Audi S4 (1997-2002)
The second generation S4 debuted in 1997 as part of the B5 platform A4 line-up. Although the S4 was no longer available with a V8, its 2.7 L, twin-turbocharged V6 engine was more than adequate, producing 265 PS (195 kW/261 hp) in European trim. The engine was slightly detuned to meet US emissions regulations, and power stopped at 250 hp / 258 ft. lbs. torque in North America.
In addition to the sedan, a wagon version, the Audi S4 Avant, was introduced into the lineup from 1999.
The S4 could accelerate up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 5.6 seconds and had an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), making it both the quickest sedan in the Audi model line and among the quickest sedans in the world at that time. As in the previous S4, a six-speed manual transmission was standard equipment, as was the quattro all-wheel-drive. A five-speed Tiptronic transmission became available for the first time as an option. Production ceased on the B5 S4 in 2001.
The B5 S4 has a devoted enthusiast community that focuses on attaining supercar-level power and performance. Currently, the B5 S4 is considered the most potentially powerful of the S4 lineup. Being a turbocharged car, it can gain significant power by simply upgrading the engine management software. By replacing the K03 turbos with the larger RS4's K04 turbos, aftermarket and home tuners can easily increase power to the 450 hp (335 kW) range.
The second generation S4 debuted in 1997 as part of the B5 platform A4 line-up. Although the S4 was no longer available with a V8, its 2.7 L, twin-turbocharged V6 engine was more than adequate, producing 265 PS (195 kW/261 hp) in European trim. The engine was slightly detuned to meet US emissions regulations, and power stopped at 250 hp / 258 ft. lbs. torque in North America.
In addition to the sedan, a wagon version, the Audi S4 Avant, was introduced into the lineup from 1999.
The S4 could accelerate up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 5.6 seconds and had an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), making it both the quickest sedan in the Audi model line and among the quickest sedans in the world at that time. As in the previous S4, a six-speed manual transmission was standard equipment, as was the quattro all-wheel-drive. A five-speed Tiptronic transmission became available for the first time as an option. Production ceased on the B5 S4 in 2001.
The B5 S4 has a devoted enthusiast community that focuses on attaining supercar-level power and performance. Currently, the B5 S4 is considered the most potentially powerful of the S4 lineup. Being a turbocharged car, it can gain significant power by simply upgrading the engine management software. By replacing the K03 turbos with the larger RS4's K04 turbos, aftermarket and home tuners can easily increase power to the 450 hp (335 kW) range.