Some people may argue that everything that made the Audi A4 good then became better when the high performance variant, the S4, showed up. Even if it may seem lackluster when placed in comparison with some of the A4’s fortes, you can fill these gaps with Audi S4 exhausts. Anyone who’s given a peek through the exhaust system of a S4 B8 can confirm that it’s not its strongest suit.
Regardless of these aspects, the fact that the S4 is a “high performance” version of the classic executive compact A4 still stands. It just performs better. Can it be even better? Of course. No car is perfect. Luckily, it’s nothing out of the grasp of the average car owner.
About The B8
The B8, also known as Typ 8K, is the fifth generation of the Audi S4 series line-up. Developers starting outlining the materialization of the B8’s concept sometime in 2008, putting it officially up for purchase in 2009. The B8 has been in production in-between 2008 and 2016.
Since all S4s are direct ramifications of the A4s, the design and foundation of this S4 generation were both extensions of the Audi B8 A4. The first difference that set the B8 apart from its previous B7 and B6 was the compression of the offer itself. Unlike the other aforementioned models, it would only be available in two body styles. The four-door five-seat sedan/saloon and the five-door five-seat Avant (wagon). As for the cabriolet, Audi didn’t drop it entirely. They geared their creativity toward the Audi S5 cabriolet instead, as well as the new coupe.
Engine Switch
Audi made what was considered at the time a bold transition, swapping the 4.2 liter V8 engine that was equipped on the previous B6 and B7. In its place came the smaller supercharged 3.0 liter TFSI V6 engine. It didn’t take too long before this 3-liter V6 became a staple of the fifth generation and a trademark of the mastery of Audi. It became a famous component which managed to complement the classic 6-speed gearbox and the S-Tronic DSG transmission alike. It’s not exactly easy to manage to create something that can partner up so well with so many transmission types.
The past B6 and B7 models managed to top the North American preference lists with their 4.2 litre V8. It managed to compete and to step ahead of its sister A4’s 3.2L V6 and 4-cylinder 2.0T. The V8 went for a long time head-to-head against BMW’s M3, which sported at the time a high-rev 3.2 L inline 6.
The B8, on the other hand, had the 3.0 TFSI V6. It replaced the 3.2 litre FSI V6 and took the mantle of upgrade engine in 2009, for the lineups of both the A4 and the A6. The 3.2 and the 3.0 were a pair for the longest time, being offered together until the end of 2010. All models in the A4 models from 2011 have since been “stripped” of the 3.2L V6.
The Problem With The OEM
It’s likely due to the effort they put into perfecting the V6 that Audi managed to release a somewhat underwhelming and subdued exhaust. Despite the nature of the car, full throttle can really take its toll on Audi A4 exhausts, which ends up sounding strained. This is understandably upsetting to the ears of any car enthusiast who doesn’t want their vehicle to sound like it’s being tortured.
But the worst aspect of the OEM is the fact that it restricts something that it’s specifically not allowed to restrict: power. The OEM is heavy and intrusive. Let’s not mention that the design has the pipes looking too small for great quad exits. With a slightly more inspired design choice, the exhaust pipes could have contributed to the aggressive look of the B8 and increased it exponentially.
You can fix all of these problems by using the right kinds of Audi S4 exhausts. What exactly does “the right kind” mean, anyway? It mostly depends on budget, features, and what the car owner is looking for. This is why we’re going to go ahead and recommend more Audi S4 exhausts that you can purchase and install to make your car run smoother.
#1 AWE Tuning Audi S4 Exhausts
AWE Tuning is in for the performance boost of your car, as they proudly claim on their website. The company planted its roots in 1991 and since then, it’s been amassing expert researchers, engineers, and innovators under its belt. Their handcrafted products, Audi S4 exhausts especially, have earned accolades and awards on the international automobile market. Some of their finest builds are track-tested carbon fiber intakes, performance intercoolers, and, of course, exhaust systems. Their official location is at New Jersey Motorsports Park and they offer free online tours to all visitors of their website.
The company has been catering to the needs of brands that are prominent names in the world of luxury automobiles. Admittedly, their collaborations have been rather inclined towards European VAG products. The best way to explain it is through examples, which are Volkswagen, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Audi.
