2010 Audi S4

While BMW and Mercedes-Benz have ramped up their M3 and C63 AMG sport sedans with high-revving V-8s, Audi is cooling the fire. The new 2010 S4 swaps the 340 horsepower supercharged V-8 of the previous model for a turbocharged direct-injection V-6 producing 333 horsepower. But if non-V-8 high performance is what you crave in a German sedan, skip this new S4 and look at the used car listings for a 2001-2006 (E46) M3. While not available as a sedan, that M3 packed the same 333 horsepower from a straight-six — without a turbo. At 104 horsepower per liter and an insane 8,000 r.p.m. redline, it's a far better choice.
While BMW and Mercedes-Benz have ramped up their M3 and C63 AMG sport sedans with high-revving V-8s, Audi is cooling the fire. The new 2010 S4 swaps the 340 horsepower supercharged V-8 of the previous model for a turbocharged direct-injection V-6 producing 333 horsepower.

But if non-V-8 high performance is what you crave in a German sedan, skip this new S4 and look at the used car listings for a 2001-2006 (E46) M3. While not available as a sedan, that M3 packed the same 333 horsepower from a straight-six — without a turbo. At 104 horsepower per liter and an insane 8,000 r.p.m. redline, it's a far better choice.

(Audi of America)