B7 a keeper

[turbo4s]

Well when ever audi brings the new B8 S4 which is no time soon, how many of you are going to still rock the V8. I forget what Magazine I was reading (have to go through my mag rack in the bathroom) but they said to hold on to the V8 because it will most likely never happen again. They said its just one of the greats.

So who is keeping theres forever. Ill tell you what, 25 years down the road it will still be a cool fucking car.

[PenguiN]

Well when ever audi brings the new B8 S4 which is no time soon, how many of you are going to still rock the V8. I forget what Magazine I was reading (have to go through my mag rack in the bathroom) but they said to hold on to the V8 because it will most likely never happen again. They said its just one of the greats.

So who is keeping theres forever. Ill tell you what, 25 years down the road it will still be a cool fucking car.

"one of the greats"???? Dont know about that. Underpowered, gas guzzling, over the front axle heavy v8, thats weighs almost 2 tons. Oh did I add the DBW sucks ass! anything I missed?

[audi-s]

Audi's 4.2 V8 was rated top 10 engines for 2006 (the 2nd time) by Wards Autoworld:

Audi enjoys its second 10 Best Engines winner for 2006 with its 4.2L DOHC V8, found in the S4 performance sedan. Racking up its third consecutive award, the Audi V8 once again impressed Ward's testers with its remarkable blend of performance and refinement. At 81 hp per liter, the Audi 4.2L V8 remains at the forefront of the class of "premium" V8s.

---

In any case, if it's the last V8 from Audi, maybe it'll become a classic and hold it's value despite the ever increasing gas prices... ?

We can only hope..!

[JMG]

It's not a mod-friendly engine, but it is pretty smooth and has ample power... that being said there are more powerfull V8s out there including the RS4's 4.2.

[channad]

the rest of that article:

First, but probably not foremost, are the sounds. Ward's judges' appreciation continues unabated for the basso exhaust aria of the Audi V-8 as performed in the S4 sport sedan.

“Totally intoxicating,” says one editor. “When a V-8 is done right – and the Audi V-8 is terribly, terribly right – there's no better sound from any engine layout.”

From the moment one fires it up until the key is twisted to shut down, this engine engulfs vehicle occupants in a 3-ring circus of aural delight.

Next, and probably foremost, is what must be the Audi V-8's official motto: “Torque: There is no substitute.” We know almost every other premium V-8 fronts higher torque numbers. But a dozen years of 10 Best Engines competitions has taught us a few pound-feet one way or the other does not always tell the story.

Although competitors also have peaks at lower rpm, with Audi's V-8, prodigious torque always seems to be at the ready. If the engine's aluminum block were sufficiently porous, torque would ooze like sap from a maple.

Access to the power is enhanced in the S4 by the manual transmission few competitors offer, but it is also the engine's intrinsic light-flywheel sensation that augments the ever-flowing torque output.

And to us, nothing says “fine machinery” like a V-8 with a power peak of 7,000 rpm. Where many V-8s are ready to pack it in, the Audi 4.2L DOHC V-8 is still snarling, heading for the high-strung power peak that is so unusual and so addictive for a V-8 of any type.

Finally, there is the price. Many of the previously mentioned competitors are fine engines, but come only in vehicles priced out of the reach of buyers with normal means.

The Audi 4.2L mill is one of the few premium V-8s that can be had in a vehicle with a base price (barely) less than the $52,500 10 Best Engines price cap – demonstrating how exclusive this club can be.

Judges' Comments

McClellan: Wonderful engine, great gearbox, terrific car. What's not to like?

Winter: Buttery-smooth torque, perfect sound, exceedingly well mannered at low speed. This engine turns a good car into a great one.

Murphy: 14 mpg the only drawback – I can make an exception.

Visnic: Almost no sense of reciprocating mass – amazing.

