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What’s New: Outside
Buyers keen on an Audi convertible, aside from the TT, have three choices: Audi A4 Cabriolet, Audi S4 Cabriolet, and now the Audi RS 4 Cabriolet. They come with escalating degrees of testosterone, from the mainstream though luxurious A4 to the “Hold on, Sally!” RS 4. To clearly distinguish the most powerful variant from its lesser siblings, the RS 4 Cabriolet boasts a unique front fascia with a honeycomb grille and lower honeycomb inserts. The flanks feature air extractors in the fenders, widened wheel flares surrounding 19x9-inch alloys, and lower side skirts. From the rear, RS 4 and S4 models look strikingly similar except for tailgate badges and the RS 4’s large dual tailpipes (the S4 uses four smaller pipes).
Inside
Audi has a solid reputation for building quality interiors, something even casual observers can now appreciate as they pass by a drop-topped RS 4 on a sunny day. Well-bolstered sport seats feature RS 4 nomenclature embroidered into the backrests, alloy and carbon fiber elements are used as tasteful decoration throughout the cabin, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with secondary controls appears ready for some aggressive driving. Designers have avoided the employ of exaggerated lines and attention-demanding curves, instead utilizing a flat dash with just enough shape to appear elegant, and thick, secure armrests and sills which impart a sense of strength. Above it all is a triple-layer soft top designed to limit noise intrusion.
Under the Hood
Power for the 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet comes from the same V-8 found in the brand’s macho muscle sedans and race-bred R8 supercar. The 4.2-liter aluminum powerplant features FSI direct injection, 32 valves, dual overhead cams, and a lofty 8,250-rpm redline. Horsepower reaches 420 at 7,800 rpm while 317 lb.-ft. of torque is unleashed at 5,500 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission works in harmony with quattro all-wheel-drive to put power to the pavement; Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed electronically capped at 155 mph. Cruise at those speeds and you’ll see fuel economy ratings even worse than the 12-city/19-highway estimated by the EPA.
In addition to its stout powertrain, the drop-top RS 4 boasts serious hardware designed to deliver solid handling. The package includes Servotronic speed-sensitive steering, a four-link front suspension that works with a double-wishbone setup out back, beefy cross-drilled disc brakes, and 19-inch alloys rolling on 255/35 Z-rated rubber.
Safety
It’s horrible to imagine, but accidents happen to all types of drivers and cars, even hot drop-tops like the 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet. To avoid those situations or limit injury should they become unavoidable, the RS 4 Cab features a generous assortment of safety equipment, such as front-side airbags, a tire pressure monitor, and antilock disc brakes. Drivers who find themselves in slick situations will also benefit from electronic brake force distribution and Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).
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