2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet Review

Force of Nature

The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet adds a convertible top to the truly fast V8-powered variant of the A4, but you'll pay dearly to enjoy all that speed and sky.

The RS 4 is the hottest, most exclusive version of Audi's ubiquitous A4. A convertible version called the RS 4 Cabriolet is now part of the line. The latest generation of the Audi RS 4 Sedan debuted as a 2007 model.

The RS 4 Cabriolet competes with other hot-rod European ragtops like BMW’s M cars, Jaguar's R models, and Mercedes-Benz's AMG variations. Like the competition, it's quite pricey, but it's also undeniably fast and affords a panoramic view when its power-operated and heavily insulated fabric convertible top is tucked away.

The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet has a 4.2-liter V8 engine that uses the automaker’s race-bred FSI direct-injection technology to maximize both power and fuel economy. There’s plenty of force available at all times. The RS 4 Cabriolet is almost 25 percent more powerful than the already souped-up Audi S4 Cabriolet, which in turn gets a 70-percent power increase over the base-model A4 Cabriolet.

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Pressing the “Sport” button on the RS 4 Cabriolet’s steering wheel electronically modifies the engine’s throttle response. The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet is capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds, which is quite quick for a vehicle of its size and weight.

A six-speed manual is the only available transmission. This may turn off a few buyers who suffer from traffic-plagued daily commutes. We’d love to see the Audi RS 4 Cabriolet offer the automaker’s acclaimed Direct Shift Gearbox, which combines the convenience of an automatic with the control of a manual.

The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet’s capable handling is the result of a slightly wider track (roughly speaking, the space between left and right wheels) and a lower ride height than the A4. A specially calibrated sport suspension includes variable damper control that allows motorists to select a softer or sportier ride. While the Audi RS 4 Cabriolet rides rougher than the standard A4, it’s not as punishing over potholes and pavement imperfections as some other tightly sprung sporty cars.

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The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet includes the automaker’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system, calibrated to provide a 40/60 front-to-rear power split under normal conditions. This contributes to a sportier feel. Power is automatically sent to the wheels with the most traction, which is especially beneficial on slippery pavement.

• Audi RS 4 Cabriolet Vehicle Summary

The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet's four-wheel antilock disc brakes feature larger and better-ventilated discs for added stopping abilities. A “dry braking” feature automatically keeps the brake pads clear and ready for action on a rainy day.

Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control system is on hand to minimize body roll through the corners. The automaker’s Electronic Stabilization Program, which helps drivers keep control under slippery conditions or during extreme handling situations, has been recalibrated for the Audi RS 4 models to intervene later and for a shorter period of time. This allows accomplished drivers to engage in more aggressive cornering maneuvers.

Exterior styling differences between the Audi RS 4 Cabriolet and a standard-issue A4 convertible are subtle. The RS 4 Cabriolet gets a special grille, a revised front air dam, unique wheels, large dual tailpipes, and a subtle trunk spoiler.

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Inside the Audi RS 4 Cabriolet you’ll find heated leather sport seats with inflatable side bolstering. There's a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and an engine starter button on the dashboard. Standard features include front-side and side-curtain airbags and front and rear proximity sensors to make parallel parking easier. The RS 4 Cabriolet adds several features that are otherwise optional with the RS 4 Sedan, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity, Sirius satellite radio, Bose speakers, a six-disc CD changer (an iPod adapter can be specified in place of the changer), and heated rear seats.