[BGEDWN]

I've thought alot about this lately. With CAFE coming online, V8's will become extinct or at least much more rare. I can see makers still turning out performance cars, but in much smaller numbers to meet the legislation. Customers in bidding wars for the 500 or 1000 such cars being built.

Does CAFE apply only to US manufacturers or anyone that builds cars in the US or anyone selling in the US?

[Auditude2.0T]

IMO the RS4 will become a classic due to its low production #'s (1400 Cars in the US between 2007-2008). Has a 4.2 V8 that has 100HP per Liter and revs to 8250. Maybe one of the greatest engines ever made.

[nealRlett]

Keeping it forever! Well, until I become smart and trade it in for an RS4.

[drvolkl]

At the rate mine is depreciating, I have no choice but to keep it!

once it bottoms out, time for an RS4 upgrade.

[99PanozAIV]

...So who is keeping theres forever. Ill tell you what, 25 years down the road it will still be a cool fucking car.

Interesting you should ask that. I just turned 60 and will jump ship on the corporate job scene soon. I'm compensated for my DD so, at 60, I started thinking, what's the last car I'm going to buy (I am NOT going to be paying on any more cars when I "retire")? My wife (a few months older than I am) got a Lexus ES350 and I got the Audi, S4 Avant. Both will be paid off in 4-5 years and they're going to have to last until we can't drive any more.

I think the Audi will be something of an unusual car at some point, but that wasn't my main reason for buying it. I wanted something that I knew I could live with for a long time and that did all of the things I might need a vehicle to do. Also, being the geezer I am, I remember the demise of the old school muscle cars (I used to have a '68, fastback Barracuda, factory high-performance 383, 4 spd. all the good stuff). I thought I'd never see muscle cars again with all the pollution control, the gas shortage, etc. Well, as long as there's a market, it appears that someone will step up with something to give us a thrill, whether it's still a v-8 or some version of a Tesla, who knows.

[s4dude]

i love driving my s4 but it is a pos when it comes to build quality,electrical issues galore and the stealership can't fix them.the car should go back on the florida lemon law....

[DGS4]

I love the B6 body styling over the other years. I think my B6'er is a long keeper for sometime to come unless something else more appealing to me comes along.

I still am partial to the B7 body, and the B8.... *barf*.

[CanuckRS]

I think the RS4 is already eminent in the world of sport sedans. Not much can come close to it when it comes to understated style, power, and build quality. I'd miss it horribly if I ever sold it.

[B18b1ex]

i love driving my s4 but it is a pos when it comes to build quality,electrical issues galore and the stealership can't fix them.the car should go back on the florida lemon law....

what issues are you having? and where are you taking it?

[Titanium]

I think the RS4 is already eminent in the world of sport sedans. Not much can come close to it when it comes to understated style, power, and build quality. I'd miss it horribly if I ever sold it.

I can name at least 3 cars: C63, M3, IS-F.

[DGS4]

IS-F never.
M3 Maybe.
C63 Yes.

[CanuckRS]

I can name at least 3 cars: C63, M3, IS-F.

Hmm, any of those three driving in a foot of snow in winter...FAIL.
Nice try, spin again.

[channad]

I can name at least 3 cars: C63, M3, IS-F.

you forgot that the end of his sentence said this:

I think the RS4 is already eminent in the world of sport sedans. Not much can come close to it when it comes to understated style, power, and build quality. I'd miss it horribly if I ever sold it.

Not to mention those three cars came out 2 years after the RS4. Btw, have you sat in an M3? It's hideous on the inside. The IS-F is hideous on the outside. The C63 (and most of the benz fleet) scores poorly in the way of reliability.

[Silververtu]

IS-F never.
M3 Maybe.
C63 Yes.

In my opinion:
IS-F: never
M3: yes
C63: yes

[SoCalS4Avant]

you forgot that the end of his sentence said this:



Not to mention those three cars came out 2 years after the RS4. Btw, have you sat in an M3? It's hideous on the inside. The IS-F is hideous on the outside. The C63 (and most of the benz fleet) scores poorly in the way of reliability.

