► 2016 Audi S4 Avant spied on test
► 340bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6
► Set to enter production spring 2016
Here’s our first look at the new Avant estate version of the new Audi A4 – and it’s 2016’s higher-performance S4 Avant version for good measure.
Hot on the heels of the Audi S4 saloon spied on test at the Nordschleife, this prototype in fashionable spin-disc camouflage livery shows off a wider, more elongated approach to the tail-lights, which wrap further around the car’s flanks to help it appear squatter and wider.
Aside from its large, wide wheels the quartet of oval exhausts are a clue that this is a high-performance S4 Avant, rather than a regular A4. Still, there’s a nod to practicality in the form of a towbar, most likely in place to hitch this prototype up to heavy trailers for transmission testing purposes.
What’s going on with the new S4’s headlights?
The frontal shots give us a clear view of the next A4’s new arrow-straight daytime running lights. With the rest of the lamp camouflaged, that suggests this prototype could be running some tasty lighting tech – this car could be packing lasers.
Otherwise the front treatment is very much the same as the S4 saloon we’ve spied previously.
2016 Audi S4 Avant power output
The next Audi S4 Avant will retain the current supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, with power nudged towards 340bhp from the current 329bhp.
The Avant will enter production concurrently with the A4 saloon, scheduled for May 2016.