NHman

There was article posted from EVO magazine comparing the 3 sedans from Germany. It is located on a BMW forum (scroll down roughly mid-page) and it is titled "The Magic Number". I am referring to the Audi model as an S4 Lite. I wonder if this configuration was offered in the states how many would opt for this vs. the S4.

Article
http://www.bimmerpost.com/

JD15

An A4 with a 3.0T would be an interesting model, but I think the problem is that there is not enough of a price differential between the A4 and S4 in the US to fit a high-end A4 without encroaching upon one or both of the current models. A well-equipped A4 is $45k and a similarly equipped S4 is $55k, so the A4 3.0T would have to be around $50k, which probably is too close in price to the S4.

sakimano

they said they were going to put the 3.0T in a detuned format (270 hp peak) in the A5 and A4. Not sure what will happen with that. I kind of think of the S4 as the V6 A4 now that they ditched the 3.2 and made the S4 price a little more friendly. Cramming an A4 3.0T in there would be a real trick.

What would you give up going S4 to A4 anyway? Interior is similar with options like NAV etc all being the same. Seats on the S4 are slightly better right? The brakes on the A4 I believe are the same up front although the A4 might have a slightly smaller rotor (but same caliper). Drive select, sport differential...I believe Drive Select is on the A4 but I don't think sport diff is. Body is identical other than the exhaust routing/rear valence accomodating 2 outlets (but the A4 3.2 already had the dual sides, one for each bank).

What are the other distinguishing factors once you remove the 3.0T from the equation between a loaded S line 2.0T A4 and the S4?

moose_head

Is it only sold like that in the Middle East? I guess gas savings from the 2.0T aren't as appealing in oil countries.

UmIsThisThingOn

Europa as well.

Toecutter

For 2013 you'd also be looking at crown gear center diff on DSG models and the uber-sweet flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Oh yeah, and the sound-sound-sound-AKTORRRRR!

NHman

I wonder if Audi will offer it in the next generation A4? I have not looked recently but the 3.0T at the two tune levels was an option for the Q7 (in the states).

Personally, I would still opt for the S4 due to the availability of the SD, ADS and trim pieces. Depending on price delta, an A4 with the 3.0T and DSG could be an interesting option for some.

To the point of the article, interesting that the A4 can place so high against the new design 3-series. I am a fan of some of the vehicles from BMW, just not the current 3-series. I am intrigued to see the next gen M3, M4 and 4-series grand coupe (or whatever they will call it).

carguyrob

That sounds very plausible. The Q5 will be getting the 3.0T engine with ~270hp very soon too.