Desert S4

Have heard the new S4 will be out sometime in 2003... anyone have rumors of specs, concept pics, etc. to share?

I plan to order mine early!!

bitrbo_in_mass

Though this is mere speculation, a friend of mine (a current M3 owner) and myself deduced the following on the new S4 ....

This car has to be a V8 (the one in new Passat, or the biturbo V8 in the Avantissimo concept). In the new C&D the 3.0 A4 comes in at a whopping 3800 lbs. Add the racing gear, better suspension and a bigger engine (be it turbos, intercoolers, etc) and this car is going ot be close to 2 TONS!!!

To compete with both the AMG C32 and E46 M3 this car will need 325 - 375 BHP but it can also come in around $50k and it will be competetive with both cars.

The weight is going to be a very tough fact to overcome, I guess that is the byproduct of building a baby A6. I would also like to add that styling for a SPORTS look on the new A4 is not going ot be easy. The bubble butt does not take spoilers well and the integrated front bumper will make simple front spoilers hard. I think the weel flares will make 18 inch rims look great and not oversized.

Just some thoughts ... anyone else

S4inSoFla

Maybe build the new S4 similar to A8, extensive use of aluminum to decrease weight substantially. My bet on engine is the current S6 engine, 340 hp. I think we could see a 340hp car, weighing 3400 lbs, under $50,000. They've gotta do something about the weight, it's killing this car.

Desert S4

My dealer actually said that he has heard rumor of a bi-turbo V8, and that it will not have the A4 body, but will use a hatchback design. I am confident on the V8, but not sure on the hatchback... as you mentioned there will need to be some significant changes to compete with BMW and Mercedes entries.