Agreed Channa - the M3 interior is terrible. It looks downright cheap. Doesn't even approach Audi's interior.

I'd be open to a new S4 Avant (or RS4 Avant if AOA or anyone of importance ever reads this), but I do love the V8.

[evil_O]

I will be keeping mine for a looong time. Even if that means buying a gas friendly vehicle for my commute and having my S on the weekends for just pure enjoyment. I love this car and for now she will be my DD.

[kloover]

I will be keeping mine for a looong time. Even if that means buying a gas friendly vehicle for my commute and having my S on the weekends for just pure enjoyment. I love this car and for now she will be my DD.

2nd! I'll pick up a hybrid if I ever have a long commute...as for right now, I've got my trusty bicycle for my 15 mile round trip commute :)

[B18b1ex]

I can name at least 3 cars: C63, M3, IS-F.

Haven't seen you here for a while bashing Audi. I know it's off topic but how are you feeling with BMWNA recent decisions to void warranties? I remember saying it was going to happen long ago.

[Tiesto]

I can name at least 3 cars: C63, M3, IS-F.

Dude did you just create an account here to talk shit about Audi? Get a life.

[evil_O]

^^O dang. I went looking for the smiley eating popcorn for this one but it appears AZ doesn't have one^^

[B18b1ex]

^^O dang. I went looking for the smiley eating popcorn for this one but it appears AZ doesn't have one^^

Here you go.

[CanuckRS]

Dude did you just create an account here to talk shit about Audi? Get a life.

Perhaps, but maybe he/she is just an unhappy person about many things.
Just a sample of his thoughts...

"Be careful what you wish for...
The only way you would pull on that M3 is if the driver was DUI. "

"Let's just face it....this forum is packed with some insecure immature bitches that spend more time bashing BMW than enjoying their cars.

"Welcome, brother!
Now get your 335 and put $1k in mods to run low 12's.
I'm making 360whp/400wtq with $1500 in mods.
You won't regret it."

"Too bad Audi comes out last in all the tests. Why is that?
Even the RS4 got beat by a stock 335 at VIR, and then It got beat by both C63 and M3.
Audi got rated worse than BMW in reliability."

"This has nothing to do with BMW.
Let's just face it, Quattro failed to transfer power properly to the right wheels, it understeered and crashed into a curb.
The system definately needs..."

[2PUTT]

there will always be a nicer, newer, and faster car out there. the key thing is to find something that will keep you smiling everytime you drive it. so far my B6 S4 has done this. i can easily get a used 911, but i like the thought of having this car for awhile. the 911 purchase can wait another 2 years. all the cars out there depreciate too much. even the RS4's price is dropping by a lot these days.

[ieatfishburitos]

I'm keeping my B6S4 for good. The car isn't perfect, but it's pretty damn cool for a sedan..

[V-8]

Mine is a keeper! I knew that going in which is why I've done so much to it. Sure, there's always going to be newer, faster, "better" cars, but I'm ok with that because driving around town isn't a competition to me. I also have a '69 Camaro, Mazdaspeed 3, and a Lexus RX300h hybrid ... I'm set.

[JMG]

Look.. there are ALWAYS faster better cars. I always see myself moving UP when I get my next cars... up as in power, luxury, and subsequently price. I started on a B5 and thought it was the best car in the world (def. not the fastest, but it got me from pt a to b). I thought I would never give up my B5 until... i did. Then I got the S4. Right now I see myself driving it for at least 5-6 years. Sure I envy the RS4 guys or the M3 guys... but looking back at my B5 I realize that I'm enjoying something more than before, and in a few years when those RS4 and M3s are getting long in the tooth, I'll get a NEW RS4 or R4 or maybe even an R8 (crosses fingers)... or even a Porsche... Then what? You move up, you appreciate what you got, but then you look up in envy at the Ferrari's, Lambos and supercars. It's a vicious cycle.

