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Audi S4
The B7 platform S4 is
the most recent version of the vehicle, having
debuted in late 2005. Although Audi classifies
it as a new car, the differences between it
and the outgoing B6 S4 are primarily cosmetic.
Audi
has, however, made a few notable changes,
including adding new springs and dampers to
the suspension and re-calibrating the quattro
system to maintain a 40:60 front-to-rear torque
split under normal conditions. The system
is continuously adjustable though, and the
torque split can change depending on driving
conditions. The new "fish mouth"
grill, narrow headlamps, "L" tail-lamps
and quad exhaust tips help distinquish the
B7 from the previous B6 model.
Despite the recent release
of the B7 platform S4 in 2005, it is not too
early to begin speculation on the future direction
of the S4. According to the industry publication
Motor Trend, Audi plans on a complete redesign
of the A4 for the 2010 model year. If Audi
maintains a historically consistent platform
strategy, this would suggest that the B8 S4
will be released in sedan-form in the 2011,
with a cabriolet version arriving for the
following year. More
developments, especially regarding the proposed
styling of the A4/S4/RS4, as well as more
specific information on the mechanical/engineering
aspects of the vehicle(s) will certainly arrive
as the release year approaches.
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