The reason why AWE Tuning is so high up on the lists of Audi S4 exhausts of many different sources is for their relentless dedication. AWE doesn’t shy away from investing countless hours to perfect one single piece or car. Their commitment has helped them plummet to the top of the tops.
One of their many fortes is that they can appease both the owners thirsty for speed and casuals. They provide Touring and Track Editions, which are perfect for those wishing to polish the purr of their B8 and those wishing to set the racetracks ablaze, respectively.
AWE Tuning B8/B8.5 Audi S4 Exhausts
If you wish to hear out a recommendation, then definitely opt for the AWE Tuning B8/B8.5 Audi S4 Touring Edition Cat-Back Exhaust System. Available in Chrome Silver or Black Diamond Tips, these Audi A4 exhausts offer a range between 90 mm and 102 mm. This system will help you get rid entirely of the dull factory exhaust, replacing it from the catalytic converters to the quad exhaust tips.
List of features (according to the dealer’s website):
- Gains of 8hp and 9tq at the crank;
- Engineered, Designed, and Manufactured In-House at AWE Tuning;
- Increased Pipe Diameter to 2.5″ to Better Let the Engine Exhale;
- Available with 90mm or 102mm Double Walled Adjustable Tips in Chrome Silver or Diamond Black;
- Hand-Crafted from T304 Stainless Steel;
- Stainless Steel Center Muffler with OEM-Grade Stainless Steel Wool and German Composite Packing Material;
- Perfect Fitment – Guaranteed;
- Featuring the AWE Tuning Lifetime Exhaust Warranty.
#2 REMUS Audi S4 Exhausts
REMUS Innovation emerged in the world of automobiles in 1990. They’re the perfect definition of starting from the bottom and climbing to the top. In the earliest shape of the company, REMUS counted only five employees. Angelika Kresch, the CEO that has been guiding REMUS since the beginning, shares on their website the courage required to promote their business.
“We printed flyers and went to the IAA Automobile Show Frankfurt in September 1990,” reminiscences Kresch. “My husband promised potential customers a delivery schedule of just before Christmas, but we do not even have a production hall! I was under constant shock!”
REMUS prides itself with the top-notch and highly advanced technical and technological means of production. Audi S4 exhausts are among those. In order to shape up the exhausts and other parts that made them famous, they make use of latest technologies. They include hydro forming, laser cutting, and CNC controlled pipe bending machines. The company also manages to create an ideal balance between automatic and manual means of production, combining machine efficiency with a humane touch.
Top-notch acoustic, thermal, and mechanical properties are the elements that define the REMUS exhaust systems. The Audi S4 exhausts are definitely no exception and we have all the R&D department to thank for it. This Research and Development department was rebooted and reopened in 2002. Ever since, REMUS has been really preoccupied with uncovering all of the secrets of sound design. Because of the extra attention they’ve been paying to this aspect, they managed to achieve quite impressive feats.
Remus Sport Label Mufflers S4/S5 B8 3.0T
Just like before, we’ll throw in our two cents about which of the many Audi S4 exhausts available through REMUS are best for your S4. The Remus Sport Label Mufflers S4/S5 B8 3.0T for sedan and Avant body styles is probably the best pick.
You don’t need to look any further than these mufflers to understand why REMUS exhausts are all under the label “hot sound.” The previously mentioned impressive feats are best defined by how easy it is to tell apart REMUS Audi S4 exhausts from others. Exhaust systems bear a particular and unmistakable throaty roar, making them perfect for anyone wishing to hear the power.
List of features (taken from the dealer’s website):
- Quality engineering and produced since 1990;
- Made from high quality 304 stainless steel;
- Performance increase in HP and torque;
- Back pressure reduced up to 80% with the free flow design;
- Easy installation using factory mounting points;
- Slip on as well as bolt on systems;
- Each system tuned perfectly to the car;
- EC approved;
- 3 year unlimited mileage manufacturers limited warranty.
Final Words
If you know where to look, you can discover a haven of Audi S4 exhausts for your car’s needs. As we all know, though, the more varied the offering, the harder it is to make a decision. We surely hope that we’ve made it easier to make a choice by providing what we believe to be the best of the best.