Audi S4R Review
The Audi S4. Somewhat of an understated car, never revealing the power and potential of what the car has to offer, hiding it all away under the inoffensive, conservative body. If that explains the stock S4 then apply it to the S4R and crank the volume of it all the way to 11 'cause this S4R redefines the term “sporty Audi” .
I first came across and Audi S4 awhile ago. It was bright red and 4WD and at the time it was what I needed. I bought one that very day and It has been my daily driver ever since. I did dabble with the power and suspension but never got too far with it and eventually turn it back to stock. Even with the stock setup I ran rings around Costa Di Amalfi and usually could get around the run in about 2 minutes and 19 seconds. It was nice, sedate, fairly fast but not overly sporty.
This is where the S4R comes in. I was driving past MFT on the way the way home and I saw this stunning S4R. It looked at lot nicer with the lower suspension and the excellent wheels that adorned the wheel arches. Without thinking even slightly I dropped nearly $300,000 on the table and ran off to my new toy.
On face value, it would never replace my daily driver. It has no carpets, no stereo and no trim. It only had one seat and when I turned it on it nearly deafened me. I had driven an S4 whenever I went to work so I though piece of cake, I slipped in into first and I tore off, leaving a big fat 11. This brought a huge smile to my face. I thought to my self, “This car is serious”. I drove up along the highway toward Costa Di Afamlfi, a brief squirt of the throttle had me quickly on the best side of 150kph, I eased the car down, the highway wasn't the best place to test the speed of the vehicle. Even the tires where realistically road legal either. A surprisingly short while later and I joined onto the top section of the run. I instantly found the the limits where not to be tested here. Charging down to the twin hairpins before the main straight, I hit the brakes, they aren't too bad but I spun the tyres through first. I did much prefer the new gearbox installed by MFT. It was a lot more logical for racing then the S4 standard box. It would have no trouble through 2-6 but first always granted wheelspin. On the first lap I blitz my time of 2:19. The S4R did a 1:55!. An amazing 24 seconds above stock.
My next location was Fuji Speedway. On Fuji I could fully test the car and the tyre bursting speed. Carry as much speed as I could when I hit the brakes at the end of the main straight I saw 302 kph on the clock. I'm sure that 200mph or 320kph is possible from this car. Driving around Fuji confirmed something I had realised on Afamlfi. The understeer has been controlled to a near acceptable level but only the best drivers can get the most out of this car. Turn in tight and power out of the apex and you'll be fine. Brake too late or miss the apex and you'll be in trouble. Luckly the 522Bhp motor is so incredible that it can make up for anyone's bad driving.
I did some small tweaking on Fuji and I found that the brakes can be made stronger by at least one click without any skidding. For my general preference I had lowered the stabilisers to make it less “springy” and more excepting to it's new owner.
Once again in summary this car will change the way you think about sporty Audi's and this car is always a laugh. It shakes and shudders because of the high damper setting but it has no real negative effects on the tracks of Afamlfi and Fuji and makes the car feel savage and on the edge even if it's in a straight line. The power is fantastic over the stock motor and the gearbox is more then capable. Unfortunately I didn't get to any race testing but it is great for timetrials and perhaps for very quick trips to the shop.
9.5 out of 10.