An early prototype of the next-generation Audi S4 has been spied in the midst of testing for the very first time at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The following test mule was snapped testing just a few days after the first 2017 Audi A4 Avant mules were spied.
The next-gen Audi S4 will directly rival the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4Matic Sport unveiled earlier in the year as well as the Jaguar XE S. Powering the new S4 should be the same 3.0-litre supercharged V6 as the current model but power is pinned to be increased by 20 or 30 hp to about 360 hp therefore putting it in line with the 362 hp C450 AMG 4Matic Sport.
Beyond its utilisation of a more potent engine than lesser A4 models, the next-generation Audi S4 will also implement quattro all-wheel drive as well as an S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Elsewhere, revised suspension and braking components will be featured.
The new A4 range more generally will ride on an updated version of Audi’s MLB platform called MLB Evo. This revamped vehicle architecture uses a combination of high-strength steel and aluminium, along with some composite materials, to ensure it is both stronger and lighter than the platform it replaces. The model expected to weigh at least 100 kg less than the current A4, largely thanks to its new MLB underpinnings.
The new A4 will debut at the IAA Frankfurt Auto Show 2015 in September but it remains unclear if the S4 will debut at the same time.
[Via Carscoops]
