Detroit Auto Show: 2004 Audi S4 To Make North American Debut

    DETROIT, Jan. 4, 2003; Audi's power-packed 2004 S4 sedan and Avant
make their North American debut at Detroit's North American International Auto
Show, where they are on display from January 5 - 20.  For the first time ever,
the Audi S4 comes standard with a throaty 4.2-liter V8 engine, providing
greater power for driving enthusiasts who seek high-performance, pulse-
quickening, sports sedans with five-passenger functionality.  A specially
tuned exhaust for true growl heightens the V8 experience.
    The five-valve-per-cylinder powerplant is one of Audi's new-generation
V8s, and includes a repositioned chain in the rear of the engine to employ V8
power while maintaining the S4's sleek body style.  The 2004 S4's engine --
the most powerful S4 ever -- produces 340 horsepower at 7,000 revolutions per
minute and has 302 lbs. ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm.  Further evidence of the
S4's swift and sporty attitude is its quick acceleration; the car sprints from
0-100 kilometers per hour in just 5.6 seconds (manual transmission) in
European testing.  Clearly, the S4 is the culmination of highly responsive
performance and the hefty torque that is characteristic of a V8 -- all in a
street-smart, five-passenger package.
    The S4 represents the triumph of increasing engine power without
significantly altering the A4's body.  To achieve a compact engine design,
Audi engineers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the
engine output side, resulting in an engine length of only 18.3 inches.
    The entire V8, with a gross weight of just 430 pounds, is as light as its
predecessor in the previous S4's twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine.  The 2004 S4
benefits from the light weight with balance and supreme handling
characteristics.  The impressive V8 provides supreme power development via
dual overhead camshafts and a two-stage variable intake manifold.  Audi's
adapted engine management system -- Motronic(R) -- controls boost pressure,
knock and exhaust-gas temperature for enhanced engine efficiency.
    Also new for 2004 is an optional six-speed automatic transmission with
Tiptronic(R).  The S4's new six-speed automatic transmission allows drivers to
enjoy the benefits of six-speed performance, the convenience of automatic
shifting and the opportunity to choose Tiptronic manual shifting.  Tiptronic
allows normal automatic transmission operation or, when the driver desires
more control, enables manual shifting using a special shift gate.  Taking full
advantage of the engine's torque, the six-speed automatic transmission
enhances acceleration and is expected to achieve impressive fuel economy.
    All automatic models also come with hill detection capability and a
Dynamic Shift Program (DSP), which selects from more than 200 shift programs
to match the driver's individual needs and driving style.  Standard on the S4
is the latest-generation six-speed manual transmission.  The six-speed manual
is noted for its closely spaced ratios and extreme precision, thanks to short
sports-style shifts.
    The S4's lightweight aluminum suspension -- based on the highly praised
axle design of the A4 series -- provides the ideal basis for maximum agility
and, ultimately, sheer driving pleasure.  The S4's four-link front suspension
and trapezoidal-link rear suspension enable maximum steering precision and
clearly defined handling with excellent cornering stability.  Ride comfort
also benefits from this innovative axle design since low unsprung mass
produces a particularly sensitive response from the suspension.
    Additionally, the S4 has as standard equipment Audi's legendary quattro(R)
permanent four-wheel drive system with Torsen(R) torque-sensing center
differential directing power to the wheels with the most traction.
    The braking system on the S4 is equally impressive, with 17-inch
ventilated discs at the front.  The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with front
and rear Electronic Differential Locks (EDL) and electronic rear brake
pressure regulation promotes controlled deceleration.
    The exterior of the S4 conveys deliberately minimalist styling.  Its
stylish body and proportions differ subtly from the rest of the lineup, with
sporty accents to indicate the exceptional power and performance that await.
Adding to both performance and appearance are the S4's standard 18-inch, six-
spoke cast-alloy wheels with 245/40 high-performance tires.
    Key exterior styling cues include fully painted bumpers with large air
inlets, polished aluminum side mirrors, a signature Audi split grille
featuring unique S-model execution and Xenon headlamps with contrasting
titanium-colored inner housings.  A trunk-mounted spoiler and beefy dual
exhaust pipes accentuate the rear.  Refined "S4" nomenclature on the trunk lid
and front grille also distinguish the exterior from the rest of the Audi
family.
    The S4 offers a genuinely distinctive interior.  Gray instrument panel
gauges with the S4 logo, Gray Birch wood trim and a three-spoke, leather-
wrapped Sport steering wheel and Tiptronic shift paddles (automatic models
only) immediately highlight the S4's sporting character.  Further, the
interior is refined with Silk Nappa leather seating and 12-way power Recaro(R)
Sport seats, providing firm lateral support and true comfort during every
trip.
    As expected of an Audi, the S4 comes very well equipped with standard
features such as a fully automatic climate control system with sun sensor and
activated charcoal filter, Audi Symphony II 10-speaker audio system with in-
dash six-disc CD changer, a heated driver's door lock, 60/40 split-folding
rear seat, Remote Keyless Entry and an advanced anti-theft vehicle alarm
system.
    Options include: the Audi Navigation System; a Motorola(R) hands-free
digital telephone; rear-seat, side-impact airbags; 215-watt Bose premium sound
system; carbon-fiber beltline trim; and three option packages (Premium,
Enhanced Interior and Cold Weather).
    The S4 is available in a wide array of exterior colors: Arctic White;
Brilliant Red; Imola Yellow; Brilliant Black with clearcoat; Nogaro Blue pearl
effect; Goodwood Green pearl effect; Moro Blue pearl effect; Dolphin Gray
metallic; and Light Silver metallic.
    As always, the S4 provides state-of-the-art safety features, including
driver and front passenger airbags, inflatable SIDEGUARD(TM) head protection
curtain airbags and seat-mounted, side-impact airbags.  All five seating
positions feature three-point safety belts with pretensioners; front seats
also have load limiters and height adjusters.  The LATCH (Lower Anchors and
Tethers for CHildren) system provisions in the rear seat, integrated child
locks in the rear doors and a fluorescent emergency release in the