23 September 2002: The latest generation of the Audi S4 Quattro will be high on the list of Audi performance fans at thios week’s Paris Motor Show.

Like its predecessor, the latest S4 quattro will be available as a saloon and an Avant, from the spring, and will be powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine producing 344 bhp - enabling the S4 qauttro to achieve to 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. It takes 20.6 seconds to reach 124mph while the top speed is governed to 155mph.

Power is transferred to the wheels via the latest generation 6-speed manual gearbox , with closely spaced ratios and extreme precision thanks to a short sports-style shift and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

The lightweight aluminium suspension is based on the axle design of the A4 series.

The body of the S4 quattro saloon and Avant only differs subtly from the other members of the A4 model range, with colour coded bumper with large air inlets, xenon headlights with contrasting titanium-coloured inner housing and polished aluminium exterior mirrors.

Exhaust tailpipes on both sides and - on the saloon version - a discreet rear spoiler are the characteristic features of the Audi S4 quattro.

The instrument cluster has the grey dials that are characteristic of S series models. The three-spoke sports steering wheel with leather rim and S emblem also emphasises the vehicle’s sporting character.

Recaro sports seats that can be electrically adjusted are standard.