airbags Standard dual front
Head airbags Standard front and rear
Knee airbags Not available
Antilock brakes 4-wheel ABS
Electronic brake enhancements Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution
Traction control Standard
Stability control Standard
Rollover protection Standard
Tire-pressure monitoring system Tire-pressure monitoring
Emergency assistance system Not available
NHTSA crash test, driver 5 stars
NHTSA crash test, passenger 5 stars
NHTSA crash test, side front 5 stars
NHTSA crash test, side rear 5 stars
NHTSA rollover resistance 5 stars
IIHS Offset Good