The range of test results varies widely. I've seen the RS 4 tested as low as 4.3 0-60 and high 12 1/4 mile - R&T I believe.

I think that the RS 4 causes considerable difficulty for testers. Unlike the M5 with its launch control, the RS 4 takes some getting used to. I've read quite a few owner reports on launches, and have done a little experimenting myself.

Traction control off - RPM 3500 - quick release and punch it. I'm suspecting that I'm able to produce consistent 4.5 seconds. Miss that a little and she'll bog a little and be a around 5.0. I've had a couple of absolute scorcher launches that felt like lower than 4.5, but I don't know exactly.

Frankly, at almost 4000 lbs, the RS 4 just isn't a drag car. As a barometer of performance, the basic sprint tests are valid, but the real essence of the car is in the daily drive if you're lucky enough to have some twisties on the ride. This is evidenced by 7.3 AMG's thread on corner times at the ring. The RS consistently performed amongst the best cars in the world, often beating cars costing twice as much and more.

I have yet to lose a steet challenge (not that I go around looking for them), but the best rides I've had with it are on the roads where others fear to tred at speed. As I reported in a thread a few months ago, a friend with an IS 350 thought his car was fast until we ran our own little Gran Prix for about 15 miles. All he saw were the taillights, and then only when I let him catch up!