[swoyekr.]

“Totally intoxicating,” says one editor. “When a V-8 is done right – and the Audi V-8 is terribly, terribly right – there's no better sound from any engine layout.”


That's an overstatement if I ever... They sound really good. But their's a handful of v8's I'd consider 9x before placing this one on an award, over half of which are native to this country. The audi v8 is very clean and perfect for the 4 door saloon type car, place it in a corvette or something and i'd be depressed. The lack-there-of engine bolt-on and internal modification parts alone are a low blow to this car's potential. It is what it is, nothing more. A sweet, daily driver, with a good sound and plenty of power.

[B18b1ex]

“Totally intoxicating,” says one editor. “When a V-8 is done right – and the Audi V-8 is terribly, terribly right – there's no better sound from any engine layout.”


That's an overstatement if I ever... They sound really good. But their's a handful of v8's I'd consider 9x before placing this one on an award, over half of which are native to this country. The audi v8 is very clean and perfect for the 4 door saloon type car, place it in a corvette or something and i'd be depressed. The lack-there-of engine bolt-on and internal modification parts alone are a low blow to this car's potential. It is what it is, nothing more. A sweet, daily driver, with a good sound and plenty of power.

The editors of these magazines that are writing these reviews are describing a car that is great out of the box, they do not care about the potential to modify it as 99% of the cars will be enjoyed stock. this is like the useless comparison between a modded 335 and a rs4, I could bulid a mustang to beat the snot of damn near anything and pretty cheap too, it in now better than my s4.
Sure you would be disappointed if you but it in a corvette, why? because you knew already that a corvette can be had with a 6.0L monster in it, but if you owned an r8, you would concede that cars are faster but not necessarily better.

The engine is a good engine, with good power and torque, that being said the Honda s2000's engine is a great engine but has little torque, but 120hp/L is still great, and I'm sure it had a lot to do with the boxster getter a bump in power!
Lets be real every car has some compromises, find one you can live with and enjoy it!

[swoyekr.]

The editors of these magazines that are writing these reviews are describing a car that is great out of the box, they do not care about the potential to modify it as 99% of the cars will be enjoyed stock. this is like the useless comparison between a modded 335 and a rs4, I could bulid a mustang to beat the snot of damn near anything and pretty cheap too, it in now better than my s4.
Sure you would be disappointed if you but it in a corvette, why? because you knew already that a corvette can be had with a 6.0L monster in it, but if you owned an r8, you would concede that cars are faster but not necessarily better.

The engine is a good engine, with good power and torque, that being said the Honda s2000's engine is a great engine but has little torque, but 120hp/L is still great, and I'm sure it had a lot to do with the boxster getter a bump in power!
Lets be real every car has some compromises, find one you can live with and enjoy it!

I think we're on the same page, just that the reality is exactly that. It's nothing crazy, but it's still sweet in a D/D car. These things are so hyped up.

[channad]

Of course you would be depressed if you put the 4.2L 340HP engine into a vette. imagine if the american car makers can get 81hp/liter in those corvettes, they would be awesome. But they don't. Imagine Audi making a 6.2L V8 with 81 hp/liter...that would make 502HP. The Corvette LS3 engine is a 6.2L that only makes 430HP. True, there is no replacement for displacement, but if the efficiency of the engine was brought up, the american V8s would be producing a lot more power. I mean, come on. The Z06 has 7.0-liter LS7 V8 with only 500HP? WTF? The RS4 has 420 HP and it's a 4.2L!!! I think Audi's slogan of "Truth in Engineering" is very prevalent in this situation.

That line you are quoting is talking about is the sound of the engine, not the performance. I've been thinking about getting an exhaust, but I've heard from a handful of people that my exhaust sounds aftermarket. An old B6 owner admits the B7 exhaust is louder and throatier than the B6.