Audi is reportedly preparing to upgrade the S4‘s engine for the next generation, likely to debut in the not-too-distant future.
Engineers are believed to be keeping the 3.0-liter supercharged TFSI V6 mill from the current B8 generation, but retuned and tweaked to deliver at least 350 horsepower, according to Car and Driver.
The revision would provide a modest increase over the current edition, which boasts 333 ponies and 325 lb-ft of torque. Extra power would also help the sport sedan compete against the latest German rivals, while providing a wider margin against Audi’s own S3.
Visually, the new S4 will presumably follow the same direction taken by its less athletic counterpart, the 2017 A4 (pictured in gallery). Despite a larger footprint and slightly longer wheelbase, the redesigned A4 is more than 250 pounds lighter than its predecessor.
The company is also working on the range-topping RS 4, which will swap its current 4.2-liter V8 powerplant for a V6 mill. Turbocharging, perhaps electrically-assisted, promises to give the downsized engine a noticeable output advantage over the naturally-aspirated unit.
Reports suggest Audi will launch the upgraded S4 and RS 4 shortly after the new A4 arrives in showrooms, potentially shipping all three next year for the 2017 model year.
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