Today I installed a set of Red Supercharged badges on the S4.

What do you think?

Special Thanks to I Am Audi and Audi Wilsonville

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1. Road Review: Audi S4 gets Bridgestone Blizzak’s to battle Boston winters

You're reading Road Review: S4 Supercharged Badging originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Buying winter tires was something that I was dreading… Almost as much as the weather that they are designed for. I went back and forth between buying all-seasons or dedicated snows, which brand performed the best under the expected conditions, their performance rating and ice versus snow traction.

After consulting several different shops, friends and OEMs I settled on Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 — They are stud-less ice and snow tires. I decided to stay away from the performance snow tires due to their mixed reviews.

As somebody who has lived in New England his entire life and had only driven all-season tires. The handling characteristics of the snow tires forced me to change my driving habits in a major way. I had them installed in November just when the  summer tires had just started to become useless due to the plummeting temperatures. The temperature was still not cold enough for the very soft snow tire compound and living with them for the first few weeks was an adventure. The  car change was dramatic — it was scary on the highway. Turning the wheel slightly gave me more response than I was expecting. Once the temperature dropped into the 20s the handling changed again and for the better.

Once the snow started to fall I didn’t regret my buying decision for one minute. It’s been a very harsh winter and there is much snow and ice on the ground. The only standout limiting factor on the car is it’s ground clearance. I’ve yet to get stranded and as long as I let the ABS rattle the car apart I haven’t had any issues.

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1. Road Review: Clean Audi S4

You're reading Road Review: Audi S4 gets Bridgestone Blizzak’s to battle Boston winters originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

We finally had a break in the weather today and I decided to get the car washed. Too bad it’s already covered in road salt.

Mileage: 7300

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1. Road Review: S4 Mileage Update

You're reading Road Review: Clean Audi S4 originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

The gas mileage started out a little rough. It was tough to crack 18 MPG. After talking to several people about the issue I was able to resolve it by using high-grade gasoline. I was using Hess 93 and soon found it be the problem. After switching to Shell V-Power I can easily achieve 25-29 MPG on the highway.

I wish that was the case while driving in the city. After pulling out of my driveway down a few side-roads and onto the main commute stretch the car is averaging about 8 MPG. That is with very light throttle and low RPMs. This car is heavy and it shows. After a few minutes on the main stretch I will see about 16-18 MPG trying to get through all the stop-and-go traffic. I’ve started to keep track of my weekly consumption here. It has been rough but that’s due to the wonderful traffic in Boston.

Have an S4? How are your MPG numbers?

- Mike J.

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1. Road Review: 9 month 2010 Audi S4 Update

You're reading Road Review: S4 Mileage Update originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

It’s been nine months and about 7,000 miles since I took delivery of the S4. There is so much about the car to love. The acceleration, traction, and braking ability of the car are incredible. The exhaust note under hard acceleration is amazing, especially with the S-Tronic, with a little extra burble with each up-shift.

The S4 is extremely smooth, responsive, and comfortable. The only thing that ruins the fun of the car is the law. Triple-digit speeds approach very quickly and it’s easy to loose track of how fast you’re going. Did I mention it has a quiet cabin?

The sport suspension keeps the car well planted and very smooth. It can be a bit harsh driving on these awful Boston streets. But who needs coffee? The S4 is the perfect wake up during my morning drive.

The Sports Differential is my favorite option. Taking tight turns you can feel the sports diff pushing the car into the corner. It simply makes me feel more confident in the car and willing to push it a bit harder. The drive select system that accompanies the sports diff allows you to tame the car for city driving. While switching through the modes, the changes are very noticeable. Switching from comfort to dynamic you can immediately feel the steering tighten and the throttle becomes incredibly responsive.

When stopped at an intersection, people always stop while crossing in front of it to take a look. They’re also always pointing at it. Other Audi drivers are always giving me the thumbs up. The car definitely attracts a lot of attention…and not just because of the blue paint and LED lights.

Looking for anything in particular on the S4, let me know in the comments below!

- Mike J.

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1. Road Review: 2010 Audi S4

You're reading Road Review: 9 month 2010 Audi S4 Update originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.