2006 Audi S4 Trims and Specs

The sporty version of the A4 mid-size sedan, the 2006 Audi S4 Sport Sedan got a 2005 update, so it sees few changes this year. It is powered by a 340-hp 4.2-liter DOHC V8 with a choice of a 6-speed manual or Tiptronic transmission. With the manual comes the new 40/60 Torsen differential front/rear torque split. The automatic features traditional 50/50 quattro. New additions this year include V8 badges and brushed aluminum interior accents. The 2006 S4 Sport Sedan comes with ABS brakes, traction and stability control, dual front-side and front and rear head airbags, 18-inch tires, front and rear foglights, adaptive xenon headlights, and headlamp cleaners. Rain-sensing wipers and a tire monitor are extra.

Front and rear spoilers add a sporty look to the 2006 S4 Sport Sedan. Interior amenities include premium leather Recaro seats that are power-adjustable in 12 ways, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, a 6-CD player with 10 speakers, heated washer jets, keyless entry, and cruise control. Back seats split-fold and have an armrest/trunk pass-through. A ski bag lets you store skis without getting the interior wet. There are a lot of nice options to add, such as two rows of heated seats, parking sensors, a navigation system, upgraded audio, memory settings, Bluetooth, carbon accents, satellite radio, and a sunroof. Drivers feel it is more fun to drive than the M3, with better handling and AWD capability. They also like the style inside and out. Better gas mileage and standard iPod input and navi system are desired.

The sporty version of the A4 just got a little more fun. The 2006 Audi S4 Cabriolet is a two-door convertible with a power soft top and rear glass window. It comes with a 4.2-liter, 340-hp DOHC V8 engine with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic auto/manual transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive comes with either the new Torsen 40/60 torque split in the manual or the regular 50/50 split in the automatic. Traction and stability control, ABS brakes, and dual front-side and all-row head airbags are standard. Also included in the 2006 S4 Cabriolet are adapative xenon headlights, front and rear foglights, headlight cleaners, a first aid kit, and 18-inch alloy wheels. A tire monitor and rain-sensing wipers are extra.

The 2006 S4 Cabriolet comes with the same features as the Sport Sedan -- a trip computer, power features, power front seats with power lumbar, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors and washer jets, shift paddles, and a 6-CD player. Instead of the premium leather Recaro seats, it has regular leather non-Recaro sport seats, however. And in place of leather and wood trim, the interior has alloy accents. Options include a wind blocker, heated front and rear seats, a navigation system, upgraded audio, parking sensors, retractable mirrors, Bluetooth, carbon trim, and satellite radio. 2006 S4 Cabriolet drivers praise its precision handling, fun engine noise, and quietness even with the top down. The back seat is cramped, but they usually are in convertible coupes.

To rightly celebrate 25 years of quattro technology, 250 limited edition Audi S4 sedans were released this year. The 2006 Audi S4 25quattro Special Edition sedan is distinguished by silver paint (25 is the Silver Anniversary), 18-inch multispoke wheels and performance tires, and carbon interior trim. It also boasts a sunroof, navigation system, heated front seats, folding mirrors, Bluetooth, memory settings, and satellite radio, all of which are only options on the regular Sport Sedan and Cabriolet. It is powered by the same 4.2-liter, 340-hp V8 and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive features the new 40/60 front/rear torque split.

ABS brakes, traction and stability control, dual front-side and two rows of head airbags, adapative xenon headlights and headlight cleaners, heated mirrors and washer jets, front and rear foglights, and a rear spoiler are all standard. It also has rain-sensing wipers and a tire monitor standard, which are optional on the other trims. The interior comes with the full array of power accessories, power leather seats, cruise control, 6-CD changer, keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control. Rear seats split-fold and have an armrest/trunk pass-through. A ski back is also included in the 2006 S4 25quattro Special Edition sedan. There are no options, since most of them come standard with this limited edition. Drivers love the look, feel, and handling of this sport sedan, and especially the quattro performance. Good power and all the standard features are another bonus.