We have confirmed with inside sources that the B8 S4 will debut with a brand new 3.0-liter TFSI bi-turbo producing 330-hp. With this powerplant Audi can nearly match the B7's 340-hp output while providing even better performance figures. Manufacturer published (conservative) 0-60mph drops from 5.4 seconds to very low 5's, while the accompanying combined fuel economy rises from 17 mpg to over 20 mpg.

More importantly, at least from the enthusiast point of view, a return to bi-turbos means that modifying the B8 S4 to enhance its stock performance capabilities will be a more historically straightforward (and less expensive) endeavor. And lest we forget the all important marketing perspective, the 3.0-liter bi-turbo will also best a similar offering in BMW's 335i which weighs in at only 300-hp.

Delivering power to the ground reveals the other technological breakthrough which will debut on the new S4. It is given that it will employ Audi's revered quattro all-wheel drive, however it will not be just the active sport differential system which is centered around distribution of torque on the rear axle.

The B8 S4 will instead mark the debut of Audi's vectoring quattro system which will allow the dynamic allocation of torque to all four wheels. Audi's already improved driving dynamics thanks to its recent rearward bias will improve even further as the S4 gets the most neutral driving characteristics ever found in a performance sedan.

Timing remains a wildcard for the B8 S4. It is slated to go on sale in the States alongside the B8 A4 in fall 2008, meaning it will have to debut early next year. We put our money on a Big Apple debut at the New York Auto Show in April. In the mean time we have put together two brand new renders of the B8 S4 to help enthusiasts pass the time waiting.