2007 Audi RS 4 Review | Buyer Guide
Audi Builds A Super Sedan
Traditionally, BMW and Mercedes have led the way with high-performance German sedans. BMW has had its M-series cars, and Mercedes has had its AMG models. Now Audi has produced a sport sedan that should make its German rivals sit up and take notice. It’s a road rocket called the RS 4.
The RS 4 is based on Audi’s S4 sedan, which in turn is based on the A4. To put the RS 4 in prospective, think of the S4 as a muscular version of the A4, and the RS 4 as an S4 on steroids. The RS 4 gets a more powerful V-8, bigger brakes, a beefier suspension and a much higher price tag. On the street, the RS 4 looks more purposeful than its siblings with ground-hugging bodywork, 19-inch, double-spoke wheels and huge exhaust pipes.
On the inside, the only hint of the performance potential is the highly-bolstered Recaro seats. They do a good job of holding you in place during vigorous driving. These seats are clad in Napa leather with contrasting piping that’s very classy. Otherwise, the interior looks just as understated as other Audis. The black interior of my test car had just a splash of brushed aluminum trim on the dash, console and doors to add a bit of brightness.
Although performance is this Audi’s game, the RS 4 comes with standard luxury features, like a 10-speaker audio system, a sunroof, heated front seats and rear-park assist. An optional Premium package adds more goodies, such as a navigation system, satellite radio and heated rear seats.
Under the hood, the RS uses a 4.2-liter V-8, like the S4, but this one cranks out 420 hp, rather than the 340. This potent engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, which is the only transmission offered. Audi claims that the RS4 will rush up 60 in just 4.8 seconds. After driving this street racer, I have no reason to doubt that.
Completing the drive-train package is Audi’s excellent Quattro all-wheel drive system. In normal driving situations, Quattro allocates 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels (for the feel of a rear-drive car), but it can also apportion up to 100 percent to either front or rear, when more grip is required.
Out on the road, the RS4 delivers everything an enthusiast could ask for. Yet, this is not a car that baits you to go fast. Around town it’s very docile. It doesn’t try to get away from you at traffic lights, and the exhaust note is subdued at low revs. However, if you press the “Sport” button on the dash, and step on the gas hard, the RS 4 will respond immediately, and pin you to the back of your seat. The engine revs easily up to its 8000-rpm redline, and the exhaust note turns to a throaty growl.
Yet, power is only part of the story. The RS 4 was designed to handle. The steering is particularly impressive. It is weighted on the slightly heavy side, but is very quick and surgically precise. It takes only a flick of the steering wheel to change direction, and the RS 4 goes exactly where you point it. The suspension is taut, and the shock absorbers are diagonally linked to minimize body roll. When driven fast through a corner, the RS 4 feels like it’s attached to the end of a tether. Furthermore, when you need to stop in a hurry, huge brakes, borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo, haul you down from speed without drama. Yet, with all this, the RS 4 delivers a firm, but very acceptable ride.
However, the RS 4 does not come cheap. If you want one of the 1000 that will be available this year, be prepared to open your wallet wide. The starting price is $68,820. My test car with the Premium package had a bottom line of $73,520.
Snapshot Review
Awesome Power
World-Class Handling
World-Class Price
Specifications
Base Price $68,820
Engine 4.2-ltr,DOHC, V-8
Horsepower 420
Transmission 6-sp manual
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 14-21 mpg
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