Merc1

Not as extreme as an M3, but more exclusive than Audi’s flagship R8.


If you ever need to justify spending $85,000 for this convertible RS version of Audi’s mainstream A4 sedan, try this: The RS 4 cabriolet (convertible in Audi-speak) is more exclusive than Audi’s $115,000 mid-engined R8 supercar. That’s right, just 300 of these RS 4s (mechanically similar to the RS 4 sedan, but with just two doors and a power-actuated softtop) will be sold in the U.S. while that many R8s will be sold before the end of 2007, with sales closer to 1000 likely in 2008.

Limited sales volumes or not, that still seems like a bunch of money for a car that has little chance of outperforming the forthcoming BMW M3 convertible, a car that will likely cost about $15,000 less. The RS 4 sedan, at $69,785, is also $15,000 cheaper, but Audi officials would like you to know that the RS 4 convertible comes only one way—loaded. Literally, the only option on the $84,775 convertible is $750 for a premium paint color.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here with all these cold, hard facts. Have we mentioned, for example, our love for this engine?

What An Engine

About three seconds into our drive of the RS 4—top down, blasting up from San Francisco toward Napa Valley—we had a thought: Would it be possible to install this fabulous 420-hp, 4.2-liter direct-injection V-8 into any car and have it not be sweet to drive?

Smooth, refined, yet willing to quickly rev whenever you want, this 8000-rpm screamer also has a broad torque curve that works just fine when driving the car as your mother would. However, frequent excursions to the urgent 6000-to-8000-rpm range are extremely satisfying and highly recommended. Audi claims the convertible weighs 4100 pounds (120 pounds more than the sedan) and should sprint to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, 0.2 second slower.

One problem: With the added wind and road noise of the convertible, the already refined engine is basically mute below 3000 rpm at speeds higher than 50 or so mph. We think people stepping up to the high-performance RS model want to hear what they paid for, and this one should sing louder. Although this is just another reason to always keep it in “S” mode (with a button on the dash) that opens a butterfly in the exhaust to produce big V-8 bellows under hard throttle at low rpm.

Proud to Be a Softtop

Audi claims it has no intention of switching to a folding hardtop convertible, as have many entries in the premium segment (e.g., the BMW 3-series, the Volvo C70, and even the VW Eos from Audi’s parent company). In fact, Audi cites the added weight and diminished trunk space of hardtop convertibles as reasons why the company’s next-generation convertible, based on the A5 coupe and due in 2009, will continue to use a cloth top.

To take it a step further, company officials insist that the RS 4’s triple-layer top is as quiet as the sedan with the top up. During our time with the car, however, we don’t quite buy the noise-parity claim and also found the RS 4 to be noticeably louder top-up than the latest 3-series convertibles.

But the RS 4 works pretty well as a convertible, although the already small back seat disappears with any front-seat passengers over about six feet tall. With the top down, the windows up, and the wind blocker in place, occupants get just a gentle breeze, suitable for a cool morning. Put everything down for a full-blown wind soaking.


Not Hard-Edged, but So What?

The convertible has the same aggressive good looks as well as diagonally connected shock absorbers that we’ve found to work extremely well on the RS 4 sedan. In both cases, this shock arrangement produces a forgiving ride along with buttoned-down responses. In the convertible, however, the relaxed ride does come with some quivers and shivers felt through the steering wheel and chassis that are much more pronounced than those in the BMW 3-series. Then again, the all-new 2009 A4 is just around the corner, and the next convertible will no doubt be stiffer.

Still, through twisty mountain roads, the RS 4 proves it’s a worthy dance partner with oodles of grip; goof-proof handling that’s more neutral than expected for a car that carries almost 60 percent of its weight over the front wheels; decent, if a tad numb, steering (unfortunately weighted on the heavy side); strong brakes; and pedals set up for heel-and-toeing. Okay, it can’t match the tenacious turn-in of Audi’s fabulous R8, which was also on hand for back-road and on-track abuse, but no one expected it to. And we much preferred the lighter and more fluid steering feel of the S5 coupe when driven back-to-back, which will presumably carry over into the next-generation RS 4.

Sure, it’s not quite as much of a track missile as the BMW M3, the seats could be more supportive, and the six-speed manual’s throws tend toward rubbery. But why should a convertible be hard-edged? We think this one’s just fine.


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I've been waiting on a drive report of some kind on this car. Look at this thing. Timeless. A Merc1 Allstar for sure. Gorgeous inside and out and a killer engine.


M

cawimmer430

Mr. M

One of the most beautiful cabriolets around. It's a shame to see it go.

atuv

Not a fan of cabrios,don't like it as i don't like the CLK63 cabrio and the upcoming M3 CC.

Bartek Sikorski

ree

The RS4 Convertibe looks great with the softtop! A hard top would destroy the beautiful and agressive design of this car!

Mr. M

Exactly. A hard top will spoil the lines of the fantastic car.