An “S” on the rear end of an Audi signifies a pumped-up version of a given model. The 2007 Audi S4, packing a 340-horsepower V8 within its relatively petite dimensions, shows that the gentlemen from Ingolstadt mean business in the compact sport sedan segment. Aimed at the BMW M3, and to a lesser degree, the considerably more costly Mercedes-Benz C55, the 2007 S4 is a serious enthusiast’s machine.
Somehow, Audi has managed to shoehorn its 4.2-liter V8 from the A6 and A8 into an engine bay best served by a 4-cylinder — and cramped even with a 6. And “shoehorned” is not the least bit exaggerated. Audi literally had to redesign the engine to shorten it some 2 inches; chains mounted in the rear now drive camshafts once run by a forward-facing rubber belt. Both the oil and water pumps have been relocated lower and to the side. Total output for this normally aspirated V8 is an impressive 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, and Audi fills out the car’s abilities with a sport-tuned suspension, big wheels, sticky tires and more powerful brakes.

In addition, the S4 also offers a few things the competition doesn’t: all-wheel drive (AWD) and a variety of body styles to choose from. The benefits of the increased grip that Quattro provides on slippery roads won’t be lost on enthusiasts who live in rainy or snowy climates. In addition to the expected sedan body style, Audi offers convertible and wagon variants of the S4. Buyers also have a choice of transmissions, manual or automatic, whereas some rivals offer an automatic only.

Under the hood, technology such as dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and five valves per cylinder help the 2006 Audi S4′s V-8 churn out 340 horsepower. With Audi’s stalwart Quattro system driving all four wheels, the S4 remains composed and predictable, and electronic stability controls keep the power from overwhelming the tires on loose surfaces.

The face of the redesigned S4 features the signature Audi chrome-ringed grille, but the car is otherwise discreetly more masculine than the 2006 Audi A4 and pleasantly purposeful to behold. Sporting the bulging wheel arches of the new A4 but with rocker-panel cladding and a small rear spoiler, the S4 is different enough to be discernable but not showy. Our car’s understated Light Silver Metallic paint ($475) fit the confident character of the styling; brighter colors will likely make the wide snout stand out more.

The most notable difference for the 2007 convertible model, which Audi calls the S4 Cabriolet, is the restyled front end with its larger trapezoidal grille. At the expense of some rear-seat space, the S4 Cabriolet features an insulated, power-operated fabric roof with a glass rear window that can be raised or lowered while driving at speeds up to 19 mph. An optional acoustic roof makes use of denser fabrics to further reduce road noise. Audi claims a Cabriolet fitted with the optional headliner is as quiet as the sedan, even at highway speeds. The convertible also features an occupant-protection system in which two protective bars located behind the rear seats pop up within milliseconds if sensors detect the vehicle is about to roll over.

All S4 models come with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 340 hp and is capable of taking the S4 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds with the standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that affords manual gear selection is optional.

2007 Audi S4 Models:

2007 Audi S4 Sport Sedan 
2007 Audi S4 Avant 
2007 Audi S4 Sport Sedan with Tiptronic 
2007 Audi S4 Avant with Tiptronic 
2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet 
2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet with Tiptronic