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RS4 convert-able. Image by James Jenkins.

RS4 convert-able
Not content with releasing the potent RS4 saloon, Audi has now released a Cabriolet version. Has taking the lid off the RS4 tin top let the magic escape?

   



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#01#Audi's RS4 left us in a dazed and confused state earlier this year. Drunk on the power of the stunning new V8 and bedazzled by arguably the best chassis ever to leave the factory gates at Ingolstadt led us to conclude that Audi has turned the corner and found the path to making engaging and entertaining performance cars.

Striking whilst the iron is hot, Audi announced further variants of the RS4: a Cabriolet and an Avant version to follow close behind the saloon. Usually the conversion from saloon to drop-top carries some serious penalties for driver focused cars; this integrated engineering approach for the entire range should minimise the damage; we hope.

The RS4 Cabriolet retains the saloon's restrained muscularity. It takes quite some time before one tires of gawping at those swollen arches and delicious 19-inch wheels. The basic A4 convertible's classy lines lend themselves well to the subtle modifications and addenda of the RS4 treatment. It looks fantastic, presenting essentially a two-door coupé form with the hood up or a well-proportioned convertible with the roof neatly electrically stowed in the boot. #p##01# Ultimate luggage space has been reduced due to the need to accommodate the roof, but careful packing and selection of baggage will minimise the inconvenience. The cabin remains a genuine four-seater, but is noticeably less generous than that of the saloon. It was interesting to note that taking the roof down requires the rear occupants to duck or face being in the glide path of one of the bars of the electrically actuated roof mechanism... The lengthened doors afford improved access to the rear, particularly when fitted with the more conservative seats on the test car; the lovely bolstered buckets from the saloon are a no cost option.

This change to the spec sheet is a small but important one. The focus of the saloon RS4 has been blurred slightly due to the loss of rigidity that is inherent in removing structure from the body shell. There is some scuttle shake noticeable on rough surfaces and a good deal more rattle and hum from the cabin than you'd ever find in the saloon.

The loss of capability is evident on our favourite test routes as well, as the impeccable body control and manners of the saloon are diminished a little. Where the saloon cuts and scythes the Cabriolet feels slightly blunt. The steering lacks the nth degree of accuracy found in the regular RS4 and it's harder to sustain the tautness of line when pushing on. In isolation the Cabriolet is a capable and impressive car, but drive it back to back with a saloon and the shortcomings will be evident. #p##02# For many though the trade-off will be worth it. The loss of ultimate driving pleasure in a purist sense is compensated for via pleasures of a different sensual nature. With the roof up, the V8's glorious sound track is focused in the cabin and one is insulated from the outside world impressively. Drop the hood and the machinations of the operatic engine up front become all the more appreciable emanating from the huge stainless pipes at the rear. Pressing the essential 'S' button on the lovely flat-bottomed steering wheel produces noises that reduce petrolheads to jelly and erect all the hairs on the nape of their neck.

Wind in the hair motoring is always a joy, but when accompanied by a soundtrack such as this it verges on nirvana. The saloon produces the same noises, but the Cabriolet makes them all the more clearer and accessible to enjoy. All who drove or rode in the Cabriolet found the noise utterly naughty and intoxicating. This has to be considered a price almost worth paying for a slight reduction in the size of the dynamic envelope.

Whether the compromise is for you depends very much on your priorities; unfortunately this class, style and fun come at a heavy price. The Cabriolet carries a near £10k premium over the saloon, a figure that no doubt reflects the level of engineering and exclusivity guaranteed with the car, but a high price nonetheless. In the short term residuals will no doubt remain solid, but the £14k premium over the similarly V8-engined S4 cabriolet and the depth of talent the RS4 lines up against may undermine them slightly.

The test car weighed in at over sixty grand and that puts the Cabriolet RS4 into some fairly serious company; BMW's 650i, Jaguar's XKR and the Porsche 911 are all within spitting distance on price and arguably possess soundtracks and a desirability quotient akin to, if not greater than, that of the RS4.

One could argue that the relative anonymity of the Audi RS4 and its every day usability tip the balance in its favour but it does seem slightly odd to add the moniker RS4 to such a list of luminaries as those above, but there it is, and it's there by rights as a capable and enjoyable convertible super saloon. #p##02#
Audi RS4 UK range overview

- Audi RS4 quattro Saloon: £50,675
- Audi RS4 quattro Avant: £51,825
- Audi RS4 quattro Cabriolet: £59,625

Dave Jenkins - 5 Oct 2006



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2006 Audi A4 specifications: (Cabriolet)
Price: £59,625 on-the-road (test car was fitted with optional extras).
0-62mph: 5.0 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Combined economy: 20.0mpg
Emissions: 336g/km
Kerb weight: 1845kg

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.



2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2006 Audi RS4 Cabriolet. Image by James Jenkins.
 






 

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