OUR TAKE: We ripped out of the driveway, down a winding back road and into the morning commute, taking every opportunity to juice the throttle and run the RS4 hard. And that was in a snowstorm. Imagine how great this car would be on dry pavement, with the top down, under a sunny blue sky.

This 4.2-liter V8 is an absolute blast to throttle around, and it's bolted to a superb manual gearbox with nice, short and precise shifts. With the sport button turned on, the V8 releases a noticeably more aggressive exhaust note and increases throttle response a smidge. Switch it off, and the engine sounds like a very subdued animal, quick still, but just not possessing the soundtrack that would surely get the attention of local law enforcement.

Compared with the sedan, the convertible loses the added rigidity of a fixed roof, exhibiting some cowl shake and giving up some cornering prowess. It also gains 111 pounds and a $15K price premium.

Though $84,000 is quite a price to pay for any car, if you need a vehicle that satisfies your jones for maximum propulsion and scoots through the snow like a 420-hp Arctic Cat, the RS4 ain't a bad option. Audi, for its part, believes there are some 300 people who fit the bill.


As-tested price: $84,775
Drivetrain: 4.2-liter V8; awd, six-speed manual
Output: 420 hp @ 7500 rpm, 317 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Curb weight: 4068 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 14/16.7 mpg
Options: None


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M

I won't have to imagine when I drive how from work in a few hours with the top down. I made my wife take a Saab today since my drivers are in the shop. I always push the "S" button as soon as I get in it.

Stunning vehicle. One of the fabulous 4 Audis.

M