Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 is a refined, powerful, mellifluous engine with what feels like a dead spot smack dab in the middle of its torque curve. The car launches quick and features a welcome well of motive force at the upper end of the rev range, but in between delivers less punch than one might expect from a 340-horsepower V8 with 302 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 3,500 rpm. The S4 swills fuel like an SUV, delivering EPA ratings of 14 city and 19 highway and 16.1 mpg over several hundred miles of mixed driving. Launching the S4 is tricky due to sudden clutch engagement, but the six-speed manual is a pleasure to row between gears.