2000 Audi S4 Abracadabra! A 4-door sedan for the serious enthusiast. By John Matras, New Car Test Drive .com

Stuffing a big engine in a small car may not be a new trick, but whenever a car manufacturer tries the old presto-change-o with a factory engine swap, enthusiasts will be in the first row to see if the magic works. Audi donned the top hat and cape to wave its magic wand over the A4, filling the engine compartment with the 2.8-liter V6 used in the larger A6; Audi reduced the size of the cylinder bores, then strapped on a pair of diminutive turbochargers and matching intercoolers. With some hocuspocus for the suspension, an abracadabra over styling, a flash of mirrors in the interior and a cloud of smoke around its big brakes, Audi has pulled not a rabbit but a lion out of its A4 hat. It named this new lion the S4.

Audi S4 comes as one $37,900 model available with a choice of transmissions: 6-speed manual or, as a no-cost option, 5-speed Tiptronic automatic. All S4s come with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, a 250-horsepower twin-turbo V6, massive 225/45R17 tires and leather upholstery.