Audi Australia has officially launched the all-new Audi S4 sedan with its unique combination of style, sporting exclusivity and versatility.

The ultimate practical sportscar, the fire-breathing S4 is the latest model to highlight Audi's evolving position of sporty performance in the Australian market.

The all new S4 is available with the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed tiptronic gearbox, priced at $129,500 and $132,500 respectively.

The heart of the new Audi S4 is undoubtedly its 4.2-litre V8 engine, a first for Audi in the A4 model range. Producing an eyebrow-raising 253 kW of power and maximum torque of 410 Nm, the new S4 boasts supreme power development resulting from the engine's large capacity.

Completing the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, the new S4 takes only 20.6 seconds to reach 200 km/h, whilst the top speed is a governed 250 km/h.

Audi Australia's managing director, Graham Hardy, believes this range-topping variant will win the hearts of many Australian customers.

"Audi's "S" model vehicles have been gaining favour in Australia as an increasing number of customers come to understand and appreciate their design subtlety, absolute luxury and genuine high-performance," Mr Graham Hardy said.

"The S4's permanent quattro four-wheel drive and sports-tuned high-performance suspension ensure that the power from its new V8 engine can be converted into maximum forward propulsion and driving responsiveness.

"We expect this all-new model to build upon the success of its predecessor," Mr Hardy added.

The S4 boasts a new 4.2-litre V8 engine which is impressive thanks to its compact design. Its dimensions – especially the length of only 464 millimetres – enable the installation of a V8 for the first time in an extremely slim engine compartment.

To make this compact feature possible, Audi's engine developers installed a chain drive for camshafts and ancillaries on the engine output side, making it possible to reduce the length by no less than 52 millimetres.

The entire V8, with a gross weight of just 195 kilograms, is just as light as its predecessor in the previous S4, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine, resulting in major benefits for the weight balance and handling characteristics.

In practice, the V8 engine is spontaneous and responsive to every movement of the accelerator pedal.

Power is transferred to the wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox of the latest generation, notable for its closely spaced ratios and extreme precision, with short sports-style shifts, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. A 6-speed tiptronic gearbox with Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) and sporty "S" mode is also available for Australian buyers.

The only car in its class with permanent all-wheel drive, the S4 is able to convert its engine output into propulsive power efficiently at all times and reaches new heights of superiority through the handling capability of its aluminium chassis.

The lightweight aluminium suspension, based on the much-praised axle design of the A4 series, provides the ideal basis for maximum agility and driving pleasure.

Four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension enable maximum steering precision and clearly defined handling with excellent cornering stability. Ride comfort also benefits from this ingenious axle design because a low unsprung mass also makes for a particularly sensitive response from the suspension.

The superiority of the new Audi S4 is reflected in its deliberately restrained appearance, differing quite subtly from the other members of the model line.

The powerful-looking, fully painted bumpers with large air inlets, xenon headlights with contrasting titanium-coloured inner housing and polished aluminium exterior mirrors indicate to those in the know that they are looking at an unique variant.

Powerful exhaust tailpipes on both sides and a discreet rear spoiler on the saloon are characteristic features of the Audi S4.

An S4 is also immediately recognisable on the inside. The instrument cluster features the grey dials and special needles that are characteristic of all "S" models. The three-spoke sports steering wheel with leather trim and "S" emblem also emphasises the vehicle's sporting character.

The new generation of electrically-adjustable Recaro sports seats provide firm lateral support and excellent comfort on long journeys.

Australian specification vehicles boast high levels of standard equipment including exclusive S model badging, brushed aluminium mirrors and trim strips, a high-performance braking system, acoustic parking, servotronic 'sports-tuned' speed sensitive steering, sports suspension, 18" alloy wheels of Avus design, xenon headlights, Recaro electric front seats with electric lumbar support, leather and alcantara upholstery, split-fold rear seats and Symphony sound system with 10 loudspeakers and CD changer.

The Audi S4 Avant will be available for Australian customers from May this year, followed by the all-new S4 Cabriolet around the second half of 2004.