<center><img src="http://www.myoctet.com/uploads/thumbs/uIRSck5pVjpWtIzkpQFE.jpg"></center><p>Audi S4/S4 Avant Video<ul><li><a href="http://www.myoctet.com/play.php?vid=349">Audi S4/S4 Avant Video</a></li></ul>

Anyone know what it is?

<i>Furthermore, the new 3.0 TFSI achieves exemplary fuel efficiency. On average, the sedan uses 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 US mpg), and the Avant 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.76 US mpg) - an improvement of 3.4 liters (26 percent) compared with its predecessor. The Audi technology of gasoline direct injection was what made this great efficiency possible in the first place. Unlike conventional concepts, it allows the compressor to be located behind the throttle valve. In view of the low density of the intake air at loads below supercharging level and when coasting, its rotors are free-running and the amount of power required to drive them is low.</i><ul><li><a href="http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1059">http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=1059</a</li></ul>

I know the engine, suspension, etc. are different obviously but just surprised the styling is essentially identical to the A4.

It no longer has the V8 engine, so it needs to be priced in the general vicinity of the 335i. I grant you that it would be fair that the S4 cost more for the following reasons:

1) Higher rated power (even though 335 is estimated to put out closer to 325 hp)
2) Recaro seats
3) quattro AWD
4) 19" rims
5) Better exterior and interior design

The question is how much? I think anything over $4K for a comparably equipped S4 over a RWD 335i would make people pause.

about right. It should have a 4-5K difference. Locally here my dealer told me that the S4 will be priced about US$12K more than a 335i. However, that price does not includes options on the BMW that brings it close to the likely equipment specs of the S4. For you guys in the US there will be no tax as well so that's half again (import tax is 80% here!!!)

I don't think many actual prospective S4 buyers will see the change from a V8 as a net loss.

Going from a force-induction engine to a naturally aspirated engine, a lot of people were really disappointed as S-cars were typically turbocharged, and some suspected Audi might lose a lot of S-owners, in fact, they probably gained some, even when factoring in the price increase. So it's happening again, but pretty sure Audi will sell quite a few, though not as many as what BMW sells, which can be viewed as a good or bad thing.

Though a slightly more unique front would be "nicer".

But then, look at the M3 compared to the 335.... the back of the M3 is just way too busy, the power bulge on the hood, etc. A complete opposite from the S4 and A4.

that hood bulge is ghastly IMO. anyway, BMW screwed the pooch coming out with a V8 gas hog just as fuel prices skyrocketed. even successful people don't want to be paying out the nose to fill up every third day.

Its going to be very close the 335i apparently. I spoke to the product planning manager at Audi in my country. The 335i is around $100,000 here and they were saying that the B8 S4 will be around the $100,000 mark as well. I'm going to keep trying to get more info out on the price in time, but it does seem that it will be quite close to the 335i. Basically it will follow the same trend as the A5 3.2L Q fully optioned vs the starting price of the S5; where the A5 3.2L Q fully optioned up costs more than the starting price of the S5. The same will apply for the A4 3.2L Q vs the S4. Basically its a huge mistake to get either an A4 or A5 3.2L Q with lots of options. Particularly seeing as S models have more standard options as well as the upgraded engines in all cases. The TT 3.2L Q vs TTS is the same actually in the regular vs S model prices. Highly optioned "A" models seem to have been made redundant because of the S model starting prices.