Wow, I just got back to see all this controversy about the RS4 Cabriolet.

I actually don't understand what the problem is. In a nutshell, here is why I think the RS4 Cabriolet MUST exist (and is a great idea to boot):


- Audi's RS cars now compete directly with BMW's M cars and Merc's AMG lineup.

- Audi's S cars are 'attainable sports cars' and fall below the price and performance of RS, M, and AMG cars.

- BMW's forthcoming 400hp (or more) M3 will compete with the RS4.

- BMW will release a 400hp M3 Convertible soon after.

- Just like the pre-emptive release RS4 sedan to compete with the forthcoming M3, Audi is releasing the RS4 Cabriolet early to compete with the forthcoming M3 Convertible.

- Audi is creating a complete lineup that will compete directly (model by model) with BMW and Merc. Therfore, the RS4 MUST exist if Audi is to have a complete, competitive model range by the end of the decade. It's just simple logic.

- IMHO, in a year from now when there will be direct magazine comparos between the RS4 Cabriolet and the M3 Convertible, this whole controversy will be a faint, irrelavent memory.

- Finally, I'm glad to see an RS4 Cabriolet. The 'regular' S4 Cabriolet is a fine sports car, but suffers from a 4000lb curb weight. The new RS4, with almost 200 lbs in weight savings and 80 more hp, finally allows Audi to boast a true high-performance 4 seat convertible. No, it won't be as nimble as the sedan or avant, but it will nevertheless sit at the very top of its class.

Excellent points, especially the last one.

I have to add though, if Audi really wants cred. for it's performance cars, they need to increase the lifecycles in which these cars run(which for the most part is two years or less). I have finally come to terms w/ the S cars and appreciate their exsistence for the economical Audi buyer that's also a petrol junkie.

Great post as ever Anim8or...

A post like this sees justification swing back in favour for the RS4. Whether the debate for high performance M / RS type cars is irrelevant is debatable in itself. Some cars just don't need to be convertibles in my opinion - an M6 Cabriolet is a prime example - as this, somehow, dilutes the cachet of the more focused models. An RS4 at full taps on the 'Ring with the top down comes across as a rather silly notion and a rather uncomfortable one at that. The same can't be said of the Avant...

Yes, I know, most RS4 Cabrio owners will never tap into the car's full potential but still, call me a sentimental purist but I really do place the RS moniker on a pedestal and hold it in the highest esteem.

So in my parting comment I'll say this:
The RS4 Cabrio will no doubt be a fantastic sports-cabrio... but will it be a fantastic RS car?

Since I have to agree with Animator and Deutsch regarding my last post, here is my new answer to this thread:

Is the M3 cabrio a fantastic M car?
Yes!
Will the new V8 M3 cabrio be a fantastic car????
Yes!!!!
So, the RS4 cabrio will probably be a fantastic RS car too.
If we can't compare RS to CSL, the RS4 will be my most wanted Audi ever. My uncle has a A4 3.0 cabrio ( no quattro, saves TWO seconds 0-100), and I can only imagine that V8 with 420 hp in a bit lighter and much prettier RS4 cabrio bodystyle/interior

The whole feeling of driving in open air is so much better than car car that weighs 200 kg less and is a bit stiffer when you have a 420 hp NA V8. Some people do not seem to realise how incredibly fast the RS4 cabrio will be. It will be much faster than the current M3 cabrio, and I really haven't ever read complaints about the E46 M3 cabrio being no true ///M car.
Sure, when you have only the $$$ for a 2.5 liter NA car and driving dynamics are somewhat important to you, you would probably go for a sedan/coupe over a cabrio, but when you have this much power, you choose what you like, and a lot of people like driving in open air...me being one of them (if you remember, my last car was a 330Ci cabrio)
And that gives birth to the M3 cabrio, RS4 cabrio, M6 cabrio, SL55/65 cabrio, CLK55/63 cabrio, Z4 M cabrio and SLK 55 cabrio

Yeah it is a stunning automobile. Though I think the extreme performance theme of an "RS" vehicle is more suited to a sedan or even a wagon.







This is going to be a highly sought after vehicle.

M

Audi have the most intresting cars at Geneve IMO. Im going to spend a lot of time there tomorrow.

You lucky guy!

M

There is no way that is true. For example A6 3.2 quattro is faster than fwd 3.2 by 0.1 sec from 0-100 km/h since quattro offers more grip during acceleration.

I have a 2 hours flighttrip to Geneve tomorrow and then Im going to spend Thursday and Friday watching all the cars My first time in Geneve

Are you going to take pics?

M