Audi's supercharged S4

Like the previous generation B7 version, the new model will be revealed in sedanand wagon versions with the likelihoodof a convertible further down the line.

And all of these are mounted on Audi's much-vaunted MDS platform.

Unlike the older S4, however, the B8 does away with the naturally aspirated 4.2-litreV8 in favour of an all-new 3.0-litre blown V6.

Though classified 3.0 TFSI - which usually signifies a turbo-charged direct injection mill - in this instancea supercharger is at play. Audi Australia spokeswoman Nadine Giusti says this is the marque's first use of this method since the Auto Union motorsport days of the 1930s.

Versions of various power will feature in several other Audi models, including a 213kW jobbie in the face-lifted A6 range, which might make it here in the second quarter of 2009.

But that will be preceded by the full cream S4 with peak output of 257kW from its 3.0-litre surpassing the 253kW in the old(pre-FSI) 4.2 V8. Total torque of 440Nm is there from 2500 to 4850rpm.

Audi claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 forthe sedan and an 80-120km/h burst of just4.4 seconds in fourth gear. This formidable output will go to road through the latest version of quattro all-wheel-drive viaa seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox.

While the blown six provides an even progression of engines through the A4-based range and a logical step up to the eventualB8 series RS4 with its bent eight mill, the new Audi S4 is also a direct riposte to BMW's 335i models with their seamless 225kW/400Nm twin turbo inline six and newly acquired seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.

Billed as Sports Automatic and available locally in the 335i coupe and convertiblefrom December, the transmission is derived from the superb M-DCT unit of the M3 and replaces the conventional Steptronic torque converter auto. While it's without the M3's 11-mode DriveLogic program, it does havea sports mode and launch control.

“A key difference is that it retains a more traditional automatic gearshift lever,” BMW spokesman Toni Andreevski says. “It's similar to that of the X5 and 5 Series and has to be moved from Park to Drive, as opposed to the sideways action of the M3.”

Audi's blurb takes a swipe at its Bavarian competitor: “Extensive testing on the bigV6 has proven the superiority of mechanical charging. In conjunction with direct injection it is far superior to twin turbochargers.”

Well, so says Audi. Whatever the case, the S4 versus 335i will make one of the most keenly awaited face-offs of 2009.